Replace all light switches with Alexa compatible smart switches

neilio

There is probably not an easy answer to this, but I’m going to jump right in there and ask anyway. So here goes.

Is it possible to replace every single one of my light switches in my house with smart switches that are compatible with Alexa, thereby giving me complete voice control over my home’s lighting? This would include replacing every 1- 2- 3- and 4-gang switches with 1- 2- 3- and 4-gang smart switches with some of my lights being controlled by 2- and 3-way switches. My house is a 3-year old new-build, so has up-to-date wiring.

Is this possible? And if so, which product if I want all of the switches to look the same? And is it a simple case of having an electrician fit all the switches and I painstakingly set up every switch with Alexa and that’s it!? Or is there some additional piece of hardware I might need (such as a bridge - what is that?) and how does that interact with the switches and Alexa?

I have an Echo Studio, two Echos (3rd generation) and a Dot (3rd generation).

Cornucopia

It's certainly possible, and the outcome depends on the number of lights you have, the complexity of each light circuit (multi-way switching, dimming), how much you want to spend and how much of the work you intend to do yourself.

I'd start by looking at smart bulbs - these are the easiest way to go because you can easily install them yourself. The disadvantage is that you tend to lose the wall switch function (unless you add something else to replace it).

If your property is older than 10 years, then it's unlikely that you will have a neutral wire running to your wall-switches which complicates things for the installation of a wall-switch replacement product.

The need for a "bridge" unit depends on the underlying technology - if you are planning to focus on Phillips Hue or Ikea Tradfri, for example, those need a bridge unit to link to Alexa because they operate on two different technologies. The advantage of going with a major supplier, though, is that their systems tend to be well-designed and the individual parts work well together. (The Ikea system (inevitably) is a fair bit cheaper than Phillips).

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/smart-lighting-36812/

https://www.screwfix.com/brand/philips-hue/?cm_sp=landingpage-_-azbrands-_-philips+hue&cm_sp=managedredirect-_-brand-_-philipshue

neilio

Thanks. My house is 3-year old new-build, if that helps. I've edited my original post to clarify this. I'd prefer not to have bulbs as I'm not keen on the idea of keeping switches in an ON position and instead would like to retain the option of physically touching the buttons in addition to voice control.

Carrot007

I think switches would be hard in the uk as the switch really is just a switch!


This means there is no neutral, just a switched live (well in most instalations).



As such it would need to be on all the time and comunicate with the bulb anyway.


So just getting a bulb and leaving the existing switch in place sounds a lot easier.


It is what I have done. (and for anyone without the app switching twice puts the lights on (they light at switch on (choosable, might be a bit of a pain for power cuts in the night, but you can change that or just flip the switch))).


There are some good ones not needing a bridge. Nice, bright, variable colour temperature white and variable colour.


Of course I could be wrong about the switch, but the bulb seems a lot easier (I have standard bayonet and gu10's, they are all the same size as you would wexpect (older ones are massive, some may still be around)).

Cornucopia

neilio wrote: »

Thanks. My house is 3-year old new-build, if that helps. I've edited my original post to clarify this. I'd prefer not to have bulbs as I'm not keen on the idea of keeping switches in an ON position and instead would like to retain the option of physically touching the buttons in addition to voice control.

You probably need to speak with an electrician in order to see whether remote switches can be added to your wall switches, and whether the wall switches have a neutral connection.

As you can see from the links above, neither Phillips or Ikea have a product like that, and you'll need to delve deeper into the market to find something suitable. Screwfix have a range of wall-switch replacement products, but I don't know anything about them.

edit: This product specifically says it does not require a neutral connection.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/energenie-2-gang-2-way-1a-smart-on-off-light-switch-white/6146x

bob_a_builder

No wiring changes ?
What you need are a UK version of this ....

http://www.mysimplysmarthome.com/products/switchmate-switches/
(although looks like only Google is supported)

I seem to recall I saw a UK version similar product to the above but unable to find anything now

Tom99

For a cheap option, about £7 each, I have used the Sonoff Mini in some light switches and also the heating switch which did not need a thermostat.
But as said you need a neutral wire.
I used a 30mm back box which is the smallest the unit will fit in and a slim switch.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/DENGHENG-Sonoff-Switch-Remote-Control/dp/B07X7M6CD5/

googler

What's the backup plan for when Alexa fails, and you're left in the dark?

alanwsg

googler wrote: »

What's the backup plan for when Alexa fails, and you're left in the dark?

The switches still have buttons on them you can press if the net is down.
Mine have anyway.

alanwsg

Remember you don't need to actually replace 2 & 3 gang switches like-for-like.

E.g. if you have two switches so you can turn the stair lights on from the top or the bottom. You can just install one 'smart switch' and bypass the other. Then you can just shout "Alexa, turn the bloody lights on" from either position.

That would need some re-thinking / re-wiring to be done.

Takmon

My house is just over 10 years old and has neutral wires to each light switch, so you need to physically take some off the wall and have a look to see what wiring you have got before you buy any new switches.

I have bought sonoff light switches to replace all mine and they are quite reasonable at around £10 per switch. I fitted them myself because it's very simple and they are fairly easy to connect to the Wi-Fi aswell using the app (no bridge or extra devices are required).

If you don't have neutral wires you can get smart switches that don't require it but they are more expensive.

I wouldn't recommend just getting bulbs because it's a bit of a bodge and people are naturally going to try and use the switch and end up turning them off defeating the purpose of having them voice controlled.