How to make an led lighting track smart switchable?

[schroeds]

Hi I have a track with 6 lights on it with a conventional wall switch with dimmer. I'd like to add voice activation (I use Google Home). 

Rather than buying 6 new smart LED lights, it would seem much cheaper to simply replace the wall switch with a smart switch.

Is my thinking correct? Anything I should be aware of? Can anybody recommend a suitable product?

Many thanks, hive mind

[EricL]

Hello @schroeds 

My apologies for misunderstanding your question. Your plan sounds very practical and the only thing you would need to add are the smart switches. I propose looking at the DETA Grid Connect Smart Inline Switch which has a good customer review rating. The suggestion of using smart bulbs would definitely simplify the operation of your lights.

Please note that you'll need to engage the services of an electrician to connect the inline switches for safety and compliance. 

Let me call on our experienced member @CSParnell for his recommendation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[MitchellMc]

Hi @schroeds,

You're absolutely right that rather than replacing all six lights with smart bulbs, a more cost-effective and streamlined solution could be to replace the wall switch itself with a smart switch. Our smart devices use the Gridconnect system, and you could consider the Deta White Gloss Grid Connect Smart Single Gang Touch Light Switch or the DETA Grid Connect Smart Inline Switch. Both these devices are compatible with Google Home.

Note that you'll need to employ the services of an electrician to install the switches.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[CSParnell · Accepted solution]

@schroeds @EricL @MitchellMc ,

Hey mate just way up the cost of smart LED bulbs be it MR16 or GU10 vs a smart wall switch + electricitian coming out to install it. 

The only thing is if you swap to the LED globes then the wall dimmer can't be used, dimming will have to be one via the app. 

I run GU10 smart globes in certain areas of my house and I love the ability to have them at cool white during the day and warm white and dimmed at night. I run my hallway lights this way with a motion detector and I have it automatically set to chance colour and dimmed states based on time of day. 

[R4addZ]

Hi All @schroeds  @CSParnell  @MitchellMc  @EricL 

The issue with a smart switch is a bit more complicated than just getting an electrician in. The smart switch requires a neutral conductor and depending on where and when your house was built they may not be in there. I have a friend who built just 2 years ago in Perth and there are no neutrals to the swiches. This means that if you want a smart switch and it is on an internal wall (unless there are conduits ,which are seldom installed) the wall would have to be chased out to install the required wiring and this also involves redecorating after it is patched up.

I would go with the smart LEDs.

Just on a side note, as an apprentice, I had it drilled into me that a bulb is something you plant, a globe is a map of the world they were incandescent lamps and now they are just LEDs.

[schroeds]

Thanks good point about including cost of a sparkie, but was hoping to self-install .. the products I mention in my reply to R4addZ's look easy enough

[schroeds]

@R4addZ  Lol I tend to say bulb coz originally English!

Built in about 1980 so might not have a neutral. Def don't want to chase out and rewire! But maybe this would work, says it doesn't need a newtral! https://www.ozsmartthings.com.au/products/zigbee-single-light-switch-black-1

OR this might be the go, what do you think? Installed behind the existing switch, I'll simply control it remotely

https://www.bunnings.com.au/deta-grid-connect-smart-inline-switch_p0098816

[MitchellMc]

Hi @schroeds,

I just wanted to point out that, despite the correct cables being available, installing or modifying an electrical light switch must be completed by a licensed electrician. That goes for the inline switch as well. It's not something you can do yourself.

Mitchell

[R4addZ]

Hi @schroeds & @MitchellMc 

Have to agree with MitchelMc, the law in Australia prohibits non licensed/registered people from carrying out virtually any electrical work including telephone and data cabling. That said the Deta option would probably be best as you wouldn't have one odd looking switch in the house. just remember that it doesn't need to be near the switch, it just has to be within range of the wifi. also a cheaper alternative would be this (but having never used one, I can't endorse it in any way). 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/135693110995?_skw=wifi+relay+for+240vac&itmmeta=01K8PQSHTXDWP76QRB1TFVGC...

Keep the switch for isolating power to the circuit in case there is ever a problem with the wifi.