I had a sonoff touch installed but took it off because I didn't like that I had to look at the switch every time I wanted to turn the lamp on or off. Finally replaced it with a momentary switch + a shelly, been happy ever since. Nice overview of the different zigbee devices though!
I listed one that has 1-3 tactile buttons. I agree with you that aiming for the touch point can be a little annoying but the clicky versions are available too ak every one will find something they like most
Another use case for smart light bulbs especially if it is RGBW is that you you have RGB colors. But i am not aware of a smart switch that can change the Hue of a smart bulb that is connected to it (except Milight but this uses a proprietary 2.4GHz communication protocol) . A workaround would be to use a Zigbee switch with Node Red/Home Assistant like the "Aqara Opple 3 bands switch" (supported by Zigbee2MQTT) which has 6 buttons and assign a button to a specific color or assign a button to cycle colors when holding and stop cycling when released. But in general like you said it is better to favor Smart Wall Switches instead of these Smart Relays (like the Shelly one) when possible. The problem with using a smart relay with old traditional switch is that they use an ON/OFF position and since you can turn ON/OFF a light from the APP or the switch itself, the up position can be either ON or OFF (which is confusing). Smart Wall Switches don't have this problem because they are spring loaded, they send a command when you push but don't have a ON/OFF position.
I agree.. however having RGB bulbs in kitchen... I use dimming only the RGB is for "hey friends look what I can do" I think for that lamps and mood lights work best. Everyday lights are are fine by me white 🤗
Hi, I'm trying to figure out if i need a smart light switch or not. I've currently got 2 Philip Hue bulbs and planning on getting govee light bars and led strips. I'm stuck on figuring out how do i turn them all on at once without voice assistance. Would a smart button work better or could a smart light switch work just fine? I was planning on buying a Moes Tuya 1 way 3 gang switch to control then individually. Thanks.
You could have a button or extra gang on your smart switch that isn't connected to the circuit and use that to link to the entire group. take a look at this: notenoughtech.com/featured/creating-a-smarter-light-switch/
If you update firmwares to Tasmota or something similar you can have total local control. Unfortunately not all can be updated. I find little to no latency on ZigBee, mainly due to the fact the data is so small that any lower speed from battery power. Is not even noticed. There may be a slight delay when the device wakes up, but I've never noticed it. I think if you use common sense and security practices these devices are usually pretty secure. These days there are so many wifi devices in the average home that almost anything can be hacked 🙂
ZigBee can be flooded with messages (IKEA dimmers have the habit of doing so) which makes them hang up) so while latency isn't much if an issue ability to sustain the message rate is 😔 The switch in demo runs tasmota 🤭🤭
Hey how did you pair the switch to work with the Ikea tradfri remote . I tried using it through home assistant, but it operates only 1 switch out of a 2 gang switch. Your help is appreciated .
Old video so not sure i'll get a responce but, would you need to install a type c or other breaker with use of a high voltage capacitor? i thought the inrush would trip it.
You will get the reply .. However I'm not sure if I have the answer to that question. Caps are usually included with the units that require it. Only one of them had the bypass capacitor. This obviously applies to lights and it sounds like you are trying to operate an inductive load?
@@notenoughtech I was under the impression that a capacitor drawing current would trip an RCD if it was a type B, and that the type Cs and possibly D's had a miniscule delay where they ignored that extra draw when the circuit has been energised
Thank you for getting back to me. Do you think going for a smart on/off then attaching the smart device to the cable behind the plug for dimming capability would do the trick? I don't want to by 40+ smart spotlights just to be able to dim them.
TH-cam notifications are hit or miss sadly. I genuinely believe a lot of these comments never make to creators. After using smart lights (and I have kitchen done in full RGB) I know I'm only setting different colours or brightness levels when guests are over to show off. If you are looking to save money that's a decent approach
Does each gang need a L wire going out to actually work? or could I get a two- or three-gang switch for a single lamp and use the extra gangs to control other smart devices?
Hey thanks for the Video. I heard there are problems if you are using LED lights. They say you have to install an "Anti-Flicker-Module" could you touch on the installations and why this is needed? Cheers
Led lights often come with their own transformer inside which is spectacular at stopping the current. To bypass this a capacitor may be required in the same way as in the video. I had to use one for my WiFi switch but not for my ZigBee ones
Hi there. I am struggling to find the right switches for me. I am looking to get the push button style as your 3 gang. I also want to keep the traditional option to turn on/off manually even though wifi is off. the problem I have found is some of my current 2 gang switches one of its gang is 2 way. Traditional 2 way switches work as 1 way that shouldn't be a problem but I cannot find a brand like push button that produce 1 and 2 way with the same shape. Would you have any tip on it? thanks in advance
You will struggle to do find it due to how the 2 way switching works (it breaks the circuit). Note that if you have custom software like I have or ZigBee. Your switches still work as long as WiFi is present (no need for the internet) then you can write any logic you wish for each contact. So if you can't find the one you are after you can replace both and link it with NodeRed
Hi! Are there any switches with a programmable time lag to switch off after turning on? I have an ocd family member with a bad habit of forgetting to turn the lights off in our home.
You can set this with most of automation - when the switch is turned on use that as a triger to start a timer and turn off at the end of the period - but this wont be clever enough to figure out when you are for example - having a dinner for 1h or so
There is a tasmota ZigBee version out and I have a couple of modules that can be flashed with whatever... Plus if the standard is already compatible then there is less reason to flash it as you can simply use conbee or cc2531 to read the messages posted
Thanks for your great video. Would you please help me on my wiring issues? In my house, for 3 gang switch, I have 3 neutral wires and one hot wire. Is that OK for smart switch? I thought I need 3 hot wires and 1 neutral.
The colours do not always represent what the wires do. The proper way is to wrap the wires in coloured tape to give less confusing colours but it is not always done
Thanks for taking the time to properly review and demo these switches. Do you know if it’s possible to configure a switch to only turn smart bulbs off in software while keeping them powered? There seems to be no other way to change Lifx colour/brightness while the light is off.
