Smart switches: types, labeling, how to choose and connect correctly

To ensure a comfortable lifestyle in modern homes are increasingly using high-tech devices and appliances with an extensive range of options. Such devices include smart switches that operate in automatic mode. You should familiarize yourself with the features of their work, agree?

In our article, we describe in detail the principle of operation and features of the use of intelligent switches, the operation of which is controlled remotely - using a tablet, smartphone, computer. Selection tips are given, the specifics of marking are analyzed. The rating of leading manufacturers in the segment is given.

The principle of operation of the smart device

The Wi-Fi switch kit has two devices: a receiver and a transmitter. The first device is a miniature relay, which can be controlled using a smartphone or remote control. Having fixed the supplied signal, the relay closes the wiring circuit.

A device having a compact size is usually installed near a lighting device, for example, under a stretch ceiling. The relay can also be mounted in the distribution panel or inside the luminaire.

The action diagram of an intelligent device operating on a smartphone signal. The command sent from the control device is transmitted directly to the light source, so that the lamp lights up

The transmitter functions as a circuit breaker, the design of which is equipped with a small electric generator. When you press a key or send a specific command from a smartphone, an electric current is generated in the device, which is transformed into a radio signal.

In addition to issuing a command, the device also captures information confirming the execution of the order. Information can be transferred to the controller responsible for the operation of the system, or directly to the smartphone.

The connection diagram of the radio transmitter, which is an important part of an intelligent device controlled by a smartphone or a remote control with radio

The smart switch can replace or complement a traditional circuit breaker. This allows you to save the usual functions of the device, namely turning on / off the light using a button or key. At the same time, it acquires “smart” options, which will be discussed later.

Using smart devices

Intelligent switches provide homeowners with many new features. With their help, you can adjust the light parameters in the room using a smartphone. A very convenient function is programming devices to automatically turn on / off at a specific time.

In addition, the homeowner can check at a distance whether the light is on in a particular room, and if necessary, remotely turn off any of the lamps.

Another option: the mode of turning on the lighting in the room as soon as a person enters it and turning off the light when the owner or guest leaves.

There are switches designed to provide control over one or more groups of light sources located in different rooms. The cost of multi-channel models is significantly higher than single-channel models.

Significantly reduce the cost of electricity allows the option, which provides for the automatic ignition of the lamps when dark and turn them off when there is enough sunlight. Some models also include a function to control the use of electricity.

Smart devices with dimmers. They are intended not only to turn on / off lighting devices, but also to change the level of light intensity.

Such smart devices allow you to change the degree of brightness of the lamps according to a given program or taking into account data from light and motion sensors.

Intelligent appliances: pros and cons

For devices that can be controlled using smartphones, there are undeniable advantages:

• for their installation, you do not need to lay a special dedicated branch of the wiring;
• they allow you to regulate the operation of light sources, as well as other devices centrally from one place;
• smartphones, tablets, computers, as well as remote controls;
• smart devices can significantly reduce energy costs - according to the calculations of American scientists, savings can reach 42%;
• devices have a wide range of action (up to 100 meters), while the signal freely passes through a variety of obstacles, for example, walls;
• for their functioning, a weak current is sufficient, which will not harm a person even if the system is damaged.

The main disadvantage of smart switches is the need for an Internet source.

For the convenience of users, a number of models are equipped with an additional radio control function. This allows you to apply them even in case of difficulties with access to the World Wide Web.

Types of smart aggregates

Manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of intelligent solutions that can work on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave.

Devices also vary in design features. Some of them are specially designed to connect to a network in which there is a neutral wire. At the same time, for the installation of many products, including most smart dimmers, the phase “0” is not required.

Devices with dimming function

A significant part of the models of smart devices for turning on / off the light also successfully play the role of a dimmer - a device that regulates the brightness of lighting devices. All options in this case are saved: a smart device controlled from a smartphone is able to work in automatic mode.

