Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU Evaluate

Aqara has just lately launched a number of new merchandise for the EU/UK, together with the excellent Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus EU and the spectacular however restricted Touchscreen Dial V1.

The Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU I’m reviewing as we speak is way much less thrilling than my earlier two critiques, however in some regards, it’s the finest product from this current launch.

Whereas it could seem to be a boring sensible gentle change in comparison with the others, it’s precisely what individuals need from Aqara. A comparatively inexpensive sensible change with common compatibility.

This may work in houses that don’t have any impartial wire, which is the usual wiring for older houses within the UK, or you possibly can optionally use the impartial for higher efficiency and added energy monitoring options.

You possibly can then use this with the Thread, integrating it instantly into third-party methods or with the Aqara M3 hub. Alternatively, you possibly can change to Zigbee and combine it with any Aqara hub, benefiting from further options.

Lastly, because of Matter, you possibly can then nonetheless combine it with third-party methods akin to Residence Assistant.

Specification

Single Swap (2 Button, 1 Channel)

• Mannequin: WS-K07E
• Buttons: 2 (1 relay change, 1 wi-fi)
• Connectivity: Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth
• Max Load: 8A (resistive)
• Working Voltage: 200-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Minimal Energy: 5W (With out Impartial), Limitless (With Impartial)
• Working Temperature: 0℃~40℃
• Working Humidity: 0~95% RH
• Dimensions: 86x86x45mm
• Value: £41.99 (RRP) / £39.89 (typical retail value)

Double Swap (4 Button, 2 Channel)

• Mannequin: WS-K08E
• Buttons: 4 (2 relay switches, 2 wi-fi)
• Connectivity: Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth
• Max Load: 8A (resistive)
• Working Voltage: 200-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Minimal Energy: 5W (With out Impartial), Limitless (With Impartial)
• Working Temperature: 0℃~40℃
• Working Humidity: 0~95% RH
• Dimensions: 86x86x45mm
• Value: £45 (RRP) / £42.78 (typical retail value)

Options

• Thread&Zigbee Help: The Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU works with each Matter over Thread and Zigbee protocols. The Thread connectivity permits integration with third-party sensible residence manufacturers and merchandise, whereas Zigbee gives entry to all options together with MARS-Tech and LED indicator gentle setup in Aqara Residence when used with an Aqara hub. This twin protocol strategy presents full flexibility for various sensible residence setups.
• Impartial and Non-Impartial 2-in-1: The Gentle Swap H2 EU works with each impartial and no-neutral wiring configurations. This sensible design means you don’t must know your own home’s circuit wiring earlier than buy. Properties with out a impartial wire can nonetheless set up the change with out issues, whereas these with impartial wiring achieve further advantages like overload and overheat safety plus energy monitoring capabilities.
• Energy Consumption Monitoring: With the Gentle Swap H2 EU, you possibly can monitor power utilization to assist handle electrical energy consumption. In houses with impartial wiring, the change robotically generates detailed energy utilization reviews on day by day, weekly and month-to-month bases. For no-neutral installations, you possibly can manually enter load values for primary consumption monitoring, providing you with helpful power administration choices no matter your wiring setup.
• 55 mm Body Help: The Gentle Swap H2 EU is designed to suit all normal System 55 modular change methods (55 mm x 55 mm) and works with common third-party frames akin to Gira System 55 and Merten M. This standardised design ensures broad compatibility throughout European markets, lowering the necessity for customized fittings and making set up easy.
• Overheat and Overload Safety: The Gentle Swap H2 EU consists of built-in security options that constantly monitor temperature and present ranges. If the change detects overheating or electrical overloads, it robotically cuts off the circuit to forestall potential gadget injury. This protecting operate gives an added layer {of electrical} security in your residence.
• Wi-fi Swap Mode: The Gentle Swap H2 EU presents versatile management choices for the decrease button by means of its Wi-fi Swap Mode. Customers can select between Single-Press Mode for fast automation triggers or Multi-Perform Mode which allows single, double, and lengthy press actions for extra management choices. This lets you tailor the change performance to fit your particular automation wants.
• MARS-Tech: When utilizing the change in Zigbee mode with an Aqara hub, you achieve entry to MARS (Multi-load sort Adaptable and Dependable Switching Know-how). This intelligent characteristic ensures that sensible lights connected to the change don’t have their energy utterly minimize when the change is turned off, permitting them to stay on-line and linked to your sensible residence system. This solves one of the vital frequent frustrations with sensible lighting – the issue of sensible bulbs turning into unreachable when somebody turns off the bodily change. With MARS-Tech, your sensible bulbs stay conscious of app and voice instructions even when the change is within the “off” place.

Examples of Automation:

Faux Occupancy in Trip

WHEN Every single day at 19:00; IF No person is at residence, THEN Activate the lounge gentle

Whenever you’re away, this automation prompts your front room lights every night at 19:00, creating the looks that somebody is residence. This straightforward however efficient setup helps deter potential break-ins and gives additional peace of thoughts throughout holidays.