This is not how the switches work I'm afraid. You should not pair it really with smart lights. Fuse the switch permanently and add a standalone switch instead of that's what you are after
@@omicronpersei repurpose the smart light for something else and put traditional lights in (led) unless you are very fixed in dimming and colours. I use smart lights in lamps and put the smart switches on
@@notenoughtech is there actually no solution where the switch is wall-powered but only sends a signal to turn off the bulb (or anything you want to)? Am I missing something crucial here because I dont think its that uncommon of a usecase?
Question! I have a switch at home that turns on ventilation in kitchen. It is really far away and I would like to add wireless switch to the kitchen that communicates with original switch. What do I need for that ?
@@notenoughtech it is just on and off. But it gives info to komfovent ventilation. Because when it's turned on I can see on komfovent display that "kitchen" is active .
Good video. Any advice for zigbee switches (Europe)? Another question, if I have two switches for the same light (hallway) do I need a special switch like 1 gang 2 way?
You will need one that supports 2 way switching (not a 2 gang one) as they are wired a little but different you could use a sonoff mini if you have a neutral line - otherwise you will have to look for no neutral alternative for the switch
@@notenoughtech thank you. Does it work if I wired them independently and then on the app make something like, if switch 1 ON , switch 2 ON, switch 1 Off switch 2 Off and vice versa. Something like making them communicate between them wirelessly through the app, don't know if it makes any sense.
Do you still need a capacitor even when using a Zigbee hub? I am in a place where no neutral is required, so I had people telling me that if I use Zigbee I would be totally fine but if I use wifi without neutral, the lights will flicker. I just bought Zigbee hub and Zigbee switches but I am not sure if I need a capacitor
Hi, I really like your videos and found this one. I have an issue with connecting the wifi switch that looks exactly like your 3gang here just it's 1gang. Lights are flashing a bit when turned on. They were flashing when off but without the cap. When I've added it if they are off it's all fine but when on they go nuts. Is there a good place to find any help? I have a setup that bathroom lights and hall lights are going to two points in the wall next to each other and I have to have two 1gang switches. This is super weird as I've already connected one switch that controls hall lights and it's working fine. The problem is that bathroom light goes on the same live wire and just connects to the bathroom. So from the ceiling, I've got three wires going down and one is live and the other two connects to hall and bathroom lights.
It would be easier to understand the situation if you try to draw the diagram. If the switch is not working correctly take it close to the WiFi and connect via spare extension lead or something for tests. If this is confirmed working then you need to inspect the wires for your lights
@@notenoughtech Hi, Thank you for prompt reply. This is somewhat crude diagram www.dropbox.com/s/qfe6hixoo8q7hd5/diagram.jpg?dl=0 Hall works great Barhtoom flickers when on. Caps are of course in place with both lights. And as a bonus when I turn on the Hall light the bathroom light flickers even more when on ;/
it looks like exact version of the wiring suggestion from sonoff sonoff.tech/product/wifi-diy-smart-switches/sonoff-mini If your switches are proper 2-way config, all you need to do is connect one of them to switch "in" and one of them to "live" and the switches will do the toggling
I have electric heaters in my house, i'd like to have greater control over them and set timers etc.... can these switches be used to control heaters, the existing switch just looks like a normal light switch?
Hi, I have two lights in my room. one on wall one ceiling which operates with two gang switches. I have bought two gangs smart WiFi switch which has N, L, L1 & L2. I have got 2 red and 2 blue wires. I have checked with a tester and both red wires are live. Please can you advise connection of wires to N, L, L1 & L2?
Hi. You don't have enough wires to have L & N the wires are likely the loops for each light source. You will need no neutral switch for this. Where red feeds the L and blue act as L¹ & L²
My favourite would be ZigBee based but that's up to the protocol you use. Check out my article notenoughtech.com/featured/creating-a-smarter-light-switch/ So you can decide the number of gangs
Yes it's possible but you would have to pick the correct switch for that. Alternatively if you have your switch with custom firmware you can also resolve this in software and use the switches independantly.
@@notenoughtech Thanks!! I am trying to find the best option of switches that even with internet down (but wifi still connected) the 3 way switch works. As till now I only found switches that work with internet connection. Once that is down you can only put on/off the light from one switch
@@notenoughtech Thanks. I am trying out the moes wifi switches. worked perfect but when i turned off the internet only one switch worked out of 3. will try the moes zigbee version. hope this solves my problem. Thanks for the reply
USE TWO ROUTERS, 1st for devices w/ hack protection, & the 2nd router is for everything else that doesn't. The 2nd routers setup w/ the right protection levels, so when a device on your 2nd router is hacked, they can't get to your data on your 1st router.
And do not use the same password on both. And best if you setup 1st to 5Ghz, & the 2nd as 2Ghz. Most chinese made small devices do not do 5Ghz any how.
To do all of my banking, investing, & paying of any bills I use Linux running off of a Encrypted Flash Drive on a all hardwired computer (nothing over the air, including keyboard, & w/ Bluetooth & Wi-Fi disabled) & all internal drives disabled & all security settings turned to 11 including my VPN. And the flash drive is kept in a safe with its backup kept in my brother's safe at his house. Both copies are Encrypted with passwords almost as long as this post, & the passwords are different on each flash drive.
And here I am logging to my bank with a pin and a fingerprint relaying on the fact that most banks have policies in place to prevent fraudulent transactions 😀
Hey, and thank you. I am planning to install 90 pieces of light switches in all around my new house (a 3 stories house). I have been googling and comparing wifi light switch with other protocols like zigbee or zwave. I found out that wifi light switch is less preferable in comparison with other protocols due to multiple reasons. For example, based on customers reviews they said it sometimes disconnect its wifi connection, furthermore it increase the loud on the wifi network, so if you use the network for streaming 4K videos, it might get affected by this. However I was wondering if I make a dedicated wifi network for smart devices only and increase the wifi coverage in all around my house, will this solve the problem??! I don’t know. I am afraid to invest hundreds of dollars on smart light switches, then I found out it is not working as expected. Furthermore, I am wondering if there is a cap number of smart devices the wifi network can adopt. For example how many smart devices wifi or zigbee or zwave hubs can managed? I heard zigbee hub can accept no more than a certain number of devices. In this case what i should do? Please advice.
