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

Smart switches are capable of operating in automatic mode. This increases the comfort of their use, life in general and helps save a significant portion of electricity. Devices are controlled using a smartphone, which displays information about energy consumption and the shutdown of various smart devices. The rating is based on the smart home ecosystem, communication protocol, material of manufacture, and number of keys.

Smart switches overview

Yeelight Smart Switch Light YLKG12YL

SLISAON technology is used, providing constant network support and smart power off. It is made of fire-retardant polycarbonate.

Yeelight Smart Switch Light YLKG12YL in the review of smart switches

Allows you to turn on the light from one device and turn it off from another. The keys are designed for more than 40 thousand keystrokes. Equipped with silver contacts and brass mechanisms. Silver has a long service life, reduces the generation of electrical sparks due to poor contacts, has good conductivity and is less susceptible to oxidation. Fastening of wires is safe and reliable, without slipping. Quick shutdown is carried out by turning off the button on the case. Moisture protection class - IP20. Warranty - 1 year, service life - 2 years.

Positive traits:

• Xiaomi ecosystem;
• single-key;
• flex switch;
• glossy plastic.

Negative points:

• not controlled remotely;
• Square mount only.

Outdoor automatic lighting control

Intelligent smart light technology is widely used for outdoor applications. Special sensors are installed that control the operation of street lamps and record changes in natural light. As soon as it gets dark, electrical devices automatically turn on.

The level of illumination depends on the time of day. The darker it is outside, the brighter the lamps will burn. You can “mute” them by changing the setting in the program. If there is no need to illuminate the area in the absence of people, it is enough to set the night mode. In this case, the sensors will react only when a person approaches the house.

Smart outdoor lighting

This is interesting! Thanks to the external control system, the effect of the presence of the owners in the house is created. This discourages intruders from entering private property.

AqaraQBKG04LM

Made in white. The device can be controlled from a smartphone using wireless buttons. It is possible to turn on/off the light in response to a person’s entry/exit. Installation is carried out on the wall in the place where a conventional switch is mounted and connected to a 220 V network.

Switch AqaraQBKG04LM in the review of smart switches

A square box is used. Closing and opening of contacts occurs using a relay. The device is protected from overheating; a zero phase is not required. The Zigbee wireless protocol is used to communicate with Aqara Hub. Controlled through the Aqara application or the Alice voice assistant. Warranty and service life - 1 year. Compatible with Android 4.1+ and iOS 8+.

Advantages:

• Yandex ecosystem, Xiaomi Ni Home;
• made of plastic;
• laconic design;
• single-key.

Flaws:

• a gateway for working via the Internet must be purchased separately;
• no key backlight;
• cannot be blocked from the phone;
• it is impossible to force a chandelier operating in several modes to turn on correctly with this device;
• no dimmer;
• for use as pass-through devices, virtual switches are needed;
• a square socket box is required;
• Expensive;
• Sometimes the light does not turn off when you press the button itself.

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.

PS WF-E2

Two-channel switch controlled via Wi-fi. Remote control possible. Allows you to turn on/off connected lamps using an application installed on your smartphone or directly from the device.

WIFI switch two-channel touch PS WF-E2 in the review of smart switches

Supports voice control of Google Assistance, Alice and Amazon Alexa. The application for work is TuyaSmart. The Wi-fi module requires connection of both neutral and phase wires. Available in white and gold colors.

Pros:

• voice assistants Alice, Google Assistance, Amazon Alexa;
• possibility of manual control;
• work on a timer;
• Can be used in unheated rooms.

Disadvantages:

• work with Wi-fi only 2.4 GHz;
• not suitable for operation in the presence of condensate;
• Expensive.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the presented video you can hear a detailed overview of the popular model of Wi-Fi switch manufactured by Soniff. Visual instructions for connecting this device are also provided:

Smart appliances can significantly improve the comfort level of residential premises. They are also important for providing the owners of apartments or houses. The devices will automatically turn on the lights and can scare away criminals from an empty apartment, simulating the presence of the owners.

Please leave comments in the block below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article. Tell us about how you chose a smart switch. Share the criteria that were decisive in determining the best model for you.

ROXIMO touch, two-button

Supported in the Roximo smart home ecosystem. Can be mounted in standard boxes. The front part is resistant to scratches and various damages, made of tempered glass. The network indicator and touch buttons are located here.

