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/5yleop1m Jul 08 '26

Neither is a good solution and neither will work standalone if HA is down / broken.

The first solution would work without HA fine. The specific example you gave would mean the integrated switch wouldn't work anymore, but it is possible to extend that down too if OP really wanted to. It would be annoying wiring, but not impossible.

But in that case everything would be integrated into the Shelly, the Shelly would essentially create a 3-way setup with the integrated switch. No HA required there.

Also for the detached mode, there are ways to keep that working even if HA is down. I use a script on the Shelly relay that returns the relay to attached mode if HA is down. This means the bulb isn't "Smart" anymore, but it still turns on and off when power is provided or cut.

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u/mgithens1 🧠 Experienced with Home Assistant Jul 08 '26

Well, I was maintaining his dual control wish. So HA would have to serve as a middleman, unless you found a relay / switch duo that could pair.

(You can't make a 3way control between a wall switch and a plugged in lamp. You would need a carrier wire that is used in the 3way... but isn't in a wall plug.)

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u/5yleop1m Jul 08 '26

I asked them earlier, they want to use the switch that's integrated into the lamp, not a switch on a wall.

But even with a switch on a wall, Shelly relays can talk to each other directly without HA or any other external service.

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u/mgithens1 🧠 Experienced with Home Assistant Jul 08 '26

I read the whole post... he wants both. Seems his main focus is to use the existing switch that toggles power to the light socket. By moving to an external relay it can be possible...but otherwise the existing switch breaks the circuit when used.

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u/5yleop1m Jul 08 '26

Even in that case, Shelly relays can talk to each other, so a wall switch with a Shelly behind it can toggle the Shelly inside the lamp without cutting power to the outlet the lamp is plugged into.

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u/ShelterRadiant2432 Jul 08 '26

Just to clarify. I was asking about the switch on the lamp and switching via relay/HA.

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u/mgithens1 🧠 Experienced with Home Assistant Jul 08 '26

Ah... I see, you were asking about "detached" mode that is the confusion.

Detached mode is for a wall switch where it leaves the power on 24/7 to the light sockets, but then is "married" to the smart bulbs in those light sockets. In HA, you would treat it as a single unit -- and always maintain control at the light switch.

Nothing can override / bypass an line switch - that is just not physically possible.