(Gentle Swap H2 EU + Presence Sensor + Digicam E1 + Aqara hub)

Residence Workplace Mode

IF Activate Swap, THEN Activate Ceiling Gentle T1M Primary Gentle and Sensible Plug & Set Air Conditioner to 25°C

With a single button press, you possibly can concurrently flip in your room lighting, energy your laptop by way of the sensible plug, and set your air-con to a snug working temperature. This streamlined strategy helps create a really perfect working atmosphere with minimal effort.

(Gentle Swap H2 EU + Sensible Plug + Ceiling Gentle T1M + Aqara hub)

Vitality Saving Routine

IF No person is at residence, THEN Flip off the sunshine

The system robotically turns off lights when the Movement Sensor detects nobody is current, serving to to cut back pointless electrical energy utilization. This hands-off strategy to power administration works constantly within the background with out requiring guide intervention.

(Gentle Swap H2 EU + Aqara hub + Aqara Movement Sensor P1)

Emergency Lighting Activation

IF the Smoke Detector detects smoke Then Flip ON the hallway lights

Throughout emergencies akin to smoke detection, this automation instantly prompts your hallway lights to enhance visibility, probably making evacuation safer and simpler.

(Gentle Swap H2 EU + Aqara hub + Smoke Detector)

Design

The Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU contains a clear, minimalist design that ought to mix effectively with most residence interiors. The change is available in normal white, which is considerably limiting for these eager to match particular décor schemes or preferring extra distinctive choices.

The gadget has a matte plastic end that feels nice to the contact. The buttons present satisfying tactile suggestions when pressed – not too clicky however with sufficient resistance to really feel substantial. Every button options an LED indicator that reveals its standing.

The faceplate will be simply eliminated by pulling it upwards from one aspect, revealing the mounting screws beneath. I choose this design to the older H1 switches that clip on as I’ve discovered it simpler to mount the change when it sits very near the wall.

This design makes set up easy and gives quick access to the Matter QR code, which is conveniently positioned as a sticker contained in the change.

Behind the change, you’ll discover clearly labelled terminals for wiring, with the impartial marked as “decide” to point it’s optionally available. The general development feels stable and sturdy, suggesting the change ought to stand up to years of day by day use.

Set up

Putting in the Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU requires some primary electrical data, although the method is easy when you’re comfy working with family wiring. When you’re not assured in your talents, it’s at all times finest to seek the advice of a professional electrician.

Earlier than starting set up, make sure you’ve turned off energy to the circuit at your fuse field or shopper unit. Security ought to at all times be your precedence when working with electrical elements.

To put in the change:

1. Take away your present gentle change by unscrewing it from the wall and thoroughly pulling it ahead to show the wiring.
2. Pay attention to how the wires are linked to your present change. Sometimes, you’ll have a reside wire (often brown within the UK) and a wire going to your gentle fixture.
3. Put together the Aqara change by eradicating the button faceplate (they pop off) to disclose the mounting screws.
4. Unscrew these to separate the entrance panel from the again plate that might be wired into your wall.
5. Join the wires to the suitable terminals on the Aqara change:
   • Dwell wire to the “L” terminal
   • Wire going to your gentle to the “L1” terminal (or L1 and L2 for the two-channel model)
   • Impartial wire (if accessible) to the “N” terminal
6. Safe the again plate to the wall field utilizing the offered screws.
7. Reattach the entrance panel and button faceplate.
8. Flip the ability again on on the fuse field.

If the set up is profitable, the change ought to enter pairing mode, indicated by flashing blue LEDs.

The flexibleness to put in with or with out a impartial wire is a big benefit of this change. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that with out a impartial connection, you’ll miss out on a number of options:

• Energy monitoring performance
• Overload safety
• Indicator gentle settings
• The power for the gadget to function as a community router

Set-Up

Initially, I attempted to make use of Matter over Thread to set the change up, however like earlier critiques, I skilled points with pairing the change to my Aqara hubs. The issue is that the hub should be near the gadget throughout the setup course of.

Nonetheless, Aqara states that you just get full performance through the use of this with Zigbee. At first, I didn’t realise the best way to change protocols, however throughout the set-up course of, you displayed a web page highlighting the Thread protocol. I ignored the small hyperlink to change protocols.

After I switched protocols, the app informed me it had failed. Nonetheless, the flashing lights had been a special color, and I used to be capable of pair one of many switches with my Aqara M3 hub and the opposite with the Panel Hub S1 Plus.

Matter Integration with Residence Assistant

With the switches paired up with my Aqara hubs, I used to be capable of combine them simply with Residence Assistant by means of Matter.

You go into the hub settings, choose expose to Matter, copy the code, after which go into the Residence Assistant and add the gadget with the code. Pairing took a number of seconds, and I discover the method a lot simpler than making an attempt so as to add Thread gadgets instantly into Residence Assistant.

The one problem with pairing with Residence Assistant this manner is that you just solely expose two buttons and don’t have entry to issues like a number of presses.

