How to use smart switch modules make home smart inexpensively

When we want to automate our home lighting, we expect to go for remote control or voice control of the lights in the house through our cell phones. Some people prefer to use smart bulbs because they are easy to replace, but in practice, the person in the house will use a traditional switch to turn the smart bulb on or off. If the switch cuts off the power to the smart bulb, there is no power supply to the communication module integrated with the smart light bulb, which results in no way for you to remotely control the smart bulb so that you can turn it back on again.

Others prefer to replace the wall switch. There are many smart switches on the market to choose from, but if dozens of switches in the home are removed and replaced with smart switches, the cost will be very high. At the same time, the original switch will be removed and thrown away, not only affecting the family’s original switch decorative style but also causing a lot of waste.

And home renovation of the pre-buried line, if there is no neutral line, then the intelligent transformation switch can only choose a single-fire version of the smart switch; if single-fire smart switch disconnects the switch, there will likely be intermittent flicker. Because the switch and the light bulb are in series, after the light is turned off, the smart switch itself will have a small amount of current through the current required to maintain the smart module itself on standby; this current will lead to capacitance charging and discharging, which makes the light bulb blinking.

The third option is to combine convenience and maintain the aesthetics of the home, that is, the installation of smart switch modules in the switch box, easy to install while retaining the original wall switches at home, and most importantly, the price of the product is cheaper than the price of smart switches by more than 30% to 50%, which can significantly reduce the cost of intelligent transformation of the home.

What is a Smart Switch Module?

Smart Switch Module is a very small wireless signal communication module, 3cm~4cm in length and width, integrated with a WiFi module chip, which can work independently with traditional switches without any interference. At the same time, the smart switch module can be easily hidden in the wall switch box without affecting the original switch decorative style of the home. After the smart switch module is installed, users can control the lights connected to the switch remotely via mobile apps or smart home platforms, thus intelligently transforming traditional switches.

How to choose a smart switch module?

Connectivity: According to the communication protocol, it can be divided into WiFi Smart Switch Module and Zigbee Smart Switch Module, Prioritize Zigbee smart switch modules because they offer more stability in use. Often, smart light switch modules that require a neutral wire can act as a network repeater to consolidate and expand your network.

Multi-Switch Compatibility: If you have multiple switches that need to control the same fixture (e.g., dual or triple control switches), please verify that the Smart Switch Module supports multi-way configuration.

Neutral Wire Requirement: Check that the switch connection wires have a neutral wire, as this may affect compatibility with older homes or specific wiring setups. Although switch modules that do not require a neutral are common, they are known to be unreliable and have a lower maximum current rating than switches that use a neutral.

Load Capacity: Verify the maximum load capacity of the switching module to ensure it can handle the power of the fixture or appliance.

How do I install a smart switch module?

Below are specific steps and suggestions to help you achieve this goal:

Tools and equipment required

• Screwdriver: for removing and installing the switch panel.
• Insulation tape: Ensure the safety of the wire connection.
• Smartphones and apps: for commissioning smart switches.

Installation steps

1. Selecting the right smart switch module

Make sure the smart pass-through you choose is compatible with your existing circuitry and supports your smart home platform (e.g., Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, etc.).

2. Power off

Safety First: Before doing any electrical remodeling, always turn off the power to the corresponding circuit. You can find the corresponding switch in the distribution box and turn it off.

3. Removal of existing switches

Use a screwdriver to remove the faceplate of the existing switch. Carefully pull out the switch to expose the connected wires.

4. Connecting the Smart Switch Module

Connect the wires to the smart wall switch module according to its instructions. Connections are usually required:

• FIRE (L): A main power cord.
• Load wire (L1 or L2): the wire connected to the fixture or appliance.
• Neutral (N): If a neutral wire is required, make sure it is connected to the neutral terminal of the module.

Make sure all connections are secure, and wrap exposed metal parts with insulating tape.

5. Installation of smart switch module

Install the connected smart on/off switch in the switch box, making sure that it does not interfere with the operation of the existing switch.

Reinstall the conventional switch panel to ensure that the switch can be operated properly.

6. Restore power and test

Use the app on your smartphone to follow the steps in the instructions to add and configure a smart pass-through. Test the modified switch to see if it works properly, including control via the mobile app and manual operation of the switch.

7. Configuration Intelligence

Set up timed tasks, automated scenes, or linked operations with other smart home devices in the app. Integrate into your smart home system (e.g., Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, etc.) for voice control and more sophisticated automation as needed.

How to wire a two gang switch with smart switch module?

The two gang switch controls two lights, and only one smart light switch module is required for intelligent retrofit. The L end of the smart switch module is connected to the red firewire, and the L1 and L2 ends are connected to the two control wires of the lamps, respectively. The SW1 and SW2 terminals of the smart switch are connected to the two ends of the switch, respectively.

How to wire a two way switch with smart switch module?

Two way smart switch is two switches to control one lamp respectively, at this time two way smart switch intelligent transformation needs to be equipped with two smart switch modules for lights, each one open switch respectively configured with one smart switch module.

The L end of the first wireless smart switch module is connected to the firewire, and the L1 end is connected to the L end of the second smart switch module. The SW1 and SW2 terminals of the first smart switch module are connected to the first single control switch, respectively. The L1 end of the second smart switch module is connected to the control wire of the light fixture.

Additional suggestions for low-cost remodeling

DIY Installation: If you have basic knowledge of electricians, you can install smart switch module yourself, which can save the cost of hiring a professional electrician.With these steps and suggestions, you can cost-effectively transform traditional switches into smart switches for remote control and automation functions to enhance home intelligence.

Caveats: The most important thing to be aware of is the maximum current rating of the module. Exceeding this value can lead to dangerous situations; for example, it may cause a fire. Some modules are equipped with protection mechanisms, but it is still vital to comply with the ratings when selecting them.