Replace 2 way switch with remote/smart switch
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Martinjjones
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Replace 2 way switch with remote/smart switch

by Martinjjones » Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:37 pm

We have a room with two light switches, one by the door and one by the bed that turn on the ceiling led lights. The one by the bed is now in the wrong pace as the bed is now placed against another wall. Rather than moving the second switch and running new wires I was hoping to replace the switch with some kind of remote / smart switch, place a cover over it and then place a remote switch where the bed now is. I don’t need it to connect to Alexa or such like and nor do I want to buy another hub to connect it too. I thought it would be easy but I’m find it difficult to work out what sort of switch replacement to buy that doesn’t require a the one by the door to be replaced too.
So does anyone know of the right switch to place in the new bed position and what kind of remote switching system I should buy to wire into one of the existing wires or switch boxes that will work together and doesn’t need new hubs or an iPhone to work?

Mr White
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Re: Replace 2 way switch with remote/smart switch

by Mr White » Sun Oct 31, 2021 9:14 pm

If you had a smart switch that has an app/controlled by "Alexa/google" you would not need two switches, since you could do it by voice/the app.

What you currently have is two mechanical switches. A mechanical switch will always override the smart switch. (So you can not mix and match.)

Most smart switches require a neutral to work, 2 way switching (What you have now) does not require a neutral.

There are several "Non smart remote switches" available but they require you to take the light down in order to install a receiver as this requires a neutral.

Both of the above are in the region of £100 to do what you want. Extending the cable is less than £10 if you DIY

ericmark
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Re: Replace 2 way switch with remote/smart switch

by ericmark » Sat Nov 06, 2021 9:49 pm

There are ways to mix and match. A relay like this [attachment=0]DSC_6061.jpg[/attachment] allows both the switches and an app to control the light. It is on my to do list for landing light, however not really a DIY job.

However the "Smart" bulb is an easy way around the problem, until the lamp with that relay is installed, need a ladder which I don't have, I am using a smart bulb, there are options to use remote controls, I am using simple time.
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DSC_6061.jpg

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