Why do I need a Wi-fi light switch and how to connect it?

Strengths and weaknesses of the device

Wi-fi light switch has the following advantages:

1. No need to lay additional cable.
2. It is possible to centrally manage lighting devices, that is, from one command point. In order to control the wireless light switch, you can use a smartphone, tablet, computer, as well as a remote control. For tablets and other electronic devices, you must install the necessary software. It can be downloaded from the Internet or installed from disk.
3. Large signal coverage. Despite the walls, a digital radio signal penetrates the desired room.
4. This system is very safe. Even if the design of the device is damaged, this does not threaten the tenant with a strong shock, because the Wi-fi switch has a very small current strength.
5. The device works normally with all types of light bulbs (LED, incandescent, energy-saving).
6. You can set different combinations, as well as modes of operation of lighting devices.

If we talk about the shortcomings of light switches, then there are only a few. The main ones are that the price is much higher than conventional keyboard models and there is a certain risk of battery discharge in the remote control, or a bad Wi-fi signal.

Design Features

The set of Wi-fi switches has a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is a relay on the control. You can control via a smartphone with access to a Wi-fi network, or using the remote control. When the relay receives a specific signal, it closes the wiring circuit. The relay is installed near or inside the lamp. This is possible due to the small size of the device. The reason for installing the device near the lamp is that it does not fall out of the radius in which the transmitter operates. If the room has spot lighting, the receiver can be placed in a junction box or behind a suspended ceiling.

The switch or transmitter has a small power generator that can generate electricity when you press a button on the remote control or send a specific command from a smartphone via a Wi-fi connection. In turn, the pulse is processed into a radio signal that enters the device.Such radio-controlled light switches are quite expensive, and their counterpart is regulation from the remote control in which the batteries are located.

Types of circuit breakers and the best manufacturers

At this time, the range of Wi-fi light switches is not too large. However, products are classified according to several criteria:

1. The device can be adjusted by electronic or mechanical keys. In the first case, we are talking about the touch screen of the device. The keys are on the remote control (remote control).
2. There are also light switches as with dimmers, and ordinary keyboards. Using the first devices, you can adjust the brightness of the lighting, thereby changing its intensity. To adjust the brightness, either hold or scroll the corresponding button.
3. This switch can provide full control not only of one, but also of two or three groups of lighting devices. However, the price of a wireless device that can manage entire groups is quite high.

There are currently seven major manufacturers of wireless electrical accessories for lighting control:

1. Legrand is a country of manufacture France. The company has a whole line of products called Celian.
2. Vitrum is a country producer Italy. This company uses a technology called Z-Wave. It allows you to fully automate the control of lighting in the house.
3. Delumo - products are manufactured by a company that, in particular, produces dimmers, switches and thermostats.
4. Noolite - accessories are made by Belarusian manufacturers.
5. Livolo is a manufacturer country in China. This company produces specialized devices for automation. Also in the assortment line there are products for both single and double frames for switches.
6. Broadlink (China). This manufacturer has a fairly large selection of products for regulating lighting.
7. Kopou is the last company also located in China. The manufacturer makes dimmers in the form of various trinkets.

The video below provides an overview of another interesting Wi-fi light switch model:

Proper connection

In order to properly mount the switch, you need to know its operating principle, what the device consists of and how to connect the Wi-fi switch. The connection diagram of this wireless device is very simple.

One of the advantages of a Wi-fi light switch is its ease of use and connection. With a strong desire, you can install the device with your own hands. It is important that you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer exactly. Such an installation takes only a few minutes.

The connection process consists of only two stages:

1. Installing a radio receiver.
2. Installation of the light switch (control buttons).

Basically, receivers have from two to four wiring. They come out of the device. To determine the input wire, you must read the instructions. The remaining wires will be output, for example, a double output switch will have two. To mount the receiver, you must open the phase that supplies power to the light fixture and connect it to the circuit, while following the sequence.

In the case when it is necessary to connect more than one lighting group, proceed as follows:

• zero is supplied to all lighting devices;
• the phase branches in the Wi-fi switch;
• the phase should be submitted separately for each group of fixtures.

The control button is installed quite simply, first you need to make a hole in the wall with a puncher with a milling cutter for concrete. A regular plastic socket is inserted into the finished hole, and gypsum can be used to fix it. The installation process is absolutely no different from light switch installation keyboard type.The only difference is that there is no need to lay wires, you just need to securely fasten the button in the socket.

Finally, we recommend watching a video that clearly shows how to connect a Wi-fi light switch:

Now you know what Wi-fi light switch is and how to control lighting through a smartphone. Wireless electrical accessories are gaining in popularity, so if you decide to implement the Smart Home system, we advise you to get the devices we examined.

It will be useful to read:

• How does a Wi-Fi outlet work?
• Lighting Remote Control Systems
• Underfloor heating control systems