Understand switch wiring

Sandtree

Ectophile said:

It depends what issues you care about.  If an accessory is designed for 230V AC, and comes from a reputable manufacturer, then it's unlikely to be unsafe.

But the UK "Wiring Regulations" * expect you to use accessories that meet UK or harmonised European standards.  Anything else is a "departure" and needs to be justified.

* Despite the name, they aren't actually law.  It's the traditional name for what's now BS7671.  But some laws do call up BS7671.

Yes, its designed for 230v/50hz 

But thats my question... what does the standard actually say? Does it say the backbox has to be 86mm x 86mm or does it say it has to be plastic or if metal it has to be earthed? Does it say the item must be stamped BS7671 compliant or just tick the boxes? 

Is there a translation already existing saying that if you are compliant with AS2341 then this is in line with BS7671 in a similar way to the harmonisation of EU standards?

fenwick458

whats so special about this switch that you want to change the backbox just for it? how much of a job is changing the backbox, is it in a solid wall or a stud wall? I'd be bothered about how long the switch is going to last, did I read it's some sort of smart switch? if so, they don't last very long, technology moves fast. do you really want to have to change the backbox again to fit a different type of switch?
you can get modules to fit into the back of a switch (provided the box is deep enough) and that way you can make any switch into a smart switch.
https://www.click4electrics.co.uk/click-smart-home-accessories-c-957_1117/

Sandtree

Its in a stud wall, it works with Apple HomeKit and so continues to operate without an internet connection/remote servers, it works with both smart (directly connected and not) and non-smart bulbs plus is the same brand as our existing smart bulbs making a single app for fine control of everything and doesnt require a hub etc to work.

I personally like the idea of not being dependent on remote servers both for the speed of response and reduce the risk that devices become dumb if the manufacturer goes bust or decides to pull out the market etc.

There may be other solutions that could tick all but single app boxes in which case happy to hear them. We are redoing the room and so changing the backbox isnt going to be a significant issue

fenwick458

Sandtree said:

I personally like the idea of not being dependent on remote servers both for the speed of response and reduce the risk that devices become dumb if the manufacturer goes bust or decides to pull out the market etc.

the clicksmart system (it's actually a zigbee rebrand) uses regular physical on off switches, so in the event of a powercut, and server going down, or any tech problem you can still use it t turn the light on or off

got a link to the Australian switch?

Sandtree

fenwick458 said:

Sandtree said:

I personally like the idea of not being dependent on remote servers both for the speed of response and reduce the risk that devices become dumb if the manufacturer goes bust or decides to pull out the market etc.

the clicksmart system (it's actually a zigbee rebrand) uses regular physical on off switches, so in the event of a powercut, and server going down, or any tech problem you can still use it t turn the light on or off

got a link to the Australian switch?

Couldnt see how that one would work with smart lightbulbs in the lighting?

We have 4 lighting zones that are currently on 3 physical switches, two zones are all smart bulbs on a single switch and obviously should have a continuous power and the other two zones will almost certainly always be non-smart bulbs.  Want to be able to have a button/switch for turning each of the zones on/off which for non-smart will be cutting power but for smart will give continuous power and sending the command to turn them off.

The one we're look at is LIFX Smart Switch 4 Gang 4 Button