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Jymbob

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Me again, with another question which I fear will become more common as Smart Home technology becomes more popular.

Lighting isolation: is it a requirement to have a switch which breaks the live circuit close to the light?

Background: I've got some smart bulbs which I can turn 'on' and 'off' using various apps or controllers, but only if there's actually power to the bulb (obviously). I'm hoping to replace the wall switches with 'smart' switches which communicate with the bulb, but don't actually physically interrupt the power supply. To do this, the plan is to wire the bulb to permanent live.

From what I'm reading, to comply with 237.3.2.4 I need to make sure the means of isolation is clearly identified, so my intention is to print a small label to place on the light fitting saying something like: "CAUTION: live circuit - isolate at consumer board before maintenance"

I'm not an electrician, so I don't pretend to know the ins and outs of the regs. What I'm really asking is:

1. Is there anything which prevents me from doing this?
2. If you, as an electrician, came across this, would you be okay with it, or would it end up back on here in a "Look at this idiot" post? :tonguewink:
 
From a user of smart bulbs / switches I can assure you that you will have many occasions to reboot your bulbs and being able to switch off the power is actually a bloody good thing to do!

For switches you don’t want family members turning off by mistake, get an electrician to swap for key operated ones....as stated, removing the ability to turn off would be self defeating.
 
General light switches manufactured to EN60669-1 are not deemed isolation devices they are merely functional devices. There is no requirements to provide a lighting circuit with isolation.
 
DJ-OG - noted. Mine tend to be fairly reliable, but I should definitely factor in ease of reset.
Thanks Westy, that was what I thought, but good to have confirmation.
 
From a user of smart bulbs / switches I can assure you that you will have many occasions to reboot your bulbs and being able to switch off the power is actually a bloody good thing to do!

For switches you don’t want family members turning off by mistake, get an electrician to swap for key operated ones....as stated, removing the ability to turn off would be self defeating.
It should be noted key switches also fall under EN60699-1 and are merely functional and not isolating.
 
Whilst I believe that there is no requirement for functional switches, you need to consider what happens when things don't go to plan.

We have some philips hue.... So the remote is in a cupboard and the switches remain.... And if the rf fails, the switch can switch the lights on and off as usual
 

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