The control module, that is, the device without a key, can be installed in the socket and used as a normal outlet. In this case, the device acquires all the above options of the smart device - remote control, programming, automatic operation

Additional features provided by dimmers, can significantly expand the scope of use of switches.

With their help, it is easy to create a cozy atmosphere in the room, including bright light only if necessary. In addition, dimmers are also widely used by interior designers as devices for controlling backlighting.

Remote Controlled Devices

Another kind of smart device is a remote switch. In appearance, it resembles a traditional one, but in fact it is a remote control.

A number of domestic and foreign manufacturers produce keyboard models of smart devices that are installed in sockets instead of traditional switches

An intelligent device, like a conventional switch, consists of a frame and a key. Since it does not require connection to electrical wiring, it can be installed almost anywhere in the room.

The function of the remote switch is to transmit commands via radio waves to other devices. It works necessarily together with other devices, for example, together with dimming switch, which after receiving the signal will reduce the light intensity in the burning chandelier.

The same device can also be used to control the operation of a smart outlet.

Interaction with other devices

The autonomy of a smart device depends on its design features. Wi-Fi devices can work directly from a smartphone without using any additional devices.

When connecting an intelligent switch, it is advisable to use fairly deep socket boxes. This will allow you to conveniently lay all the connected wires and the device itself

At the same time, to regulate the operation of devices operating on ZigBee or Z-Wave protocols, an additional product is required - a controller that acts as an intermediary between the switch and the smartphone.

The same control device is also used to store user programs, for example, information about the time for automatic on / off lamps. At the right time, the controller transmits the necessary signals to the lighting devices, which guarantees the execution of the given algorithms.

With the help of modern technologies, it is possible to establish an interacting network consisting of a number of smart devices. The consumer has the opportunity to configure the switch to ignite the light by the signal of the sensor that is triggered when the doors are opened.

In turn, the inclusion of lighting in the room can affect the start of work of other household appliances, such as an air conditioner.

How to choose the right product?

When choosing a smart device, a number of factors should be evaluated. First of all, you should consider whether there is Wi-Fi or other Internet sources in the house.

Many models are equipped with a set of additional functions, for example, compatibility with lamp with motion sensor or lighting. Such functions significantly expand the range of application of the device, but increase its cost.

The Sonoff TH 10/16 smart switch model is able to monitor humidity and air temperature by displaying data on a smartphone screen

For smart devices that are planned to be installed in humid rooms or in the open air, the level of protection against air-suspended water is important. There are also special models designed to work in difficult conditions.

If the purchased switch is planned to be placed in the socket, its design does not play a special role. However, it is preferable that the device in size fits the niche allocated to it.

When buying a circuit breaker, which is planned to be mounted on the wall, it is worth paying attention to its appearance: color, shape, the presence of backlight.

Of great importance is the quality of the products. It is advisable to give preference to devices from well-known brands. If the device is purchased in a store, you should carefully examine it. A high-quality model should have a smooth surface, clear lines, neat, easily disassembled nodes.

An important factor is the density of the polymer of which the device is made. Since soft plastic products quickly become scratched and dented, it is better to choose a switch made of hard plastic that does not lose its aesthetic appearance for a long time.

Manufacturers attach particular importance to appearance. The smart devices presented in the assortment differ both in technical characteristics and in design

Reliable manufacturers usually offer their products complete with fasteners and snaps. It is advisable that the product was accompanied by instructions for assembly and installation. The manual can be in the form of a brochure, leaflet or simply text printed on the packaging.

Smart Device Labeling

On the surface of smart switches, letters and numbers are often applied to indicate its characteristics. It should be noted that different manufacturers often use their own markings, so the designations may not coincide.

Nevertheless, we name a few typical options. First of all, in the name of the devices, a control method, for example, Wi-Fi, can be mentioned. For hybrid solutions that can be controlled by radio, the designation Wi-Fi / R or Wi-Fi / RF is used.

