We can list two major advantages for choosing DIY Smart Switches.
Overview
In the first chapter we’ll start with lighting. This is often the area that raises the most questions because of the many options available. We’ll take a close, practical look at which products to use in each situation and explain why those choices make sense — so you can design and implement lighting that works for your home.
DIY Smart Switches or Wall Smart Switches?
To help answer this, we’ll start by defining what a DIY Smart Switch is and in which situations it should be used.
We’ll then do the same for Wall Smart Switches, so you’ll know exactly when and why to choose each option.
DIY Smart Switches
Are small smart modules used to turn a retrofit switch into a smart switch.
How does it work in practice? It’s quite simple: just remove the wall switch, place the module inside following the wiring diagram, and connect the retrofit switch to the module. This way, you’ll be able to control the lighting circuit through Alexa, Google, and the eWeLink app.
These small SONOFF modules are available in different technologies such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Matter and be classified as Single Relay and Dual Relay.
Single Relay
Is a smart module that has one switch inside the device. It controls just one electrical circuit, turning a light or device on and off. This type of relay is perfect when you only need to control a single light or appliance from one point. It’s easy to install and works well for simple smart home setups. The choice of module will largely depend on the user’s preferred technology.
| Communication Technologies | Product designation | |
| WI-FI | |
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| ZIGBEE | |
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| Matter Over WI-FI | |
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Dual Relay
Is a smart module that has two separate switches inside one device. Each switch can turn on or off a different electrical circuit independently. This means one Dual Relay can control two lights or devices at the same time, using just one module. It’s useful when you have double switches or want to control two things from the same place, making installation simpler and saving space.
| Communication Technologies | Product designation | |
| WI-FI | SONOFF DUALR3 | |
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Why choose the DIY Smart Switches?
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Lower cost compared to fully finished smart switches
Since they come without a casing, DIY Smart Switches cost less, allowing you to automate more points in the house with the same budget. -
Reuse of existing switches
They can be installed behind traditional switches, avoiding the need to replace the entire unit and saving money on new faceplates or renovation labor. - More affordable for 2-way installation scenarios
It’s common to find 2-way electrical installations in our homes. This setup is typically used in hallways or staircases, where you often have one switch at the beginning and another at the end, both controlling the same light.
With DIY Smart Switch–based automation, you only need to install one of these modules to automate the circuit, making the entire installation much more cost-effective.
Using this type of product is very common in homes with existing traditional switches, as it’s a simple way to turn a regular switch into a smart one without the need for a complete electrical overhaul.
Smart Wall Switches
On the other hand, we have smart switches that completely replace traditional ones.
These products are generally sought after by those looking to replace all the switches in their home, or by people building a new house who choose to install this type of smart switch from the start.
Like DIY Smart modules, smart switches are available in different technologies (Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Matter) and various configurations—one, two, or three buttons—with or without a mandatory neutral wire for installation.
At the moment, Smart Wall Switches are divided according to their communication technology.
| Communication Technologies | Product designation | |
| WI-FI | |
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| TX Ultimate Switch Series | |
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| ZIGBEE | ZBM5 Zigbee Smart Switch Series | |
| Fusion Series—Orb-ZBW1L | |
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| Matter Over WI-FI | |
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Practical use case
Now that we understand the advantages of DIY Smart Switches versus Smart Wall Switches, it’s time to choose the best option for our example home.
For this example, we’ll go with DIY Smart Switches, assuming that the house already has retrofit switches installed and we want to keep them.
The next step is to choose the products for each situation. So, for this example, we will choose to use as many Zigbee products as possible to explain some concepts of this smart home protocol.
Requirement: Use a zigbee Gateway. There's several options that SONOFF has to offer. You can choose the SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Pro for create and add zigbee devices, or you can choose more advanced gateways with more features. Because in this scenario we want use the SONOFF devices in other platforms, like Apple Homekit or SmartThings through Matter-Bridge, we'll opt for the SONOFF Bridge Ultra.
You can learn more about the zigbee protocol on the previous chapter.
