The smart Wi-Fi switches and relays you need for your connected home

Smart plugs and switches are home automation solutions that have made our lives easier. However, its functionality sometimes falls short since they only allow wireless control of a point of light. The solution to this limitation is offered by WiFi switches and relays, since they allow the same device to be controlled from different points.

These smart switches and relays are compatible with conventional switches and electrical installations. They take less than 5 minutes to install even if you don't have great electrical knowledge and are easily controlled through a simple mobile app or even a smart speaker equipped with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. Here we want to tell you exactly what they are and what they are for and what are the most interesting options on the market.

What is a Smart Switch or Relay

Both relays and smart switches are devices similar to a switch. In fact, when they close they let the electric current pass and when they open they cut it off or direct it to another place. The difference is that, while the switches must be used directly by the user's hand, the relays and contactors, as they are also called, operate automatically commanded by an electrical voltage.

Generally, relays are used in circuits whose loads are made up of small powers. On the other hand, when we talk about circuits that have to withstand high values ​​of power, voltage and intensity, a switch is necessary. The difference is practically negligible except in use.

When you see the “smart” label behind a relay or switch, what it really means is that it offers WiFi connectivity. That is, you can connect it to your home's wireless home Internet network. By doing so, you can regulate its operation through a smartphone, tablet or even a smart speaker equipped with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant or any other voice assistant.

What a switch is for

An electrical switch that is intelligent or not is a device that allows you to change the route that the electrical current follows. It is not limited to interrupting its path as a switch does, since it offers two or more paths for the electrons to circulate.

An electrical switch allows you to change the path that electrical current follows

The clearest example of how a switch works is offered by your own car. In the initial position, the switch does not allow electric current to pass to the headlights. When you flick the lever once, it lets it go all the way to the position lights. When he hits it again, he directs it to the crossroads and, later, to the "long" and anti-fog. If you enter reverse gear from the gear lever, brake or press the emergency lights, it will be responsible for taking the electrons to the relevant bulbs.

Inside the home, the switches offer the possibility, for example, of controlling a point of light from two ways. In fact, surely in your own home there is a light bulb that can be turned on and off from two different switches. That is possible because there is a switch that allows it.

Best Smart Switches and Relays

Choosing a smart switch or relay is not easy. The fundamental reason is that the decision depends on the electrical installation of your house and your needs. In any case, a SONOFF T0EU2C wall light switch can be very useful. It has a modern and elegant design, connects to the WiFi network easily and is controlled through a simple mobile application (eWeLink App) for iOS and Android. In addition, it allows you to program its operation and can be activated by voice thanks to the fact that it is compatible with Amazon Alexa and with all of the brand's smart speakers.

This possibility of voice control is also offered by the WiFi switch with Alexa LoraTap, which is also compatible with Google Home (Google Assistant) and with any conventional switch. A good alternative is offered by the SwitchBot smart switch. It requires no wiring and can be added to a SwitchBot Hub. Therefore, it is very easy to install. It has a replaceable battery that offers almost 2 years of autonomy.

For its part, this WiFi switch stands out for its simple and compact design. In fact, it fits in any box in the installation and supports 16 A and maximum 300 W bulbs. It is energy class A+++ and allows lamps and electrical appliances to be converted into smart home automation devices in a matter of minutes.

Two other good options are offered by this LoraTap Dual smart switch and this eMylo wireless relay switch module. The first allows you to control two 5A channels through your mobile phone or Alexa or Google Assistant virtual assistants and is very easy to install. The second, in addition to these same functions, also allows you to program the operation of the bulbs and devices in certain time slots through the Smart Life app.

Now we come to another interesting WiFi switch relay module. It stands out, mainly, for its small and compact size (4.8 x 3.8 x 0.7 inches). But it is also compatible with rocker switches. Similar features are offered by the Nivian NVS-SMARTSWITCH-W smart relay. With it you will be able to save energy, protect the environment and control your lights and devices wherever you are, even if it is away from home and thousands of kilometers away.

An Aqara T1 smart control center will give you many more possibilities. It uses the Zigbee 3.0 wireless communication protocol and is fully multifunctional. It has CE and RoHS quality certificates, can work with HomeKit technology by combining it with an Aqara concentrator and allows you to create fully automated spaces within the home.

But, if what you need is a switch that allows you to get several network cable Internet connections through a single one, take a look at this TP Link LS1005G Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch. It offers a total of 5 ports capable of supporting speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and is compatible with computers, web cameras, printers and even IPTV devices such as Android TV. Although, if those 5 connections are not enough for you, this Tenda TEF1109P-8-63W 9-port desktop switch will come in handy, which includes 9.

In short, smart switches and relays, thanks to their WiFi connectivity, will help you enjoy a more comfortable and efficient home. Thanks to them, you will be able to control lamps, household appliances and any other electrical device through your mobile phone with a simple app. Home automation advances for all audiences and pockets.