How to choose the right smart switch with WiFi. Safe or not

A modern and always tired person is ready to spend a lot of money in order to make his home as comfortable as possible. Installing a smart switch that can operate automatically is a step towards increasing convenience, as well as a kind of “pill” for anxiety. Experiencing constant stress at work, a person will be sure that at least everything is in order at home.

What is a smart switch? In this article we will answer this question, and in addition we will provide a rating of the best devices available in stores.

Principle of operation

The set consists of two devices – a receiver and a transmitter. The first looks like a small relay that the user controls from a smartphone or remote control. Having received the signal, the relay performs a closing function.

The switch performs the function of a transmitter. When a command is received from a smartphone, a current is generated in the device, which is transformed into a radio signal. In addition to transmitting the command, information is recorded that confirms the completion of the assigned tasks. A smart switch can replace or complement a classic one.

Criterias of choice

When used in conditions of high humidity, you need to pay attention to the IP protection level.
When choosing a smart switch, it is taken into account that the implementation of all functions contained in it is possible only if the Internet is available. The following factors are also taken into account:

• Some product modifications include motion sensors and are much more expensive.
• If the device is intended to be installed outdoors or in rooms with high humidity, its IP protection level is taken into account.
• When installing in a socket niche, special attention is paid to the size of the purchased device.

Attention is paid to the appearance and shape of the purchased device, as well as whether it fits into the interior of the room or not. It is possible to eliminate the possibility of purchasing a low-quality product if you choose switches from well-known and well-established manufacturers.

Using smart devices

Owners of smart devices have many opportunities:

1. Using a modern gadget, you can adjust the lighting parameters in the room.
2. The device is easily programmed to automatically turn on/off at a specified time. This function is convenient when apartment owners are in a hurry and do not have time to turn off the lights or program the device before going to bed.
3. From a distance, you can control whether the lights in the room are turned on or off.
4. The light switches on as soon as a person appears in the room, and switches off when the person leaves.
5. Controlling electricity, as well as turning on the lights only after dark, allows you to save significantly.
6. Smart models with dimmers are designed to measure light intensity. The devices control the brightness level of the lamps based on data provided by light and motion sensors.

Increase the intelligence of your home: smart light switches

In some ways, not much has changed with smart switches. You will still be able to control them from the wall as always.

The upside of smart switches is the added functionality you'll love. Some come with remote controls that make manual operation easier, and you can also dim the lights when the mood calls for it.

Another key benefit is that smart switches work effectively with existing fixtures, even if they are not suitable for a smart bulb.

Installation is permanent and more complex, but the results are worth the extra effort.

Smart Appliances: Pros and Cons

The main advantages of devices controlled from a gadget:

1. The installation process does not require separate branching of the electrical wiring.
2. Adjustment of light sources and other electrical appliances is carried out centrally.
3. The control element can be a tablet, smartphone, computer, or remote control.
4. Significant energy savings. According to calculations made by scientists from America, savings can amount to 42%.
5. The devices boast a working radius of 100 meters, and walls are not an obstacle to the signal.
6. A low current is sufficient for operation, which is absolutely safe even if damaged.

The disadvantages include the expensive cost of smart products, because if the whole house is equipped with their help, it will cost a pretty penny. In addition, to work, devices connect to the Internet, which periodically experiences interruptions.

Number of switches

Many can remember a situation where a huge chandelier hangs in the center of the ceiling of a large hall. As a rule, several light bulbs are installed on it, consuming enormous power to illuminate the entire room. However, it does not perform its task effectively enough, since the light is distributed unevenly throughout the room, but is concentrated as much as possible under its source. This problem is solved by mounting several lamps located at an even distance from each other. Moreover, you can enable them separately.

This practice leads to the need to install several or even about a dozen circuit breakers, which is obviously impractical. However, it is possible to replace the single with a double, which has been widely used for many years. Triple switches were the latest to appear and allowed three light sources to be controlled from one box.

