The problem with smart light switches is that they sit on the AC path. This means they're capable of starting fires. As a result you might want units that don't have questionable designs or the cheapest relays inside. A proxy for that is being certified by a western certification organization. Something like UL, CSA, ETL, MET, TUF, etc. Both the certification and the grade of components used increase the price of such units. There are some cheaper certified switches too, but personally I wouldn't install something that doesn't carry the name of a North American (I'm in Canada) manufacturer on it. Leviton, Eaton, etc. And those are $50+. π
this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2024
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You know, that's actually really sound advice. I hadn't considered that. Maybe I'll go with relays or something else.
This is the reason I haven't gone down the smart light switches path yet.
Anything that I'd trust enough on 240v is out of budget!
Sucks because you know they don't cost nearly that much to make but it is what it is. π
My house is old enough that it doesnβt have neutrals, so Iβm kinda limited in what I can install. Iβve been using smart plugs by thirdreality and battery powered buttons. No problems with the smart plugs yet.
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That's also what I've been using, they just don't look very permanent or polished in my high traffic areas.
Someone else already raised the mains wired safety/budget issue, but I may have a side suggestion for you: Bulbs as repeaters.
I've added hue bulbs directly to my zigbee network, where they also act as repeaters.
The problem then was people switching off at the switch. This has been resolved by adding a little zigbee button by the switch (as people can achieve the function without the mains switch).
Which gives the bonus of being able to do different taps.
(So for example, I have one click as toggle on/off, two clicks is daytime+bright, press+hold is evening+dim)
I have installed LEDLUX smart wall socket (around 25β¬), MOES light switches (around 30β¬ for a 2-gang switch), both of which are quite easy to install as it replaces what you already have. I have used Sonoff zigbee relays (around 50β¬ for a pack of 4) as well as Avatto mini zigbee smart switch modules (around 20β¬, single and 4-gang modules), but it may require some modifications on your current installation
Or go with a zero, plug and play socket, like the Nous A1Z smart socket, around 15β¬ each. Just plug it onto your wall socket.
Could I trouble you to link a relay you're talking about? Because if it's a naked board that's cool I'll hide it in the wall, but amazon is confused and thinks I mean a switch I think.
I have been pretty lucky with the Aqara plugs. I have like 8-10 of them at this point and they work really well with homeassistant, giving energy readings and such.