Moved into my own house again recently. I would like to get a lot of stuff automated like I had in my previous house.
Unfortunately, theres a lot if old wiring here and most switches have no neutrals in the box.
What is the current best option for smart switches (ideally dimmers) that dont require a neutral wire?
I’d prefer a non-wifi solution that doesnt require a proprietary hub but it seems like there are limited options anyway and I am having trouble finding almost any good options that dont require a neutral.
Anybody using anything they really like?
I have exactly same question, BUT I don’t want to replace a light switch with one that have different look and won’t fit in a frame anyway. And also don’t want to install a bypass on a light bulb.
I my opinion a better option is to install the relay near the bulb. And battery-powered light switch in the box under the original mechanical light switch. That can read a change in mechanical switch and sends a signal to the hub/relay.
Do I have any option? May be even a pcb option, if there’s ready firmware.
Yes, try the Sonoff ZBMINIL2 device, which does exactly what you want. Wire it in the box with your existing switch, then you can control the light with either the switch, or via HA. If you have a neutral wire in the electrical box, there’s also the ZBMINIR2, which has a relay-disconnect feature. In that mode, it provides continuous power to the the bulb, and sends switch-toggle events to HA to trigger an automation to turn the smart bulb on and off.