They allow you to control electric lighting quite comfortably. However, many people like it when control of this process is as simple as possible (and even better, when shutdown can be done remotely). Actually, manufacturers offer several solutions for this purpose in the form of smart light switches, which will be discussed below.

Types of smart units

Manufacturers present a wide range of devices that work with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave.
Switches vary in design. Some work from the network, so the design assumes the presence of a neutral wire. In other devices, such a phase is not required.

Devices with dimming function “Smart Home”

The functionality of the smart switch is preserved and the operation is carried out automatically. This makes it possible to adjust the brightness of the lighting. Light controllers evaluate the level of natural light.

Such a unique device will bring comfort to your home. A bright light can be connected only when necessary; otherwise, you should trust the device. Dimmers are actively used by designers to create lighting.

Devices with remote control - wi fi from Sonoff

The device looks like an ordinary switch, but in reality it is an innovative product - a remote control. The components of the design are frames and keys.

The product does not need to be connected to wires. You can install it anywhere in the room. The principle of operation is simple - commands are transmitted via radio waves to other devices.

It works in conjunction with other electronic devices.

For example, with a dimmer, which, when receiving a signal, minimizes the brightness of the lighting. The device is universal, so it is suitable for controlling a smart socket.

Xiaomi Aqara Smart Light Control

• Wireless: ZigBee
• Number of keys: 2 pcs.
• Dimensions (width × height × depth, mm): 86 × 86 × 15

Price: from 2,250 rubles

None of these ratings would be complete without a Xiaomi device from the Aqara lineup. Aqara Smart Light Control has a magnificent design, thanks to which it fits into any interior and, even moreover, becomes its decoration. The device is made of fire-resistant plastic and can withstand very high temperatures. The keys are rated for 50,000 keystrokes.

Everything would be fine, but the user may have problems installing this gadget, since it requires connecting a zero line. In addition, the Xiaomi smart switch does not support Wi-Fi and works via ZigBee, so you will have to buy an intermediary controller.

Interaction with other devices

The issue of interaction with other devices is influenced by the structural features of the switch. If the device runs on Wi-Fi, then no additional devices are required.

If it is based on the ZigBee or Z-Wave protocols, then you need to take care of an additional controller that will act as an intermediary between the smartphone and the switch. It also stores information about automatic switching on or off of electricity. The controller transmits commands to lamps and other lighting elements, which ensures that the assigned tasks are completed.

Using modern technologies, users can create an entire network of smart devices. The sensor can send a signal to the switch when the front door opens and the light turns on when the owners arrive. You can link the start of operation of household appliances to the turning on of the lights in the house.

KS-601

• Voice assistant: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, 802.11 b/g/n
• Number of keys: 1 pc.

Price: from 1,200 rubles

KS-601 is another touch device, only single-channel. It also works via Wi-Fi, but at the time of writing this review it does not pair with Alice from Yandex. Of the supported assistants, only Google Assistant and Alexa are supported.

An interesting option of the gadget is the ability to program the inclusion of various lighting fixtures in the house in the absence of the owners. This will create the appearance that someone is always at home.

How to choose and buy correctly?

To determine the appropriate switch, it is recommended to evaluate a number of factors:

1. Availability of Wi-Fi or Internet connection.
2. Availability of additional functions - work in tandem with a motion or lighting sensor. The scope of application of the switch expands, but the price increases significantly, so it is important to evaluate whether additional functions are necessary.
3. Evaluate where the device will be used, because models with protection from difficult climatic conditions are presented.
4. For installation in an outlet, appearance does not matter; it is important to choose according to the parameters. In another case, the choice of color and shape matters.
5. It is worth giving preference to products from well-known manufacturers. If the purchase is made in a store, then evaluate the integrity of the device and ease of disassembly.
6. Choose products made of thick plastic, which will not show scratches or dents so quickly.
7. Kits from well-known brands are equipped with fasteners and latches that you won’t have to spend money on. Assembly instructions are provided.