I think i would go with zigbee for 2 reasons. 90 switches - is a lot of them even for a separate subnet. Power Use aside WiFi signal would be congested for sure - it would be best to keep it all on a single channel as well. Zigbee is pretty decent and each switch would also act as mesh router - so you would have a perfect coverage for other zigbee devices. Zigbee 3,0 has limit of 32 devices per hub, but compatible devices in the zigbee network will increase the total number of devices possible. An automation like this - it's a challenge but also introduces a lot of interesting ideas for groups etc..
Hi, I have installed a smart switch that works well manually and with the app on my phone but it switches the light on without instructions from me! I have heard others complain about this matter and the purpose was to set on and off times. I have used the capacitor provided, removed and reinstalled the operating software and I have even relocated the switch onto a different circuit without success. Any suggestions?
I have installed a new smart switch in my kitchen and its very confusing. It shows red when switched off and blue when each of the switches is on. I have another in my front room and its the opposite. Have I wired it up incorrectly or is it a dodgy part?
I'm more confused than you - are you using smart bulbs and smart switches together? This is not what you should do. These are to enable connected functions with traditional lights
NotEnoughTECH no as in for a smart light switch. To switch my light on and off. Which one do you recommend. I know it can’t be WiFi as it’s not that secure and my WiFi isn’t that great. Heard zigbee is good. But also head of z wave. Wondering which one you would use as you have great knowledge of this. Many thanks
I'm more familiar with ZigBee and I would probably lean to it due to Apple and Google jumping on that side of things. Zwave is more strict in certification which means devices work better with each other but ZigBee is slowly getting there too.
NotEnoughTECH hiya thanks so much for your reply. It’s been quite helpful. I would just like to say please keep up replying to comments because personally it feels like you as a bug TH-camr actually care about your fans and when you reply it means a lot. Thanks for the helpful videos you make. Would you be able to make a video on how to connect the zigbee smart switch for your light to the smart hub that you have to buy. And the cheapest ones which work the best would be helpful as I am not as knowledgable as you and want to have these smart light switches around my house. Thanks a million!
I installed a no neutral smart switch but my led light flickers. I've installed the capacitor which buzzes to and you can hear a drop in the buzzing when it flickers too. Sometimes it works fine but then sometimes it flickers like mad... :( any advice?
You could try another bulb. I'm guessing this is an LED bulb? I've been ok with the bulbs I have here so can't suggest anything specific. The bulbs I use are from Philips and just regular Tesco no brand ones. Hope this points you in the right direction
Thanks for the video @NotEnoughTECH! quick question... I was planning to use a Smart Switch to be able to control my Smart Bulbs, from Lohas LED, which would also be connected to the Wifi. My problem is that my "dumb" switches at home would always need to remain "ON" of the Smart Lights to operate and would only be able to turn on or off with the phone or voice, which is not ideal... and wanted to still be able to use the switch to turn on or off the lights, but I am hoping that with a Smart Switch I can do that? I would appreciate your comments! Thanks,
Smart switch will replace the bulbs. So if you already have the smart bulbs you could use it elsewhere. if you fixed on using existing smart bulb. the best solution would be to add an extra button or switch to operate the bulbs and perhaps disabling the original (in the on position)
@@notenoughtech Interesting... what kind of button/switch could I use to turn on and off the smart bulbs?! I would rather keep the smart bulbs as I can change their colour... I was actually looking for some kind of "button" to put near our "dumb" switch... but I have not found one...
Great video thanks.. can the capacitor be installed on the wall switch directly and feed 2 gang lights? i have just the 1 capacitor and 2 lights in different places.. can 1 capacitor be used for both or i need 2 capacitors?
I would like someone to correct me on this as I'm not the best authority in that matter but you should need just one cap, as the function of the cap is to feed some current to the switch. as per location of the cap, as long as you bridging correct wires, it doesn't matter where the cap is located
@@notenoughtech yeah i think already in the right spot. The lights function as normal. No flickering. Just sound like slow buzzing sound at the light with capacitor
@@notenoughtech by the IET who write the electrical regulations in the uk, low voltage is from 50v ac - 1000v ac, above that is high voltage, i assumed its the same in the rest of the eu, as our regs were harmonised many years ago, although we are about to leave so changes maybe made.
@@notenoughtech thanks for the response...well my home is still under construction so I want to do a provision for both the smart and the other type is this possible
It's gonna be down to how the house is wired. I assume "for both" you mean that you will have 2 or 3 way switching? There are special smart switches (wall light switches) that can do that or you can use sonoff or Shelly devices to integrate with traditional switches. If you are building your house from the ground up you can also have ZigBee mesh created out of these as well and take the advantage of ZigBee.
@@notenoughtechI do want to tell my electrician this when wiring because I want both types side by side on a given wall .. so I dont know if this is possible
Yes it is possible. The wiring is the same as for normal ones as the devices like sonoff or shell has been made in mind with dual switching. Just pick a brand and show him the wiring scheme for the switch you have in mind so you and him are on the same page
You could but you need to find out the voltage of the switch and make sure you get the switch with a push action as option rather than toggle. Some of them have inching setting which can replicate this
Hi I am about to odrer switches but which are for uk and Us? T1-1 gang-white T1-2 gang-white T1-3 gang-white T2-1 gang-white T2-2 gang-white T2-3 gang-white T3-1 gang-black T3-2 gang-black T3-3 gang-black
I realised when the switch isn't in use and the light is off.... There s still a black light on the switch..... My question is how much of a consumption does it use annually
If I buy the Zemismart Zigbee wall switch (www.aliexpress.com/item/4000078103986.html), will I be able to pair it with a Zigbee wireless switch (e.g Tradfri) and a Zigbee motion sensor directly? I mean without any hub or bridge as I don't need to control the light with a phone.