To facilitate the wiring diagram, instructions can be placed on the box of the device. Phase conductors are marked with the letters L and L1, zero wires are marked with N, and protective wires with PE

The two-digit number located at the end of the model name - 01, 02, 03 - indicates the number of light groups that can be controlled from this device.

The following letters may also appear on the device labeling:

• S - with function of the through switch;
• D - allows to dim the lighting;
• T - the presence of a timer that allows you to turn on / off the light at a given time.

Often, a pointer indicating degree of protection against moisture and dust. It consists of a combination of letters IP, followed by a double-digit number.

Its first digit in the range 0-6 indicates the level that prevents the penetration of dust and foreign objects into the product. The second in the range of 0-8 indicates resistance to water vapor. The higher the numbers, the higher the degree of protection.

The following signs are also placed on any device: I or In, meaning inclusion; O or Out - turn off the device.

Features of connecting switches

The installation of smart devices depends on the variety of lighting devices with which they have to work. If the product is intended for a system where it operates incandescent lamp, installation is carried out similarly to connecting a traditional analogue.

The installation of an intelligent device, as a rule, is carried out in two stages: connecting the signal receiver and connecting the adjustment button

With planned use LEDs or energy saving lamps For safe operation, you must connect the device to the wiring with the existing neutral and phase wires. As a rule, in such cases, it is placed next to or even inside the fixtures.

Acoustic control switches are mounted in place of standard appliances or near light sources.

All smart appliances are easy to connect. Usually they are accompanied by instructions, clearly following which you can mount the device yourself, spending a minimum amount of time.

The signal receiver must be mounted first. To do this, you need to break the phase, and then connect the device to your existing electrical network, properly aligning the wires.

When installing a device that regulates the operation of a group of fixtures, the procedure will be somewhat complicated. In this case, after applying zero wires to the lighting, you need to fork the phase going to the Wi-Fi device, each pointing to a separate group of light sources.

To send commands via Wi-Fi, you need to download the application from the Internet or install it from the disk, and then, following the instructions, register the device

Having assembled the device, it is also necessary to install the appropriate application with which the regulatory process will take place. For this, you may need to register the device on the network or turn it on Smart Home system.

After completing all operations, the screen will show all available options of the connected product, as well as its current status.

Top 7 manufacturers of smart devices

Switches that can control the light using a smartphone are produced by many domestic and foreign companies. Consider only some of them that have received user recognition.

Legrand. An authoritative French company founded in the first half of the 19th century. Specializing in the manufacture of electrical engineering, the company launches the Celian range of wireless control devices.

Delumo. A popular Russian manufacturer, in the assortment of which various types of switches, thermostats and dimmers are widely represented. Products are in demand due to the optimal ratio of cost and quality.

Belkin. An American company manufacturing various types of wireless switches and other smart appliances. All manufactured products are easy to install and comfortable to operate.

Sonoff. The company's specialization is the release of wireless smart devices, such as sockets, switches, relays. All equipment is offered with Russian-language instructions, as well as with specially designed applications, also made in Russian.

Vitrum. An Italian manufacturer of devices based on Z-Wave technology. Typically, such devices are used in Smart Home systems to automate light control.

Xiaomi. Booming Chinese company, founded in 2010.In addition to the popular models of smartphones and tablets, high-tech electrical appliances, including smart switches, also produce manufacturing facilities.

Noolite. A Belarusian company actively engaged in the development and implementation of smart products, including dimmers, controllers, timers, switches, protection modules. They are distinguished by reliability, comfort in use, low price.

Also noteworthy are budget, but high-quality products of Chinese manufacturers Kopou, Broadlink, Livolo, as well as expensive products manufactured by the American company Lutron and the German - Jung.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the video presented, you can hear a detailed review of the popular Wiiff model of a switch manufactured by Soniff. Visual instructions for connecting this device are also provided:

Intelligent appliances can significantly increase the comfort level of residential premises. They are also important for providing owners of apartments or houses. Devices will automatically turn on the light, can scare offenders from an empty apartment, simulating the presence of the owners.

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