A key benefit of smart switches is the additional convenience they can provide through features such as scheduled operation, remote control and automations.
The Grid Connect automation works on an “If this, then that” principle; when a selected condition occurs, it automatically performs the action you have set.
In this example, use automations to achieve a multi-way switching function, allowing the same light to be controlled from two Grid Connect smart switches. The same concept can also be extended to more than two switches.
In this setup, only one Grid Connect smart switch is physically connected to the light/load. The additional smart switches are powered but do not have a load connected. Instead of using traditional strapper wires between the switches, the switches communicate wirelessly through automations.
To achieve this setup, two automations are required:
- one automation to turn all linked switches ON when any switch in the setup is turned on; and
- one automation to turn all linked switches OFF when any switch in the setup is turned off.
This keeps the switch states synchronised, while the smart switch physically connected to the light/load controls the actual light.
Set up the ON automation
- Tap the + icon in the top-right corner of the Grid Connect app and select Create Scene.
- Select When device status changes.
- Select Multiple devices.
- Select When power changes.
- Select all smart switches included in the multi-way setup and set the status to ON. This completes the If condition.
- Under Then, tap the + icon and select Control a device.
- Select Multiple devices.
- Select Set Power and choose ON.
- Select all devices included in the multi-way setup. These should match the devices selected in the If condition.
- Save the automation.
Set up the OFF automation
Repeat the same process to create a second automation, but set:
- If: when power changes to OFF
- Then: set power to OFF for all switches included in the multi-way setup.
If required, you can also add a Precondition so the automation only operates under specific conditions or during selected times.
For more information about Grid Connect automations, refer to the separate How to Automate Your Devices guide.