@@notenoughtech Ah, that's a bummer. Currently I have just a one dumb switch and light. To enhanced that into a hallway setup with two switches plus a motion sensor, and if I don't want the cc2531/coordinator or hub or bridge, I suppose I should go with wi-fi switches (1 wall plus one wireless), right?
@@bocekm trust me ... You want it. Cc2531 will bridge most devices from different ecosystems which ends being locked to a single brand. One you have it you can browse ZigBee product you want not the one supported by a single company.
Maybe, but at the same time zigbee is prone to choking. If you spam a zigbee device with dimmer without limiting the rate of the messages the target chokes for a moment as is not able to update the status as quick
@@donallynch Ikea dimmer switch and socket work together without hub or app. Bear in mind that you won't be able to use other services like Alexa or Google assistant
Check out smart wall switch if you want to do something fancy with your room. I will probably add curtains to my switch as well. It makes sense to control all light features in the room from a central point
@@notenoughtech can these "smart switches" be used without Alexa smart hub? Just install the switch and used the touch feature to turn on/off the light?
Context matters. America is not a country and yet, only context unaware people are keen to point out. Whole language is contextual. I'm pretty sure you can figure out the context of high voltage in this video and the ranges it applies to in a typical household.
Why do so many light switch companies force their branding all over the place. I don't want to have 2+ panels in every room of my house with an ugly irrelevant logo on each one. I just don't get it - nobody gives a damn about a light switch. Not like my guests will go "oh wow, look at that button, im gonna take note of that brand and buy a dozen"
This is glorious, been searching for "hew len ho'oponopono" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Wanogan Teyarter Cure - (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my work buddy got excellent success with it.
It's either knowing what you are doing, or burning your house down. I don't think "too technical" applies when the outcome can be lost property and possible death. If this is too technical I'm strongly recommend getting a pro to do the installation for you.
I had a sonoff touch installed but took it off because I didn't like that I had to look at the switch every time I wanted to turn the lamp on or off. Finally replaced it with a momentary switch + a shelly, been happy ever since. Nice overview of the different zigbee devices though!
I listed one that has 1-3 tactile buttons. I agree with you that aiming for the touch point can be a little annoying but the clicky versions are available too ak every one will find something they like most
NotEnoughTECH exactly, as you said, every home automation system is different :)
Another use case for smart light bulbs especially if it is RGBW is that you you have RGB colors. But i am not aware of a smart switch that can change the Hue of a smart bulb that is connected to it (except Milight but this uses a proprietary 2.4GHz communication protocol) . A workaround would be to use a Zigbee switch with Node Red/Home Assistant like the "Aqara Opple 3 bands switch" (supported by Zigbee2MQTT) which has 6 buttons and assign a button to a specific color or assign a button to cycle colors when holding and stop cycling when released.
But in general like you said it is better to favor Smart Wall Switches instead of these Smart Relays (like the Shelly one) when possible. The problem with using a smart relay with old traditional switch is that they use an ON/OFF position and since you can turn ON/OFF a light from the APP or the switch itself, the up position can be either ON or OFF (which is confusing). Smart Wall Switches don't have this problem because they are spring loaded, they send a command when you push but don't have a ON/OFF position.
I agree.. however having RGB bulbs in kitchen... I use dimming only the RGB is for "hey friends look what I can do"
I think for that lamps and mood lights work best. Everyday lights are are fine by me white 🤗
Hi, I'm trying to figure out if i need a smart light switch or not. I've currently got 2 Philip Hue bulbs and planning on getting govee light bars and led strips. I'm stuck on figuring out how do i turn them all on at once without voice assistance. Would a smart button work better or could a smart light switch work just fine? I was planning on buying a Moes Tuya 1 way 3 gang switch to control then individually. Thanks.
You could have a button or extra gang on your smart switch that isn't connected to the circuit and use that to link to the entire group. take a look at this: notenoughtech.com/featured/creating-a-smarter-light-switch/
If you update firmwares to Tasmota or something similar you can have total local control.
Unfortunately not all can be updated.
I find little to no latency on ZigBee, mainly due to the fact the data is so small that any lower speed from battery power. Is not even noticed. There may be a slight delay when the device wakes up, but I've never noticed it.
I think if you use common sense and security practices these devices are usually pretty secure. These days there are so many wifi devices in the average home that almost anything can be hacked 🙂
ZigBee can be flooded with messages (IKEA dimmers have the habit of doing so) which makes them hang up) so while latency isn't much if an issue ability to sustain the message rate is 😔
The switch in demo runs tasmota 🤭🤭
Hey how did you pair the switch to work with the Ikea tradfri remote . I tried using it through home assistant, but it operates only 1 switch out of a 2 gang switch.
Your help is appreciated .
I used a custom coordinator and did the logic in NodeRED
Old video so not sure i'll get a responce but, would you need to install a type c or other breaker with use of a high voltage capacitor? i thought the inrush would trip it.
You will get the reply ..
However I'm not sure if I have the answer to that question. Caps are usually included with the units that require it. Only one of them had the bypass capacitor. This obviously applies to lights and it sounds like you are trying to operate an inductive load?
@@notenoughtech I was under the impression that a capacitor drawing current would trip an RCD if it was a type B, and that the type Cs and possibly D's had a miniscule delay where they ignored that extra draw when the circuit has been energised
Please can you recommend anywhere that sells a 3 gang 3 way dimmer switch? It is the missing link in my home set up.
I've not come across 3 ways with dimmers unfortunately
Thank you for getting back to me. Do you think going for a smart on/off then attaching the smart device to the cable behind the plug for dimming capability would do the trick? I don't want to by 40+ smart spotlights just to be able to dim them.