For this scenario we will use as an example the following rooms: Entry, Bathroom and bedroom.
Use Case A: Installation with DIY Smart Switches
Gateway
| Product Designation | |
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Zigbee Bridge Ultra |
Entry
For the entrance, let’s assume there are two single-pole switches: one next to the entrance door and another at the kitchen entrance.
These two switches are connected in a 2-way installation and, therefore, both control the same entrance light.
For this scenario, and since we want to use as many Zigbee devices as possible, we’ll choose the SONOFF ZBMINIR2. This is a Zigbee module designed to control a single-pole switch. Since we won’t be replacing the traditional switches, it only needs to be connected to the switch closest to the light.
| Product Designation | |
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SONOFF ZBMINIR2 |
Bathroom
For the bathroom, let’s assume there is only a single-pole traditional switch at the entrance. However, this box has no neutral wire. Therefore, in this case, we’ll use the SONOFF MINI-L2. This module is designed to control single-pole switches with a maximum load of 8A. Since it doesn’t use a neutral wire, the minimum load connected to it must be at least 3W.
| Product Designation | |
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SONOFF ZBMINI-L2 |
Bedroom
For the bedroom, let’s assume the following setup: a double switch at the entrance, which has two wires to control each of the lighting circuits. In addition, there are two more switches next to the bed. All these switches control the same lighting circuits, meaning this is essentially a 3-way installation.
Since we are using DIY modules, we only need to install the module in the switch that is connected directly to the lamp wires — in this case, the entrance switch.
For dual circuits, we will install the SONOFF DUAL R3.
This is a Wi-Fi device, so it is not paired with the gateway but instead connects directly to the internet router.
| Product Designation | |
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SONOFF DUAL-R3 |
Use Case B: Installation with Smart Wall Switches
In Use Case B, let’s assume the user wants to completely replace the traditional switches with smart switches. Since the user is aiming for a more modern look, they opted for smart switches while keeping everything, as much as possible, within the Zigbee protocol.
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Note Unlike DIY switches, which only require a single module in two-way or three-way installations, when using smart wall switches it is necessary to replace all of the switches in the circuit. |
Since we are keeping the Zigbee protocol, just like in Use Case A, we will also keep the SONOFF Bridge Ultra gateway.
Gateway
| Product Designation | |
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Zigbee Bridge Ultra |
Entry
At the entrance, we had assumed there are two switches: one by the door and another near the kitchen entrance. In this case, since we are using Smart Wall Switches, we will need two smart switches, and the switching will be handled virtually.
For this scenario, we will use the ZBM5 Switches. This series is particularly interesting because it offers models with one, two, or three buttons, available in 80W, 86W and 120W formats. In addition, there is also a model that can be installed without requiring a neutral wire.
| Product Designation | |
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SONOFF ZBM5 Series |
Bathroom
For the bathroom, let’s assume there is only a single-pole traditional switch at the entrance. However, this box has no neutral wire. This ZBM5 switch model allows installation without a neutral wire, making it a perfect fit for this scenario. For the bathroom, we will only need a single-button switch, and we will opt for the no-neutral installation, since there is no neutral wire available on site.
| Product Designation | |
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SONOFF ZBM5 Series |
Bedroom
For the bedroom, let’s assume the following setup: a double switch at the entrance, which has two wires to control each of the lighting circuits. In addition, there are two more switches next to the bed. All these switches control the same lighting circuits, meaning this is essentially a 3-way installation.
However, since we are using smart switches, unlike Use Case A, we need to replace all the traditional switches with these smart ones.
For the bedroom, we will need three two-button switches (ZBM5-2). The switching between them will be handled virtually.
| Product Designation | |
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SONOFF ZBM5 Series |
Conclusion
As we can see, setting up a smart lighting system at home is not complex. The first step is always to decide whether to go with DIY modules or smart switches.
Both options have their advantages, and it ultimately depends on the user’s preference. If you want to keep your traditional switches, DIY modules are an excellent solution and usually more cost-effective. On the other hand, if you prefer simplicity and a modern design, then a smart switch makes perfect sense.