Decision: Smart Switch Protocol
Date: 2026-05-11
Status: Decided
Decision: Zigbee (Inovelli Blue switches)
Context
Planning IoT lighting for new house. Requirements:
- Work in 3-way configurations with only ONE switch replaced
- Support wireless buttons for remote control
- Prioritize cost savings and upgradeability
- Integrate with self-hosted Home Assistant
Neutral wire is present.
Options Considered
Zigbee — Inovelli Blue Series
Protocol: Zigbee 3.0
Switch Cost: ~$45-50
Coordinator Cost: ~$20-30
Pros:
- Works with existing dumb switch in 3-way config
- Large device ecosystem (sensors, buttons, plugs)
- Cheap wireless buttons ($7-15)
- Direct Zigbee binding (button controls switch without hub)
- Configurable LED notification bar
- Scene/multi-tap support
- Mesh network extends coverage
Cons:
- Higher per-switch cost
- 2.4GHz interference possible (manageable)
Z-Wave — Zooz Switches
Protocol: Z-Wave Plus
Switch Cost: ~$30-35
Coordinator Cost: ~$35-45
Pros:
- Works with existing dumb switch in 3-way config
- Lower per-switch cost
- Dedicated frequency (no WiFi interference)
- Mature, reliable protocol
Cons:
- Smaller device ecosystem
- Wireless buttons limited and expensive ($40+)
- Less feature-rich
Also Considered
Lutron Caseta: Excellent reliability, but requires proprietary bridge. Less flexible ecosystem.
WiFi switches: Cloud dependency or complex local setup. Doesn’t align with self-hosted goals.
Decision
Zigbee with Inovelli Blue switches.
Rationale
Accessory ecosystem: Zigbee buttons and sensors are significantly cheaper. $7 IKEA button vs $40+ Z-Wave compounds quickly.
Upgradeability: Largest device selection across manufacturers for future expansion.
Feature set: LED notifications, direct binding, scene control — useful for automations.
3-way handling: Single switch replacement works cleanly.
Implementation
- Coordinator: Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus
- Integration: ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT (both well-supported)
- Placement: Central location or USB extension to avoid interference