Personally I pick on/off action for main lights and use mood lights (smart bulbs) to set mood and dim
Thank you so much for this. I think you are the first TH-camr who has ever taken the time to answer a question. Especially on a 2 yr old video. :)
TH-cam notifications are hit or miss sadly. I genuinely believe a lot of these comments never make to creators.
After using smart lights (and I have kitchen done in full RGB) I know I'm only setting different colours or brightness levels when guests are over to show off. If you are looking to save money that's a decent approach
Does each gang need a L wire going out to actually work? or could I get a two- or three-gang switch for a single lamp and use the extra gangs to control other smart devices?
Check out my n+1 (smarter wall switch) video it shows you some examples of this in action
Hey thanks for the Video. I heard there are problems if you are using LED lights. They say you have to install an "Anti-Flicker-Module" could you touch on the installations and why this is needed? Cheers
Led lights often come with their own transformer inside which is spectacular at stopping the current. To bypass this a capacitor may be required in the same way as in the video. I had to use one for my WiFi switch but not for my ZigBee ones
What film projector are you using? Thanks for video
This one
notenoughtech.com/review/is-there-anything-that-xiaomi-dlp-projector-cant-do/
Hi there. I am struggling to find the right switches for me. I am looking to get the push button style as your 3 gang. I also want to keep the traditional option to turn on/off manually even though wifi is off. the problem I have found is some of my current 2 gang switches one of its gang is 2 way. Traditional 2 way switches work as 1 way that shouldn't be a problem but I cannot find a brand like push button that produce 1 and 2 way with the same shape.
Would you have any tip on it?
thanks in advance
You will struggle to do find it due to how the 2 way switching works (it breaks the circuit).
Note that if you have custom software like I have or ZigBee. Your switches still work as long as WiFi is present (no need for the internet) then you can write any logic you wish for each contact. So if you can't find the one you are after you can replace both and link it with NodeRed
Hi! Are there any switches with a programmable time lag to switch off after turning on? I have an ocd family member with a bad habit of forgetting to turn the lights off in our home.
You can set this with most of automation - when the switch is turned on use that as a triger to start a timer and turn off at the end of the period - but this wont be clever enough to figure out when you are for example - having a dinner for 1h or so
Hello there, can you link the custom firmware for zigbee devices you talked about?
There is a tasmota ZigBee version out and I have a couple of modules that can be flashed with whatever... Plus if the standard is already compatible then there is less reason to flash it as you can simply use conbee or cc2531 to read the messages posted
Thanks for your great video. Would you please help me on my wiring issues? In my house, for 3 gang switch, I have 3 neutral wires and one hot wire. Is that OK for smart switch? I thought I need 3 hot wires and 1 neutral.
If you have 3 gang switch but 4 wires only it means you need no neutral switch. 3 wires are for light loops and one is L.
@@notenoughtech thank you for your reply :)
The colours do not always represent what the wires do. The proper way is to wrap the wires in coloured tape to give less confusing colours but it is not always done
@@andrewwhite1793 i solved my problem. Thank you for your reply.
I wired my switch without the capacitor. Seems to work OK. Does that mean I don't need? Or should I fit anyway? Thanks.
Cap helps with certain lightbulbs types. If it works without it you are good with the current one you have installed.
Thanks for taking the time to properly review and demo these switches. Do you know if it’s possible to configure a switch to only turn smart bulbs off in software while keeping them powered? There seems to be no other way to change Lifx colour/brightness while the light is off.
This is not how the switches work I'm afraid. You should not pair it really with smart lights.
Fuse the switch permanently and add a standalone switch instead of that's what you are after
@@notenoughtech Understood. I really wasn’t thinking about this the right way. Thank you for setting me on the right track
@@omicronpersei repurpose the smart light for something else and put traditional lights in (led) unless you are very fixed in dimming and colours. I use smart lights in lamps and put the smart switches on
@@notenoughtech is there actually no solution where the switch is wall-powered but only sends a signal to turn off the bulb (or anything you want to)? Am I missing something crucial here because I dont think its that uncommon of a usecase?
@@aimpizza6823 There are buttons like this where there are no relays in the board but the buttons send commands via WiFi or Zigbee
Thanks for this. It shows how pipe and wire concealment can be done.
Question! I have a switch at home that turns on ventilation in kitchen. It is really far away and I would like to add wireless switch to the kitchen that communicates with original switch. What do I need for that ?
Does the switch have speed control for ventilation or is it just on and off?
@@notenoughtech it is just on and off. But it gives info to komfovent ventilation. Because when it's turned on I can see on komfovent display that "kitchen" is active .
@@InfernalArtist something like sonoff mini would work
@@notenoughtech awesome. Thanks a lot :) !
Does led light switches have a built in dimmer u can confirm from phone ?
These switches I presented are not dimming compatible check my sonoff d1 dinner review instead
Where can I buy the switch and are there instructions on how to do what you do at 8:08. I.e. a switch that also works with IKEA tradfri
This is my next tutorial and you can achieve this with almost any smart switch 🤭
Hi, is it possible to use a capacitor with the "with neutral" smart switch for it to work?
I would strongly advise you to only add the capacitor when the instructions require it
Good video. Any advice for zigbee switches (Europe)? Another question, if I have two switches for the same light (hallway) do I need a special switch like 1 gang 2 way?
You will need one that supports 2 way switching (not a 2 gang one) as they are wired a little but different you could use a sonoff mini if you have a neutral line - otherwise you will have to look for no neutral alternative for the switch
@@notenoughtech thank you. Does it work if I wired them independently and then on the app make something like, if switch 1 ON , switch 2 ON, switch 1 Off switch 2 Off and vice versa. Something like making them communicate between them wirelessly through the app, don't know if it makes any sense.
@@notenoughtech do sonoff TX series work with zigbee?
For 2 way switch you will only need one sonoff mini and the app and switches will be in sync
Can it be used other then for lights? Example,can i use it for fans?
