Smart switch, for fixed cabling?

[clockworks]

Building a partition wall to house AV gear. Need multiple switched sockets in 3 locations (inside the cabinets, behind the TV, and one for the sub), as well as permanent lives for the DVR and hub/switch. I want to do this with proper 13a sockets, rather than extension leads.

Rather than use an isolator switch to turn on the switched sockets, I'd like to use a smart switch with Alexa.

Plenty of plug-in smart switches on the market, as well as some smart sockets and extension leads. Since the wiring will be fixed inside the wall, I'd prefer to do it with cable rather than flex, so a single smart hardwired switch seems like the simplest option.
Does such a thing exist?

[ARHarh]

like this?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-800-ser...

[JimbobVFR]

Have a look at Shelly devices.

There's quite a range but a Shelly 1 is a 16A relay module so sounds like a good fit for your requirements.

https://shellystore.co.uk/product/shelly-1/

[clockworks]

ARHarh said:

like this?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-800-ser...

Several of those would work, but I'd prefer to use a single smart switch that I can connect to multiple normal 13a sockets using fixed 2.5mm t&e cable.

[paulrockliffe]

You will find that if you ask an electrician to fit 3 double 13amp sockets that they'll often simply spur the second and third sockets anyway, so a Shelly that supplies the first socket will supply all three.

I agree with what you're trying to do, but bear in mind that a good extension lead is 'better' in terms of safety and not burning your house down than the cheap rubbish sockets that cost £1.50 in Screwfix, so you're not automatically in a better place going for sockets.

You might be better exploring some sort of rack socket system, or a hard-wired bus-bar type thing that can combine all your media devices into a single plug. I asked about those a while ago on here for something and got set some decent options.

[ARHarh]

Well as suggested a sonoff or shelly relay hidden in a backbox will do that job. But as suggested I would go with an extension lead and and a smart plug. It would be far easier to deal with if you ever need to move the cabinet.

As for cheap sockets from screw fix burning your house down that is not really likely to happen. Screwfix are not going to sell stuff of that quality, however cheap they are.

[clockworks]

JimbobVFR said:

Have a look at Shelly devices.

There's quite a range but a Shelly 1 is a 16A relay module so sounds like a good fit for your requirements.

https://shellystore.co.uk/product/shelly-1/

Thanks, that will do the job

[clockworks]

paulrockliffe said:

You will find that if you ask an electrician to fit 3 double 13amp sockets that they'll often simply spur the second and third sockets anyway, so a Shelly that supplies the first socket will supply all three.

I agree with what you're trying to do, but bear in mind that a good extension lead is 'better' in terms of safety and not burning your house down than the cheap rubbish sockets that cost £1.50 in Screwfix, so you're not automatically in a better place going for sockets.

You might be better exploring some sort of rack socket system, or a hard-wired bus-bar type thing that can combine all your media devices into a single plug. I asked about those a while ago on here for something and got set some decent options.

I'm going for BG sockets, rather than cheapest. Daisy chained as spurs. I've had BG stuff in the kitchen for 8 years, seem to be a good balance of price v quality.

I'm hoping that the Shelly will fit inside a surface box with a blanking plate?

[Tymb]

Might be worth looking at the Quinetic stuff, of the smart home switches I've come across they appear to be the most robust/pro.
You can have one switch turn on/off multiple relays.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Acc...

For sockets, next time I need some I'll be getting these, helped my landlord wire up a small shed for his lad to hang out with his mates, made wiring up so much easier. Used various of the Quinetic relays to control the sockets (properly fused to make sure relays cannot be over loaded) so he can turn the power off if his lad gets too noisy.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-logic-plus-rapid-fix...

[clockworks]

Looking at the specs for the Shelly, I would need to use it in conjunction with a Wago or similar for the neutral and earth. Should all fit in a surface box though.

Presumably the SW terminal allows manual override if the WiFi fails?

[ARHarh]

clockworks said:

Looking at the specs for the Shelly, I would need to use it in conjunction with a Wago or similar for the neutral and earth. Should all fit in a surface box though.

Presumably the SW terminal allows manual override if the WiFi fails?

Yep sw terminal is for a switch. They are designed to work behind normal light switches.