Smart switch ROXIMO touch, two-button, gold, SWSEN01-2G in the review of smart switches

The device can be controlled remotely using a smartphone on which a special application is installed. Work with Alice is supported. You can add smart scenarios, link on/off to the user’s location, sunrise and sunset, weather, countdown, and set a schedule. The zero phase can be used or can be dispensed with. Integrated with Marusya, Alice, Google Assistant. Service life - 3 years, warranty - 1 year.

Advantages of the model:

• supports the Roximo, Yandex, Google Home ecosystems;
• there is a backlight;
• two-key;
• easy to operate and install;
• capacitor included;
• the surface is covered with tempered glass;
• high-quality plastic;
• good contacts;
• responsive sensor.

Minuses:

• a slight whistle is heard during operation;
• does not work well with LED lamps on a suspended ceiling.

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.

AqaraQBKG03LM

Can be used as a pass-through device. The multiple control function is implemented regardless of the presence of the necessary wiring. One switch controls only one lamp - to control them all, you need to replace all the switches in the house/apartment.

AqaraQBKG03LM in the review of smart switches

Can be set to turn on the light to wake you up. It can be used in combination with motion sensors that respond to the appearance of a person. Does not require replacement of wiring or old lighting sources. Using the Zigbee protocol, you can connect many devices to a single network. Works with Android 4.1+ and iOS 8+. Management via the Internet is carried out after purchasing the Aqara Hub or Xiaomi Gateway 2/3 gateway. Service life and warranty - 1 year.

Advantages:

• screw fastening and wire connection;
• integration with the mail.ru, Yandex, Aqara Home, Xiaomi Mi Home ecosystems;
• plastic case;
• overvoltage protection.

Disadvantages:

• square socket box, which must be purchased separately;
• without a separate zero phase;
• no dimmer function;
• Expensive;
• delay when turning on voice via Alice;
• little information on connection;
• When shorted, the microcircuit burns out.

Delay switch

Such a smart light switch will only turn on if movement in the room lasts, for example, more than 5 seconds. This avoids short runs of light sources when it is not really necessary.

Many of these models provide the ability to adjust the delay time. Therefore, you can always configure the switch according to your requirements. This is important because the functionality of these types of solutions varies depending on the room and individual user expectations.

ROXIMO touch, one-button, white, SWSEN01-1W

Does not require changing the installation box. The front panel is resistant to various types of damage and is made of tempered glass. There is a network indicator and touch buttons on it. The device is controlled remotely using the Roximo IoT application on a smartphone.

Smart switch ROXIMO touch, one-button, white, SWSEN01-1W in the review of smart switches

It is possible to add smart scenarios, link on/off to the user’s location, sun phases, weather, countdown, and you can set a schedule. The kit includes a capacitor with one positive line. The zero phase can be used or can be dispensed with. Integrated with Marusya, Alice, Google Assistant. Service life - 3 years, warranty - 1 year.

Positive points when using:

• works via Wi-fi protocol;
• strained glass;
• integrated into the Yandex, Google Home, Roximo ecosystems;
• single-key;
• It is possible to connect with and without zero.

Flaws:

• When turned on, a whistle is heard;
• no dimmer;
• when connected to Wi-fi, it is controlled only via the Internet;
• quite expensive.

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.

Xiaomi Aqara D1 Double key WXKG07LM

Works in the Mi Home, Aqara Home ecosystem. Allows you to press a button, double short or normal press, long press. Supports accessories from Mi Home and Apple HomeKit. Can be used for easy awakening.

Wireless switch Xiaomi Aqara D1 Double key WXKG07LM in the review of smart switches

Warranty - 1 year. Compared to the previous version, the keys have become more responsive. Instead of a plastic tab, which is used as a spring-loaded trigger, this model uses a rubber bushing, which ensures longer operation. HomeKit is added to Apple using the Xiaomi Mi Smart Hub gateway. Possible addition to Sprut.Hub.

Main advantages:

• integration with Mi Home;
• ability to work with different hubs;
• responsive keys;
• works with Alice.

Main disadvantages:

• When turned on, the relay clicks are heard.

Lamp control panels

Remote controls are devices for remote control of lighting devices. In terms of functionality, they can be single-channel or multi-channel. The former work only with a specific lamp, the latter - simultaneously with several devices.

Types of remote controls by design:

• Overhead: A panel with a touch screen or keys mounted on the wall.
• Portable: a design that looks almost no different from the control panel for household appliances.

The remote control indicates all possible functions of the selected system. To activate the desired lighting mode, simply press the desired key. A few seconds after this action, the command will be executed.