As long as you meet the current specifications yes
Do you still need a capacitor even when using a Zigbee hub? I am in a place where no neutral is required, so I had people telling me that if I use Zigbee I would be totally fine but if I use wifi without neutral, the lights will flicker. I just bought Zigbee hub and Zigbee switches but I am not sure if I need a capacitor
It depends on the switch used. The ones that do need it usually come with one included
@@notenoughtech oh ok I understand. The ones I got don't have a capacitor! I thought they all need a capacitor. What difference do these have.
Capacitor usually let's more current through to feed the switch. WiFi ones are more power hungry
Hi, I really like your videos and found this one. I have an issue with connecting the wifi switch that looks exactly like your 3gang here just it's 1gang. Lights are flashing a bit when turned on. They were flashing when off but without the cap. When I've added it if they are off it's all fine but when on they go nuts. Is there a good place to find any help? I have a setup that bathroom lights and hall lights are going to two points in the wall next to each other and I have to have two 1gang switches. This is super weird as I've already connected one switch that controls hall lights and it's working fine. The problem is that bathroom light goes on the same live wire and just connects to the bathroom. So from the ceiling, I've got three wires going down and one is live and the other two connects to hall and bathroom lights.
It would be easier to understand the situation if you try to draw the diagram. If the switch is not working correctly take it close to the WiFi and connect via spare extension lead or something for tests. If this is confirmed working then you need to inspect the wires for your lights
@@notenoughtech Hi, Thank you for prompt reply. This is somewhat crude diagram www.dropbox.com/s/qfe6hixoo8q7hd5/diagram.jpg?dl=0 Hall works great Barhtoom flickers when on. Caps are of course in place with both lights. And as a bonus when I turn on the Hall light the bathroom light flickers even more when on ;/
it looks like exact version of the wiring suggestion from sonoff sonoff.tech/product/wifi-diy-smart-switches/sonoff-mini
If your switches are proper 2-way config, all you need to do is connect one of them to switch "in" and one of them to "live" and the switches will do the toggling
I have electric heaters in my house, i'd like to have greater control over them and set timers etc.... can these switches be used to control heaters, the existing switch just looks like a normal light switch?
In theory you could - just be aware of the current limitations. Electric heaters are power hungry.
Hi, I have two lights in my room. one on wall one ceiling which operates with two gang switches. I have bought two gangs smart WiFi switch which has N, L, L1 & L2. I have got 2 red and 2 blue wires. I have checked with a tester and both red wires are live. Please can you advise connection of wires to N, L, L1 & L2?
Hi. You don't have enough wires to have L & N the wires are likely the loops for each light source.
You will need no neutral switch for this. Where red feeds the L and blue act as L¹ & L²
@@notenoughtech I have tried both red in L and blue in L1 and L2 but it did not work. I have even tried swapping blues between L1 & L2
As I explained you don't have the L and N in the switch. You need a no neutral version for your setup
@@notenoughtech Ah...wrong purchase then...thanks for your reply. Can you recommend anything on Amazon?
My favourite would be ZigBee based but that's up to the protocol you use. Check out my article notenoughtech.com/featured/creating-a-smarter-light-switch/
So you can decide the number of gangs
Why my light keep flickering.. already try change capacitor still the same.. did i need change capacitor with other value?
What kind of light bulb do you have?
Can you turn a new touch sensor light switch in to a momentary switch that runs off 12v?
This would depend on how relay is connected. You'd need something with a dry contact, alternatively look at stuff like Shelly 1
@@notenoughtech look like I'll have to get one to mess around with.
Which switch would you recommend that works with google home and my phone
Any switch that is marked with "works with Google" would work
But which one do YOU reccomnd. Like there are lots that do it. But what’s the best one for the price
Hi, can I use smart switches for 3 way use. I need to control 1 bulb with 3 switches. Can this be done? Thanks
Yes it's possible but you would have to pick the correct switch for that. Alternatively if you have your switch with custom firmware you can also resolve this in software and use the switches independantly.
@@notenoughtech Thanks!! I am trying to find the best option of switches that even with internet down (but wifi still connected) the 3 way switch works. As till now I only found switches that work with internet connection. Once that is down you can only put on/off the light from one switch
You have 3 options. Find ones that have LAN more (like some of the sonoff products), flash tasmota, or look at ZigBee stuff
@@notenoughtech Thanks. I am trying out the moes wifi switches. worked perfect but when i turned off the internet only one switch worked out of 3. will try the moes zigbee version. hope this solves my problem. Thanks for the reply
Opent these up and see if they are esp8266 based if so you can flash them easily
USE TWO ROUTERS, 1st for devices w/ hack protection, & the 2nd router is for everything else that doesn't. The 2nd routers setup w/ the right protection levels, so when a device on your 2nd router is hacked, they can't get to your data on your 1st router.
And do not use the same password on both. And best if you setup 1st to 5Ghz, & the 2nd as 2Ghz. Most chinese made small devices do not do 5Ghz any how.
To do all of my banking, investing, & paying of any bills I use Linux running off of a Encrypted Flash Drive on a all hardwired computer (nothing over the air, including keyboard, & w/ Bluetooth & Wi-Fi disabled) & all internal drives disabled & all security settings turned to 11 including my VPN. And the flash drive is kept in a safe with its backup kept in my brother's safe at his house. Both copies are Encrypted with passwords almost as long as this post, & the passwords are different on each flash drive.
And here I am logging to my bank with a pin and a fingerprint relaying on the fact that most banks have policies in place to prevent fraudulent transactions 😀
Hey, and thank you. I am planning to install 90 pieces of light switches in all around my new house (a 3 stories house). I have been googling and comparing wifi light switch with other protocols like zigbee or zwave. I found out that wifi light switch is less preferable in comparison with other protocols due to multiple reasons. For example, based on customers reviews they said it sometimes disconnect its wifi connection, furthermore it increase the loud on the wifi network, so if you use the network for streaming 4K videos, it might get affected by this. However I was wondering if I make a dedicated wifi network for smart devices only and increase the wifi coverage in all around my house, will this solve the problem??! I don’t know. I am afraid to invest hundreds of dollars on smart light switches, then I found out it is not working as expected. Furthermore, I am wondering if there is a cap number of smart devices the wifi network can adopt. For example how many smart devices wifi or zigbee or zwave hubs can managed? I heard zigbee hub can accept no more than a certain number of devices. In this case what i should do? Please advice.
