Having failed to read the warning regarding neutral wires, my attempt at using a Sonoff T1 Smart Switch to control my porch light went down in flames. My plan B was to try using a Sonoff Basic WiFi Smart Switch to perform the same job. My plan to put the relay between the ceiling rose and the bulb holder. It wouldn’t be pretty, but the aim was to test utility before spending £££ on proper smart switches etc.
As you can see, my porch light is pretty standard.
First step, I turned off the power at the fuse box. Can’t stress this one enough. Don’t go near any mains electricity until you’ve isolated the power. Don’t just turn off the light switch!! I gathered all the parts and tools I’d need.
I then disconnected the light bulb holder, removing the little red plastic thing and the curved lid.
Using a short piece of flex, I connected the Smart Switch directly to the light bulb holder.
Next, I connected the Smart Switch to the cable hanging from the ceiling!
As it was hanging a bit low in the porch now, I created a loop and used two tie-wraps to hold it in place.
As it was all hooked up, I turned the power back on. Nothing started to smoke, so I knew I’d gotten that part done okay. The green light appeared on the relay and I started the pairing process. This involved holding down a black switch on the relay for a few seconds until the green light started flashing quickly.
I then launched the EWeLink app and hit the Add Device button. The process is straight forward. When you push the button down on the device, it creates its own WiFi network. You then connect to that WiFi network, enter details of your own WiFi network (SSID and password) and it then connects itself to your EWe account.
Following the instructions, I found the Smart Switch’s WiFi point and connected.
Once connected, the pairing process starts.
After a few seconds, you’ll be able to control the device! I tapped on the power and, eh voila, the light came on.
Job done!
Tomas McGuinness 