Remote control for smart lighting

HIPERIoT Switch B02

Two-key mechanical switch that supports the functions of voice assistants Alice and Google Home. Controlled via the HIPER IoT smartphone app. Switching on/off can be carried out according to scenarios, and can be associated with opening sensors.

HIPERIoT Switch B02, white in the review of smart switches

When there is a power outage, it restores the last operating mode. The touch button is backlit, which allows you to see it even in the dark. Does not require replacement of wiring and is installed in a round socket box. The wires are connected by wire contacts. Installation both vertical and horizontal. Service life - 5 years.

Main advantages:

• plastic case;
• communication protocol - Wi-fi;
• integrated with the Yandex and Google Home ecosystems;
• no hub needed;
• installation in a standard box.

Main disadvantages:

• the presence of phase and zero is required;
• You can hear a click when turning it on/off.

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.

AqaraWireless Mini Switch

When compared with two-key models, this device is more compact, but less functional. Capable of remembering up to 3 commands: single, double and long press. The mini button can act as a doorbell.

Push-button switch (button) AqaraWireless Mini Switch, white in the review of smart switches

It sends a signal to Aqara Hub, which, in turn, redirects the message to the smartphone or plays a melody on its own. Works using the Zigbee protocol. Supports Android and iOS. Operates on CR2032 battery for up to 2 years. The kit includes a sticker for installation. Service life - 3 years

Positive traits:

• single-key;
• battery operated;
• can be used for doorbell;
• easy to manage and configure;
• integrated into the Xiaomi Mi Home ecosystem;
• communication protocol - ZigBee.

Negative points:

• a bit expensive;
• does not communicate with the Xiaomi hub.

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.

HIPERIoT Switch T02G

Supports work on line 2 and has a stylish solution. Supports Smart Home and voice assistants. Using a smartphone, you can remotely turn it on/off, adjust the brightness of the light and timer. Control using Alice and Google Home is possible.

HIPERIoT Switch T02G, white in the review of smart switches

There is support for scenarios through the HIPER IoT ecosystem. Dimmable. Can change the brightness of devices connected to it. Supports restoring the mode it was set to before the power outage. Made of tempered glass, designed for 100 thousand operations. The buttons are backlit. It features an instant response to the press of a button. Does not require wiring preparation; it is mounted in a standard round socket box. Can be used with any household lamps. The total power per line for LED lamps is 150 W, for incandescent lamps – 600 W. Service life and warranty - 1 year.

Main advantages:

• works via Wi-fi protocol;
• plastic case;
• two-key;
• nice design;
• integrated with the Yandex and Google Home ecosystems;
• no hub needed.

Main disadvantages:

• you need a neutral wire;
• short-term delays in Alice;
• glossy surface reflects all fingerprints;
• loud shift click;
• Before installation you need to connect to Wi-fi, otherwise you will have to disassemble it later.

Legrand

And again the French, known for a wide range of electrical installation solutions for the home. First of all, customers are familiar with a variety of sockets and switches of a wide price range, made in collaboration with designers. However, where there is a regular outlet, there will also be a wireless one. The company also began creating ecosystems with various specifics - from small apartments to powerful industrial enterprises.

Automatic switches with WiFi access are presented in the Vantage system, designed for upscale buildings, however, nothing prevents it from being installed in a mansion or apartment with a large living space. A large number of different scenarios, controllers and sensors are designed to ensure comfort and safety.

How to choose a chandelier for the living room?

The hall, the living room is a kind of face of the house. Guests come here, family gathers here, celebrate holidays or just spend cozy evenings. The interior can tell a lot about the owners, and lighting plays an important role in this. How to choose a chandelier for the living room to show the house in all its glory?

Summarizing

Having considered the various aspects of the most popular smart switches, you can plan to purchase a specific model. Users who prefer to work with the Zeegbee communication protocol should pay attention to Aqara brand devices. Almost all devices support voice control. Alice is supported by Aqara, PS WF-E2, ROXIMO, HIPERIoT switches. Google Home is available in PS WF-E2, ROXIMO, HYPERIoT brand models. Xiaomi Mi Home is supported by the Aqara brand. Dimmability is present in the HIPERIoT Switch T02G model. Those who prefer two-key switches should take a closer look at ROXIMO touch two-button, Xiaomi Aqara D1 Double key WXKG07LM, PS WF-E2, HIPERIoT series. Those who want to buy devices that work via Wi-fi should keep in mind that they require a zero phase.

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.