I think i would go with zigbee for 2 reasons. 90 switches - is a lot of them even for a separate subnet. Power Use aside WiFi signal would be congested for sure - it would be best to keep it all on a single channel as well.
Zigbee is pretty decent and each switch would also act as mesh router - so you would have a perfect coverage for other zigbee devices. Zigbee 3,0 has limit of 32 devices per hub, but compatible devices in the zigbee network will increase the total number of devices possible. An automation like this - it's a challenge but also introduces a lot of interesting ideas for groups etc..
Hi, I have installed a smart switch that works well manually and with the app on my phone but it switches the light on without instructions from me! I have heard others complain about this matter and the purpose was to set on and off times. I have used the capacitor provided, removed and reinstalled the operating software and I have even relocated the switch onto a different circuit without success. Any suggestions?
Are you using a L & N or no N version of the switch? Sounds like there are fluctuations in the wire in the off position
@@notenoughtech The no neutral version :-(
@@howardgalletly8005 Are you positive caps is used on the correct wires?
Can I control multiple dimmable lights (recessed) with a smart dimmable switch ?
Yes you could but the ones presented don't have a dimming functions so you would be only able to toggle it on and off.
I have installed a new smart switch in my kitchen and its very confusing. It shows red when switched off and blue when each of the switches is on. I have another in my front room and its the opposite. Have I wired it up incorrectly or is it a dodgy part?
I'm more confused than you - are you using smart bulbs and smart switches together? This is not what you should do. These are to enable connected functions with traditional lights
what is this projector model above the bed?
This one
notenoughtech.com/featured/is-there-anything-that-xiaomi-dlp-projector-cant-do/
WiFi zigbee ot z wave for a smart switch?
as a switch? You can do this with Tasker and AutoWear
NotEnoughTECH no as in for a smart light switch. To switch my light on and off. Which one do you recommend. I know it can’t be WiFi as it’s not that secure and my WiFi isn’t that great. Heard zigbee is good. But also head of z wave. Wondering which one you would use as you have great knowledge of this. Many thanks
I'm more familiar with ZigBee and I would probably lean to it due to Apple and Google jumping on that side of things.
Zwave is more strict in certification which means devices work better with each other but ZigBee is slowly getting there too.
NotEnoughTECH hiya thanks so much for your reply. It’s been quite helpful. I would just like to say please keep up replying to comments because personally it feels like you as a bug TH-camr actually care about your fans and when you reply it means a lot. Thanks for the helpful videos you make. Would you be able to make a video on how to connect the zigbee smart switch for your light to the smart hub that you have to buy. And the cheapest ones which work the best would be helpful as I am not as knowledgable as you and want to have these smart light switches around my house. Thanks a million!
Hello! I am looking for a switch that can control a group of smart wifi lights. Do you know a device that can do this?
Any connected switch would if you do this in NodeRED or HASS, as you can take the input from the switch and apply to all devices you want
I installed a no neutral smart switch but my led light flickers. I've installed the capacitor which buzzes to and you can hear a drop in the buzzing when it flickers too. Sometimes it works fine but then sometimes it flickers like mad... :( any advice?
You could try another bulb. I'm guessing this is an LED bulb? I've been ok with the bulbs I have here so can't suggest anything specific. The bulbs I use are from Philips and just regular Tesco no brand ones. Hope this points you in the right direction
Thanks for the video @NotEnoughTECH! quick question... I was planning to use a Smart Switch to be able to control my Smart Bulbs, from Lohas LED, which would also be connected to the Wifi.
My problem is that my "dumb" switches at home would always need to remain "ON" of the Smart Lights to operate and would only be able to turn on or off with the phone or voice, which is not ideal... and wanted to still be able to use the switch to turn on or off the lights, but I am hoping that with a Smart Switch I can do that?
I would appreciate your comments!
Thanks,
Smart switch will replace the bulbs. So if you already have the smart bulbs you could use it elsewhere. if you fixed on using existing smart bulb. the best solution would be to add an extra button or switch to operate the bulbs and perhaps disabling the original (in the on position)
@@notenoughtech Interesting... what kind of button/switch could I use to turn on and off the smart bulbs?!
I would rather keep the smart bulbs as I can change their colour...
I was actually looking for some kind of "button" to put near our "dumb" switch... but I have not found one...
IKEA dimmer buttons are £6 and you'd struggle to find it cheaper then just mask off the switch ;)
does a smart switch work without a wireless connection? I am not asking that without the internet.
If flashed with tasmota like I did yes. Otherwise supporting app needs to have LAN only option
@@notenoughtech I mean that does it work manually with a physical button without a wireless connection?
Yes it will
Where can I download those "custom" firmwares?
Esp based ones run tasmota. ZigBee ones don't need firmware usually just cc2531 to read the signal
@@notenoughtech thanks for fast answer! 👍
Enjoy the rabbit hole ;)
Great video thanks.. can the capacitor be installed on the wall switch directly and feed 2 gang lights? i have just the 1 capacitor and 2 lights in different places.. can 1 capacitor be used for both or i need 2 capacitors?
I would like someone to correct me on this as I'm not the best authority in that matter but you should need just one cap, as the function of the cap is to feed some current to the switch. as per location of the cap, as long as you bridging correct wires, it doesn't matter where the cap is located
Hello, after i instal the high voltage capacitor my light produce buzzing sound. What supposed i do? Please help thank you sir
Buzzing? Are you 100% you have connected it in the right spot? Is the light flickering?
@@notenoughtech yeah i think already in the right spot. The lights function as normal. No flickering. Just sound like slow buzzing sound at the light with capacitor
Have you tried other bulbs?