Aqara App and Automations

Configuring Button Capabilities

The highest button(s) of the change management the linked gentle by default, whereas the underside button(s) will be configured as wi-fi sensible buttons for numerous automations.

To configure the underside button:

1. Within the Aqara app, go to “Automations.”
2. Create a brand new automation with the situation “If single button Wi-fi is pressed.”
3. Set the specified motion, akin to toggling one other gentle, opening curtains, or triggering a scene.
4. Save the automation with a descriptive identify.

The underside button helps a number of interplay sorts, together with single press, double press, and lengthy press, every of which may set off totally different automations. This flexibility permits you to management a number of facets of your sensible residence from a single change location. By default, that is in single press mode, it’s good to allow the operate inside the app.

Creating Automations

With the essential capabilities arrange, you possibly can then create automation utilizing numerous triggers, together with:

• Activate
• Flip off
• Is on
• Is off
• Press
• Double Click on
• Press and Maintain

And identical to all different Aqara switches, these triggers can be utilized for any motion, together with triggering any gadget within the Aqara app, a scene, or different automation.

I’m not very ingenious with my automation, however I’ve set it up so the change will change on the bodily corridor gentle but additionally management my Philips Hue lights in my bed room.

Day to Day Efficiency

In day-to-day use, the Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU performs flawlessly. The bodily button response is speedy, with no perceptible delay between urgent the button and the sunshine turning on or off. This responsiveness is essential for consumer expertise, as delays could make sensible switches really feel inferior to conventional ones.

The wi-fi communication is equally responsive when controlling the change by means of the Aqara app or voice instructions. Instructions are executed promptly, with minimal latency that’s usually imperceptible in regular use.

The change’s reliability relies upon considerably in your chosen protocol and the energy of your sensible residence community. In Thread mode, the gadget capabilities as a routing finish gadget, which suggests it may possibly prolong your Thread community if wanted. With a impartial wire linked in Zigbee mode, it may possibly function a Zigbee router, strengthening your mesh community.

Battery-free operation is a big benefit over wi-fi sensible buttons that require periodic battery alternative. Because the H2 EU is hardwired, it’s at all times powered and prepared to answer instructions, eliminating the upkeep related to battery-powered alternate options.

Energy Monitoring and Vitality Administration

One of many standout options of the Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU is its energy monitoring functionality, although that is solely accessible when put in with a impartial wire.

The ability monitoring operate tracks:

• Actual-time energy consumption
• Day by day, weekly, and month-to-month utilization statistics

This information is offered clearly within the Aqara app, providing you with insights into how a lot power your lights are consuming. This data will be precious for figuring out power-hungry fixtures and making knowledgeable choices about power utilization.

Value and Various Choices

The Aqara Gentle Swap H2 comes with both one or two channels and is priced at@

• Aqara Gentle Swap H2 1-channel: £42 RRP – £39.89 on the time of writing
• Aqara Gentle Swap H2 2-channel: £45 RRP – £42.78 on the time of writing

The Aqara web site nonetheless lists the earlier era:

• Aqara Sensible Wall Swap H1 (No Impartial, Double Rocker): £38.99 inc. VAT
• Aqara Sensible Wall Swap H1 (No Impartial, Single Rocker): £35.99 inc. VAT
• Aqara Sensible Wall Swap H1 (With Impartial, Double Rocker): £38.99 inc. VAT
• Aqara Sensible Wall Swap H1 (With Impartial, Single Rocker): £35.99 inc. VAT

Amazon has the no-neutral possibility accessible for barely cheaper.

The Tapo S210 Sensible Gentle Swap is the most cost effective sensible change I’m conscious of, priced at £14 for a single rocker or £16 for a double. It requires a Tapo hub and is a no-neutral change, but it surely makes use of a battery contained in the change. It’s an incredible change for the value, however it’s nowhere close to nearly as good because the Aqara switches.

There are then numerous random rands providing Zigbee switches, together with the Moes two gang no impartial change, which is priced at £28

General

In my view, the Aqara Sensible Wall Swap H1 was already one of the best sensible gentle change available on the market. The H2 mannequin is fractionally dearer however is way superior as a result of considerably improved cross-compatibility.

Moreover, the MARS know-how helps overcome the issue of sensible bulbs turning into unreachable when somebody turns off the bodily change.

When you already personal H1 switches, there’s completely no want to switch them with the H2, however when you’re in search of new sensible switches, then the H2 is the best choice to go for.

General, when you’re in search of new sensible switches, significantly when you’ve got older UK wiring with out impartial wires, the Aqara Gentle Swap H2 EU ought to be on the high of your consideration listing. It’s a well-designed, feature-rich product that solves actual issues whereas including highly effective new capabilities to your sensible residence.

I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Enthusiastic about all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cell, wearables, and sensible residence gadgets.

As a health fanatic who loves working and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits enable me to deliver a singular perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the most recent tech traits.

In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Methods Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior examine additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the know-how curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many high know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with partaking and informative content material.

Final replace on 2025-03-12 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API