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Following my review of the Aqara Camera Hub G2H, I have been checking out the Aqara M2 Smart Hub and the new Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1.
The Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 model I have used is the no neutral, double rocker EU variant. It is exactly the same as the standard H1, but as you can guess, there is no need for a neutral wire which means it should work in most UK homes even if you have older wiring.
This is just an on/off switch with no dimming. You can remap the buttons to control other automations if you require.
See Also: The best Z-Wave & Smart Home Switches & Buttons
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 (No Neutral, Double Rocker),... |
£38.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 Light Switch Depth
Even though this should work in most UK homes, there is a good chance the back box of your light switch won’t be deep enough. This is a problem that has plagued me every time I have tried out smart light switches.
The standard depth for a UK back box is 35mm. The Aqara switch has dimensions of 85.8mm × 86mm × 37.55 mm. So you will need a deep back box.
When I had my kitchen renovated, I had deep back boxes put in for this exact reason. However, even with this I struggled to squeeze it in due to the two-way cables filling up some of the space so I had to use a gang spacer plate to add a bit more depth. It is not the most elegant of solutions, so I will likely need to get an electrician in to sort it out properly at some point.
Installation & Set Up
I am certainly not an expert with DIY, and doing anything with electrical wiring is always a bit daunting, but it is quite easy.
With all the lights switched off at the mains, it is just a case of unscrewing your existing switch and swapping things over. Just to be safe, I always take a photo of the existing wiring and also double-check the wiring colours online.
You will need to detach the front plate of the Aqara, so you expose the mounting holes for the screws.
Once screwed in, you can just clip on the front plate again. With the physical installation done, the light switch will as a standalone unit, so I checked that the light was working for each gang before I screwed everything in and set up the system.
From the Aqara app, you will follow the standard set-up. Select the accessory you want to add and follow the instructions, this includes holding down the switch for 5 seconds until the blue light starts flashing. With set-up mode activated, the hub identified it extremely quickly. I have been quite impressed by how quickly things get detected and activated with Aqara.
A temporary solution with a back box spacer
Remapping Buttons
It is possible to disable the light switching capabilities of the buttons and remap them to something else. I assume this will work if you only have one gang of lights wired but then use the double rocker switch with the unwired button automating something else.
Within the app, you can go into the switch settings and change to a wireless switch. Then remap the button press to whatever you want.
Page 2 has the automation features, price and alternative options and my final thoughts.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