@@notenoughtech ohh yaa. Alright i will try it. Thankss
Good Day,
Hi sir what is better a single live smart switch or an L&N one?
And why?
Its now a better Vs worse difference. Just different wiring standards for each country. Always follow local guidance in regards to wiring standards
in the uk 230v is referred to as low voltage
By who 🤷🏼? Engineers that work on 3 phase systems? Haha
@@notenoughtech by the IET who write the electrical regulations in the uk, low voltage is from 50v ac - 1000v ac, above that is high voltage, i assumed its the same in the rest of the eu, as our regs were harmonised many years ago, although we are about to leave so changes maybe made.
I'll switch to highly dangerous voltage next time :)
Can I have both smart and traditional switches??
Depends on the configuration. You may want to check my videos on Shelly 1 and sonoff mini if that's what you are after
@@notenoughtech thanks for the response...well my home is still under construction so I want to do a provision for both the smart and the other type is this possible
It's gonna be down to how the house is wired. I assume "for both" you mean that you will have 2 or 3 way switching? There are special smart switches (wall light switches) that can do that or you can use sonoff or Shelly devices to integrate with traditional switches.
If you are building your house from the ground up you can also have ZigBee mesh created out of these as well and take the advantage of ZigBee.
@@notenoughtechI do want to tell my electrician this when wiring because I want both types side by side on a given wall .. so I dont know if this is possible
Yes it is possible. The wiring is the same as for normal ones as the devices like sonoff or shell has been made in mind with dual switching. Just pick a brand and show him the wiring scheme for the switch you have in mind so you and him are on the same page
Can I use any of these devices to replace old push switch for garage doors?
You could but you need to find out the voltage of the switch and make sure you get the switch with a push action as option rather than toggle. Some of them have inching setting which can replicate this
Hi I am about to odrer switches but which are for uk and Us?
T1-1 gang-white
T1-2 gang-white
T1-3 gang-white
T2-1 gang-white
T2-2 gang-white
T2-3 gang-white
T3-1 gang-black
T3-2 gang-black
T3-3 gang-black
No neutral usually are for UK the US tend to have neutral line in the wall. Each post should be labelled
Nice video - thanks!
I realised when the switch isn't in use and the light is off.... There s still a black light on the switch..... My question is how much of a consumption does it use annually
notenoughtech.com/featured/smart-lights-wont-save-you-money/
Recommended read
If I buy the Zemismart Zigbee wall switch (www.aliexpress.com/item/4000078103986.html), will I be able to pair it with a Zigbee wireless switch (e.g Tradfri) and a Zigbee motion sensor directly? I mean without any hub or bridge as I don't need to control the light with a phone.
You won't be able to do this directly but you can do so via cc2531. I have plenty of write ups how
@@notenoughtech Ah, that's a bummer. Currently I have just a one dumb switch and light. To enhanced that into a hallway setup with two switches plus a motion sensor, and if I don't want the cc2531/coordinator or hub or bridge, I suppose I should go with wi-fi switches (1 wall plus one wireless), right?
@@bocekm trust me ... You want it. Cc2531 will bridge most devices from different ecosystems which ends being locked to a single brand. One you have it you can browse ZigBee product you want not the one supported by a single company.
Nice Video. 🙂 I'm late to the party but even in 2022 (almost 23) its hard for a new home automation user to find the right switch to use.
Personal advice? Go Zigbee - comes with power saving, good options and good scalability.
I would imagine zigbee has lower latency than wifi since it’s all local between the device and the hub.
Maybe, but at the same time zigbee is prone to choking. If you spam a zigbee device with dimmer without limiting the rate of the messages the target chokes for a moment as is not able to update the status as quick
@@notenoughtech With the Philips Dimmer and the Hub it juts works Perfekt.
So nice. We are smart product manufactory.
This is my new favourite youtube channel.
Oh! Thanks 🤗☺️
@@notenoughtech Do you know if I buy the IKEA Dimmer and Socket Plug without anything else, will it work?
Assuming that I would just use the IKEA app.
@@donallynch Ikea dimmer switch and socket work together without hub or app. Bear in mind that you won't be able to use other services like Alexa or Google assistant
@@notenoughtech That’s ok, thanks so much for replying!
Great review & instructions, more or less all angles covered..... keep up the good work {:0)
Check out smart wall switch if you want to do something fancy with your room. I will probably add curtains to my switch as well. It makes sense to control all light features in the room from a central point
Thank you I will 👍
@@notenoughtech can these "smart switches" be used without Alexa smart hub? Just install the switch and used the touch feature to turn on/off the light?
Yes they can
Thank you.
great info fully understood
230 volts is low voltage, not high voltage. Low voltage is below 1,000 volts.
Context matters. America is not a country and yet, only context unaware people are keen to point out. Whole language is contextual. I'm pretty sure you can figure out the context of high voltage in this video and the ranges it applies to in a typical household.
Anyone who had smart bulbs AND smart switches? I've smart bulbs but my guest get annoyed that they can't use the existing switches
You can use both. Here is an idea to consider notenoughtech.com/home-automation/creating-a-smarter-light-switch/
Why do so many light switch companies force their branding all over the place. I don't want to have 2+ panels in every room of my house with an ugly irrelevant logo on each one.
I just don't get it - nobody gives a damn about a light switch. Not like my guests will go "oh wow, look at that button, im gonna take note of that brand and buy a dozen"
Agreed!
Neural
AI activated haha
Fuck it I’m just leaving the light switches alone. Might replace them with better looking faces.
Haha I understand the frustration, gets more complex when you have multiple switching points
This is glorious, been searching for "hew len ho'oponopono" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Wanogan Teyarter Cure - (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my work buddy got excellent success with it.
30 secs for intro is far tooooo lonnnnnnnnnng, I'm guessing but you're not a comedian are you?
it's all about the foreplay baby :)
Too technical
It's either knowing what you are doing, or burning your house down. I don't think "too technical" applies when the outcome can be lost property and possible death. If this is too technical I'm strongly recommend getting a pro to do the installation for you.