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Current best no neutral smart switches (startrek.website)

submitted 2 months ago by xyguy@startrek.website to c/homeassistant@lemmy.world

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Moved into my own house again recently. I would like to get a lot of stuff automated like I had in my previous house.

Unfortunately, theres a lot if old wiring here and most switches have no neutrals in the box.

What is the current best option for smart switches (ideally dimmers) that dont require a neutral wire?

I'd prefer a non-wifi solution that doesnt require a proprietary hub but it seems like there are limited options anyway and I am having trouble finding almost any good options that dont require a neutral.

Anybody using anything they really like?

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[–] mittyta@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I have exactly same question, BUT I don't want to replace a light switch with one that have different look and won't fit in a frame anyway. And also don't want to install a bypass on a light bulb.

I my opinion a better option is to install the relay near the bulb. And battery-powered light switch in the box under the original mechanical light switch. That can read a change in mechanical switch and sends a signal to the hub/relay.

Do I have any option? May be even a pcb option, if there's ready firmware.

[–] SwingingTheLamp@midwest.social 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Yes, try the Sonoff ZBMINIL2 device, which does exactly what you want. Wire it in the box with your existing switch, then you can control the light with either the switch, or via HA. If you have a neutral wire in the electrical box, there's also the ZBMINIR2, which has a relay-disconnect feature. In that mode, it provides continuous power to the the bulb, and sends switch-toggle events to HA to trigger an automation to turn the smart bulb on and off.

[–] mittyta@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

No, it's not what I described. That type of relay installed in a switch box, not near lamp bulb. It has some requirements for the bulb, such as "minimum 3W bulb" or bypass. I bet it could cause some blinking effects, I don't what to deal with it.