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Current best no neutral smart switches (startrek.website)
submitted 11 months ago by 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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[–] 14 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 child)

Best are probably the switches by Inovelli. That said, if you're okay installing the resistor needed to make them work, the Moesgo switches I'm using are quite decent at half the price, you just got to like or get over the styling.

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    • [–] 6 points 11 months ago (2 children)

    North America? I’ve heard good things about innovelli. Zigbee or zwave, bring your own hub.

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    • [–] 3 points 11 months ago

    Have you checked out shelly stuff, the new gen4 can be WiFi also ZigBee or thread.

    I would put it in the light fitting

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    [–] 2 points 11 months ago

    I've had good success with Aqara's newer H2 switches, which will work with or without a neutral and can do either Thread or ZigBee.

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    [–] 2 points 10 months ago (2 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.

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  • [–] 1 point 9 months ago (1 child)

    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.

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  • [–] 1 point 9 months 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.

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