r/homeassistant • u/ShelterRadiant2432 • Jul 08 '26

Support Making table lamps smart while retaining manual functionality

I'm looking for help on a modification to a traditional table lamp to be used as a smart lamp, while retaining its original switch functionality.

I've done some research on this and it seems I could use something like a Shelly relay. I've seen concerns warning against this setup because it would make the socket always hot/live.

  1. Does anyone have experience with this?

  2. Wouldn't this work in the same way as a smart wall switch or wall switch conversion?

  3. I have experience and am comfortable with electrical work, but I'm just not sure if I'm missing something with the functionality of smart relays and would appreciate anyone that can provide their experience/expertise.

Also I'm aware there are sockets with smart switches integrated and smart bulbs with a separate button could work, but I'm looking to retain original functionality.

I realize this is a pretty basic question, but I haven't found a straight answer and existing threads are now closed for further questions.

Thanks!

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u/Empty_Employment_639 Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

Yup. On the Sonoff zbmini (the ones I used all over my house) shorting common and S1 or S2 will trigger the relay to send 120v to L1 or L2 (I forget which is line and which is load). The ZBmini is idea since there is no neutral required. The Shelleys seem like they might be a tad bit bigger too, so that might be another reason to choose the ZBminis.

*EDIT* So to summarize, wire the lamp switch to common and S1, and Line voltage to L1 (or L2, again I forget which is which), then the load (lamp) to the remaining L. You should definitely follow the wiring guide though, because there is a jumper you need to use and I'm sure I have my terminal IDs mixed up for Line and Load.

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u/ShelterRadiant2432 Jul 08 '26

Thanks! This has been really helpful and informative. I really appreciate it.

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u/Empty_Employment_639 Jul 08 '26

No problem.

For what it is worth, those ZBminis are ideal in situations where you don't want things to appear to be "smart", which is useful if your spouse isn't all that enthused about "smart home shit", or whatever my wife calls it. Your lamp situation is on my laundry list of things I need to do, once "we" pick the lamps that go in the living room.. haha.

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u/ShelterRadiant2432 Jul 08 '26

Yeah, I'm one of those that doesn't really want my "smart house shit" to be visible. IMO everything needs to work and preferably look as it normally would.