I have a 16th church which I am in the process of “discussing” with the local authority to convert to a home (I am doing most of the discussing, they are saying no, regardless of what the question is). It is likely that we’ll need to completely rewire the building since the majority of the light switches are in a single bank just inside the door on the ground floor (for all of the ground floor and the gallery) and so I am considering have it wired with a neutral wire as there are far better options for smart lighting where a neutral wire is required. This would allow me to use the Jasco switches that I have in my house in Mexico. My wife’s parents visit frequently and are luddites, refusing to get on board with smart tech in anyway, and so will frequently switch the lights on/off with the switch, making smart bulbs a non-starter. Hence why smart switches are better. Most smart switches that I can find are those horrible ultramodern touch-screen versions, which I don’t want in my 400 year old house.
However, there now seems to be more decent quality wireless switches that also operate on a rocker switch basis. Not quite the same as “traditional” on/off switches, but very similar to the single-press approach of US switches (a la the Jasco switches).
I have been against wireless light switches as a bit gimmicky, and cheap Chinese poor quality rubbish, but I am now starting to come around to the idea. This would also be something that I can probably get the local council planning department to get behind (or at least get them approved when we appeal to central government for the 15th time this year!). Before I take the leap though, can someone give me an objective view of whether they are (a) reliable, (b) simple to configure (c) provide any benefit over wired switches and (d) are worth the money.
First rule of home automation still applies: “the model number matters.“ There’s no general rule for wired versus wireless. Some wireless switches are excellent, some are terrible, there’s a lot of variation.
what country is this in? And do you intend to use a smartthings/aeotec hub?
Also, these days there are many smart switches made that have a “smart bulb“ option that will not cut the current to the bulbs, but instead send them a network signal to turn on or off. So those might be another option depending on the specific protocol you had in mind.
This will be in the UK (Northampton, to be precise). I’m happy to not support smart bulbs. Switches or bulbs, but trying to do both just creates a problem nobody needs. I’m happiest with smart switches as long as I can get rocker-style switches not those stupid touch-screen ones, so it’s really a question of wired (and having to support neutral wires) or wireless. Wireless is neater, but is it as reliable/responsive? If I tell Alexa to turn off the lamp and it takes a second, it’s really annoying (first world problems). Would I be getting annoyed with the delay between issuing commands to a wireless switch and it being actioned?
My hub is Smartthings, but it’s a few years old now so more than happy to get v3 (or v4 when it’s launched in the UK). I want the whole place smart, and have the opportunity to get wiring where I need it given that we’ll have to build virtually everything internally so bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. I considered getting a company in to do the “smart build”, but they all seem to want to use proprietary systems that are stupid expensive and not as flexible as ST
If you’re having to rewire the whole place there seem to me to be no downside to adding a neutral wire and a lot of upside.
Like you I’m almost 100% smart switches. The only exception are two Sengled bulbs that have a button on the bulb for manual control. It simplifies things for naive guests and any outages.
I’d be concerned about wireless switches reliability in what I presume is a mostly stone structure. And with any batteries going flat at inopportune times.
If I had the luxury to re-wire, I would personally stick with mechanical switches but ensure that the boxes behind the switches are big enough to take more than one smart relay…..and obviously with neutral wires present. The no neutral smart switches are just too hit and miss.
I would also consider 1 or 2 outlets at the right location and height to mount tablet- like devices for a proper home dashboard
Not so sure that I’d consider rewiring a luxury @Francois_Venter but given that “church wiring” doesn’t really work for a house with kids, I’m working on the assumption that we have choice on this front.
I’m hoping to get away without the tablet approach if I can. Personal choice more than anything technical. I think they look awful stuck on the walls when we have phone stuck in our pockets all the time.
Since rewiring is a given, any wired option would be with neutrals, so it still comes down to reasons for/against fixed and wireless.
For wireless: Can easily reposition when my wife gets bored, can be hidden away if triggering remotely For wired: Reliable connection, more traditional “switch” Against wireless: Connectivity issues on a wireless protocol, batteries dying Against Wired: Can’t move them without getting an electrician involved, if support is discontinued, also needs an electrician
yes, batteries are a concern, but one that’s easy to solve and no worse than if the power goes out (no point have a switch that works if the device doesn’t )
Reliability is a big concern. Lights are frustrating if you switch it on and it’s not instant (regardless of how switching on is triggered). Anyone got any first hand wireless switches experience to allay or confirm the concerns?
Hmmm, I looked at the site and at £1000 to be able to control more than 64 devices it doesn’t seem like a good option. When there are already such a multitude of existing products in the market, I don’t think I want to open up pandora’s box on having to code my own. Thanks for the suggestion though.
but given that “church wiring” doesn’t really work for a house with kids, I’m working on the assumption that we have choice on this front.
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