Yeelight Smart Switch Light three-key

• Wireless: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, 802.11 b/g/n
• Number of keys: 3 pcs.
• Dimensions (width × height × depth, mm): 86 × 86 × 32

Price: from 700 rubles

Looking at the Yeelight Smart Switch Light gadget in comparison with the Aqara switch from Xiaomi, you can’t help but wonder: where’s the catch? Why is the three-key gadget from Yeelight 3 times cheaper than the two-key Aqara - despite the fact that it looks no worse? We can only assume that Xiaomi is making such a big deal about the brand.

Yeelight Smart Switch Light is made of fire-retardant polycarbonate, so it can withstand very high temperatures. The contacts are made of silver, which hardly oxidizes and does not spark. The switch keys are designed for 40,000 clicks. Let us note an interesting feature of the gadget – the presence of an external toggle switch to turn off the power.

Connection features

The connection directly depends on the selected switch model.

1. If the product is designed for use in a system with an incandescent lamp, then it is connected like a classic analogue.
2. When using LED devices and energy-saving lamps, the connection of neutral and phase wires is required.
3. Products with acoustic control are installed next to light sources or in place of familiar devices.

It’s easy to assemble and connect the device when you have the manufacturer’s instructions at hand. After installation, you will need to install a special application on your smartphone.

Easy installation in a couple of minutes

It couldn't be simpler
IMPORTANT: Installation of the external part must be carried out as carefully as possible so as not to damage the contacts of the internal connector.

For installation you will need:

1. Disassemble the smart switch by unlatching the 4 plastic latches. 2. Remove the current switch by unclipping the front panel and unscrewing the inner part. 3. Connect power to the new switch using screw fastenings. 4. Install the back part of the switch from the relay and strip into the socket box. 5. Secure the switch mounting plate with the supplied screws or screws from the socket box kit. 6. Install the external part of the switch.

As practice has shown, any cup holders common on the Russian market with the ability to install electrical boxes on screws are suitable for installation.

By the way, the installation bar is made of rigid steel and is practically not subject to deformation.

Life hack: you need to bend the fasteners located opposite the terminals, next to a pair of metal protrusions, but instead use the relay body as a support.

If the standard mounting scheme is not suitable, there are additional cutouts on the strip that allow you to install Aqara H1 switches in square and non-standard round socket boxes.

It is worth keeping in mind that standard Soviet mounting locations will not work, since they use spacers rather than screws to secure sockets and switches.

Top 5 manufacturers of smart devices

1. Legrand is a French manufacturer of electrical equipment, which includes a series of smart devices called Celian.
2. Switches, thermostats and dimmers from the Russian company Delumo are in demand due to their price-quality ratio.
3. Sonoff specializes in the production of smart devices, which is accompanied by a special company application.
4. In its work, the Italian company Vitrum uses Z-Wave technologies.
5. The products of the Chinese company Xiaomi have been gaining momentum in recent years. Among the high-tech electrical devices presented, everyone will find a suitable smart switch.

Intelligent devices create maximum comfort. At the same time, the benefits of saving energy, as well as protecting the home from strangers, are guaranteed.

Having the light on will scare off possible offenders.

Evaluate the need for additional functionality and connection technology to choose the right option for your home.

Woopower

Most craftsmen turn to Chinese manufacturers to independently create a smart home, mainly through popular trading platforms - wholesale and retail. In many ways, this is a lottery, especially if you take no-name collected by no one knows who, where and without any guarantees. However, based on consumer reviews, certain conclusions can often be drawn.

Digital Assistants: Compatibility

If you're already using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, check and make sure the smart light switches you're considering are compatible with your favorite digital butler.

Once you've gotten used to barking commands like "Turn off all lights" as you walk out the door, or once your lighting has become fully assimilated into your morning routine, you'll fully appreciate the simple convenience of controlling your lighting using your cell phone or voice activation.