Aeotec Illumino Dimmer Switch

AC voltage range that the relay can safely switch.

AC voltage rating ensures compatibility with your home's electrical system voltage.

Incandescent bulbs, heating devices

Maximum power handling for resistive loads like heaters and incandescent bulbs.

Resistive load rating determines what heating devices and traditional bulbs can be safely controlled.

Maximum current handling for resistive electrical loads.

Current rating for resistive loads ensures safe operation with high-power heating devices.

LED light drivers, transformers, fans, refrigerators, air-conditioners

Maximum power handling for inductive loads like motors and transformers.

Inductive load rating determines what motors, fans, and transformers can be safely controlled.

Maximum current handling for inductive electrical loads.

Current rating for inductive loads ensures safe operation with motors and magnetic devices.

Capacitor banks, electronic equipment, motor start capacitors

Maximum power handling for capacitive loads like LED drivers and electronic ballasts.

Capacitive load rating determines what LED lights and electronic devices can be safely controlled.

Maximum current handling for capacitive electrical loads.

Current rating for capacitive loads ensures safe operation with LED drivers and electronic equipment.

Whether the installation requires a neutral wire connection.

Neutral wire requirement affects installation complexity and compatibility with existing wiring.

The lowest total power of the lamps the device needs to work without a neutral wire, because it powers itself through them.

Below it, LED lamps can flicker or glow when off, and a bypass next to the lamp is needed. A device that needs a neutral has no minimum.

When the relay detects a high temeprature, it automatically turns off the power to the appliances instantly.

When the relay detects a high voltage, it automatically turns off the power to the appliances instantly.

When the relay detects a high current, it automatically turns off the power to the appliances instantly.

When the relay detects a high power, it automatically turns off the power to the appliances instantly.

Range: The 2.4 GHz band offers a longer range, meaning it can cover larger areas and penetrate solid objects like walls more effectively than 5 GHz.

Speed: Generally, 2.4 GHz provides slower speeds compared to 5 GHz due to a lower maximum data rate.

Interference: More prone to interference since many other devices (like cordless phones, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices) operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency, leading to potential congestion and slower network performance.

Range: Offers a shorter range compared to 2.4 GHz and may have difficulty penetrating walls and other obstacles.

Speed: Typically provides faster speeds and higher data rates due to more available bandwidth.

Interference: Less prone to interference as fewer devices operate on this frequency, leading to a more stable connection.

Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology used for exchanging data over short distances.

Bluetooth enables devices to communicate wirelessly within a short range, typically up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) for most consumer devices.

Z-Wave is known for its low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered devices. It supports a mesh networking topology, allowing devices to communicate with each other directly or through intermediary nodes, thus extending the overall network range and enhancing reliability. The protocol supports data rates of up to 100 kbps, suitable for transmitting control commands and sensor data.

Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol designed for low-power, short-range applications, commonly used in smart home devices, industrial automation, and other areas requiring reliable, low-data rate communication. It features low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-operated devices, and supports short-range communication, typically up to 100 meters. Zigbee employs mesh networking, allowing devices to relay data through each other to extend range and improve reliability. It supports data rates up to 250 kbps, suitable for small data packets, and ensures interoperability among devices from different manufacturers if they conform to Zigbee standards. Security is robust, with AES-128 encryption for data protection.

Zigbee devices need a Zigbee-compatible hub to connect and communicate with other devices in your smart home setup.

Thread is a wireless communication protocol designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, providing secure, reliable, and scalable networking. Unlike some other protocols, Thread is IP-based, which means it can seamlessly integrate with existing internet infrastructure. It operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and uses mesh networking to enhance reliability and extend range by allowing devices to relay data through each other.

Thread is optimized for low power consumption, making it suitable for battery-operated devices. It supports low-latency communication, which is crucial for real-time applications like home automation and security systems. The protocol ensures high security with AES-128 encryption and end-to-end security at the network layer. Thread also supports over-the-air updates, ensuring devices can stay up to date with the latest features and security patches.

Thread-enabled devices require a Thread Border Router (such as certain smart home hubs or routers) to connect to your home network and other Thread devices.

Google Home serves as a central hub for a variety of smart devices, including lights, thermostats, cameras, and speakers. It leverages Google Assistant for voice control, enabling users to manage their smart home with simple commands.

Amazon Alexa is one of the most widely used smart home systems, known for its compatibility with a vast array of devices. Users can control everything from smart lights to appliances using voice commands through Echo devices.

Apple HomeKit is designed for users in the Apple ecosystem, providing a seamless way to control compatible smart devices through iOS devices using the Home app or Siri. It emphasizes security and user privacy.

SmartThings is a flexible platform that connects a wide range of devices from different brands, offering a unified interface for control. It supports various communication protocols, allowing for extensive device compatibility.

Home Assistant is an open-source platform that allows for extensive customization and integration of a wide variety of smart devices. It supports a multitude of protocols and brands, making it ideal for tech-savvy users.

Matter is a unified, open-source connectivity protocol designed to standardize and simplify communication between smart home devices from different manufacturers. Developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly the Zigbee Alliance), Matter aims to improve interoperability, security, and reliability across various smart home ecosystems.

Matter operates over existing networking technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Thread, providing flexibility in device connectivity. Its IP-based nature allows seamless integration with existing internet infrastructure and cloud services. Matter uses a mesh networking topology, particularly when operating over Thread, to enhance range and reliability by allowing devices to relay data through each other.

Security is a cornerstone of Matter, with end-to-end encryption and secure device onboarding processes ensuring robust protection for data and privacy. Matter also supports over-the-air updates, allowing devices to stay current with the latest features and security enhancements.

Number of independent switches or circuits controlled.

Multiple switches allow control of different lights or devices from a single smart switch unit.

The switch can dim the light it controls instead of only turning it on and off.

Dimming needs dimmable bulbs: a non-dimmable LED on a dimmer can flicker, buzz or fail.

The maker supports controlling the same light from two or more places (a 3-way or 4-way circuit in North America, called 2-way or intermediate switching in the UK and Europe).

Some switches work with the existing mechanical switch at the other end; others need the maker's companion switch or a wireless remote there. Linking two smart switches with an app automation does not count.

The switch is made to control a ceiling fan: its speeds, or its light and its motor from the same switch.

A regular light switch or dimmer must not be used on a fan motor: dimming a motor can damage it.

How the switch is operated at the wall: a Decora paddle (the wide rectangular paddle that fits a standard Decora wall plate in North America), rocker keys, a toggle, touch keys, a touchscreen or a rotary knob.

A Decora paddle matches the plates already common in US homes; touch panels come with their own glass front.

Real-time tracking of power consumption by connected devices.

Energy monitoring helps you understand power usage, reduce electricity bills, and identify inefficient appliances.

Support to configure whether you want the switch to turn on or off automatically after a power outage.

In a wall switch with wireless switch mode, you integrate wireless functionality into a wall-mounted switch, allowing control without direct wiring between the switch and the device it controls.

Indicator light showing the device's current operational status.

Status LEDs provide visual confirmation of device state and network connectivity.

Ability to customize or disable status indicator lighting.

LED adjustment allows you to reduce light pollution in bedrooms while maintaining functionality.

The ability to create automated actions based on sensor readings or schedules.

Automations can trigger other smart devices, send notifications, or adjust settings without manual intervention.

It keeps working, and can be controlled from inside your own network, when the internet is down: over Zigbee, Z-Wave or Thread through a local hub, a native Matter or HomeKit connection, a documented local API or an official local integration.

A product without local control stops answering during an internet outage and depends on the maker's servers staying online.