These smart switches work as regular mechanical wall switches and can also be controlled with a Zigbee-enabled smart home hub.
Upgrading your wall switches to smart switches means you can still engage muscle memory and poke at the physical buttons like you're used to. However, they also make it possible to control your lights using an app, hook them up to your voice assistant and even set up automations to turn them on and off automatically.
You'll need a Zigbee gateway present on your home network to access the smart features of these switches. This could be an iHost or Zigbee Bridge if you want to control them using Sonoff's eWeLink app. Alternatively you could connect them up to a Raspberry Pi running Home Assistant (or a Home Assistant Green), equipped with a Zigbee dongle.
This product is designed to be wired into a 86 type or EU switch box and comes in 1 to 3 gang configurations. It will work with and without neutral wiring (though note that there are some limitations when working with no-neutral mode).
Note: This product requires mains wiring. Please ensure you have the skills and knowledge to install it safely or consult a qualified electrician!
Features
- Voice Control: Hook up Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri (via the eWeLink app) for hands-free operation
- Remote Access: Control your lighting remotely via app, allowing for scheduling and automation.
- Works with Home Assistant - Integrates smoothly with third-party open-source platforms via compatible Zigbee dongles.
- Detach Relay Mode - Remotely control your smart devices even when the physical switch is turned off (requires neutral wiring).
- Multi-Gang Options: Available in 1 to 3-gang configurations to suit various installation needs.
Tech Specs
| Model | ZBM5-1C-86W/ZBM5-2C-86W/ZBM5-3C-86W |
| MCU | EFR32MG22 |
| Rating | 1C: 100-240V~50/60Hz 10A Max Resistive load 2C: 100-240V~50/60Hz 10A/gang,Total 10A Max Resistive load 3C: 100-240V~50/60Hz 10A/gang,Total 10A Max Resistive load |
| LED load | 1C: 400W@240V, 200W@100V 2C: 400W@240V/gang, 200W@100V/gang, Total400W@240V, 200W@100V 3C: 400W@240V/gang, 200W@100V/gang, Total400W@240V, 200W@100V |
| Min. load | 3W (in No Neutral Mode) |
| Connectivity | Zigbee 3.0 |
| Dimensions | 87x87x40.2mm(86 Type) |
No Neutral Mode
If you're using these switches in 'No Neutral Mode' note that it's only possible to use them as a Zigbee end device, there's a minimum load of 3W and smart light bulbs are not supported.
Resources
Check out the Sonoff knowledge centre for technical details, compatibility, troubleshooting and setup tips.
What Is Zigbee?
Zigbee is a wireless standard enabling low-power, secure connections between smart devices. Widely used in home automation for devices like thermostats, sensors, and locks, its energy efficiency allows some devices to run for years on a single coin cell battery.
The key advantage of Zigbee is its local operation – no cloud subscriptions or internet connections are required. Everything stays within your home, ensuring high security and resilience against internet outages.
Leading brands such as IKEA, Philips Hue, Tuya, and Sonoff offer Zigbee-supported devices. This means you can combine products from different manufacturers into one system, ensuring you’re not locked into a single vendor – brilliant!
With an indoor range of 10–100 metres and extended outdoor coverage, Zigbee’s mesh networking ensures reliable communication, even if some devices go offline. Its robust security features, including encryption and key protection, safeguard your smart home and keep it under your control.
Learn more about Zigbee on the official Zigbee website.