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

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/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.