A wireless switch controls your lighting via radio and not by direct phase cut-off. A wall transmitter sends a command to a receiver (bulb, micromodule, relay) via Zigbee, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Wi-Fi, BLE or Thread/Matter. Add control points without chasing, create scenes, modernize during renovation.
Sommaire
✔ A wireless switch sends a radio command to a lighting receiver.✔ Key protocols: Zigbee/Thread, Z-Wave, EnOcean (battery-free), Wi-Fi/BLE.✔ In France, all 230 V receivers comply with NF C 15-100.
Definition and operation
A wireless transmitter (wall button, dimmer, remote control) triggers a radio frame. A receiver (connected bulb, micromodule, relay) executes the command: turn on, turn off, dim, scene. Two architectures dominate:
- Radio transmitter + connected bulbs from the same ecosystem.
- Radio transmitter + embedded micromodule behind the box or near the luminaire.
Remember: glued/placed button + receiver near the luminaire = adding a control point without chasing.
Why choose a wireless switch
Easy renovation
Add points in minutes.
Flexibility
Movable and duplicable controls.
Scenarios
Ambiances, timer, night.
Accessibility
Optimized height and location.
Place a button at each traffic threshold to limit back-and-forth trips.
Protocols: Zigbee, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Wi-Fi, BLE, Thread/Matter
Zigbee
Mesh 2.4 GHz network with low energy consumption. Large ecosystem. Often via hub (Hue, Aqara, SmartThings, Home Assistant + ConBee/Zigbee2MQTT).
Z-Wave
Mesh sub-GHz network (868 MHz EU) with good penetration. Certified interoperability. Hub required (Homey, Jeedom/eedomus, Home Assistant via Z-Wave JS).
EnOcean
Battery-free technology: the click energy powers the transmitter. Widely used in commercial and demanding renovations. Integrations via Green Power (Zigbee/Thread).
Wi-Fi
Direct connection to the home network. No dedicated hub. More energy-consuming standby. Suitable for a few isolated points.
Bluetooth Low Energy
Very low consumption. Shorter range. Local control or via gateway. Useful for scene buttons.
Thread and Matter
Thread provides a low-power IP mesh. Matter standardizes multi-ecosystem interoperability with QR/NFC onboarding.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | Zigbee | Z-Wave | EnOcean | Wi-Fi | BLE | Thread/Matter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topology | Mesh | Mesh | Point-to-point/mesh | Star via router | Star | Mesh (Thread) + Matter standard |
| Frequencies | 2.4 GHz | 868 MHz EU | 868/902/928 + 2.4 (Green Power) | 2.4/5 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Standby consumption | Low | Low | Very low | Higher | Very low | Low |
| Hub required | Often | Yes | Depending on integration | No | Sometimes | Border Router/Controller |
| Interoperability | Wide | Certified | Good tertiary | Variable | Limited | Multi-ecosystem |
Shortcut: Zigbee/Thread for large batches. EnOcean to eliminate batteries. Z-Wave for sub-GHz range. Wi-Fi for a few points.
Statistics and Key Figures
| Indicator | Order of magnitude | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (Zigbee/BLE) | 12–36 months | Depends on usage and temperature. |
| Indoor range | 10–30 m | Walls and mesh influence. |
| Pairing time | 1–3 min | QR/NFC Matter often faster. |
| Receiver standby | 0.2–1.0 W | Wi-Fi at the high end. |
| Cost per point | €35–120 | Transmitter + receiver, depending on range. |
Note: indicative values from datasheets.
Standards, Security and Compliance
The NF C 15-100 standard applies to any device connected to 230 V: micromodules, embedded dimmers, panel relays. Autonomous transmitters glued/placed do not modify the installation, but keep consistent heights and safe accessibility.
- Protection: circuit breaker and differential ratings compliant. Appropriate wire gauges.
- Boxes and volumes: sufficient depth, tight connections, adequate IP rating.
- Identification: mark the circuit, document the micromodule.
230 V work: cut off at the breaker and verify absence of voltage with a voltage tester.
Consumption, range and reliability
Consumption
Zigbee/Z-Wave/Thread/BLE are low power. Wi-Fi consumes more. EnOcean eliminates the battery on the transmitter side.
Range and mesh
- Sub-GHz (Z-Wave/EnOcean): better penetration.
- 2.4 GHz (Zigbee/Thread/BLE/Wi-Fi): efficient mesh via mains-powered nodes.
Reliability
Avoid metal masses. Keep away from noisy power supplies. Update firmwares.
Use cases
Hallway under renovation
Zigbee micromodule at ceiling light + wireless button on opposite side. “Night” scene at 20%.
Rental
EnOcean or BLE button installed. Removal without trace.
Open office
EnOcean with no battery maintenance. Flexible installation.
Family home
Thread/Matter switches compatible with Apple, Google, Alexa.
Purchase checklist
- Usage: two-way, scenes, dimming, timer.
- Protocol: align with your hub. Matter if mixed ecosystems.
- Power supply: battery or battery-free (EnOcean/Green Power). Compatible with load and dimmable bulbs.
- Neutral: required or not depending on the flush-mounted device.
- Ergonomics: buttons, clicks, long press, LEDs, engravings.
- Updates: regular firmware updates.
Step-by-step installation
- Choose the architecture: transmitter + connected bulbs or transmitter + micromodule.
- Prepare the hub: inclusion mode or Matter QR. Update firmwares.
- Pair the transmitter: follow the instructions. Assign actions.
- Fix and test: adhesive/screws. Test the range. For micromodule, cut power and verify absence of voltage.
Tools and ecosystems
- Hubs: Philips Hue, Aqara, Ikea Dirigera, SmartThings, Homey, Jeedom/eedomus, Home Assistant (Zigbee2MQTT, Z-Wave JS), ConBee, Thread routers (Apple TV, HomePod, Nest, eero…).
- Ecosystems: Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Matter.
Advantages
- Quick installation.
- Flexible placement.
- Advanced scenarios.
- Battery-free versions.
Limitations
- Dependence on a hub depending on the protocol.
- Receiver standby.
- Variable interoperability outside of Matter.
Trends
- Matter for multi-device onboarding and CSA interoperability.
- Thread widespread in home routers.
- EnOcean Green Power brings battery-free technology closer to the general public.
FAQ
What is a wireless switch?
A radio transmitter sends a command to a receiver (bulb, micromodule, gateway). It does not cut the phase like a wired switch. Protocols: Zigbee, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Wi-Fi, BLE, Thread/Matter.
Which protocol to choose?
Zigbee/Thread for large installations. Z-Wave for sub-GHz range. EnOcean battery-free. Wi-Fi for a few points without a hub. Matter if you mix Apple/Google/Alexa.
Compatibility with my bulbs?
Yes, via receiver micromodule or compatible connected bulbs. Check power and neutral for flush-mounted devices.
Consumption?
Zigbee/Z-Wave/Thread/BLE are low power. Wi-Fi consumes more energy in standby. EnOcean eliminates the battery on the transmitter side.
NF C 15-100 standards?
Applicable to 230 V devices. Autonomous adhesive transmitters: no modification of the installation. Respect placement and safety.
Budget?
Radio switch ~€15–30, battery-free EnOcean ~€30–60, micromodule ~€20–40, hub ~€30–120.
Conclusion
Wireless switches modernize lighting without major work. For a sustainable and efficient setup, favor a mesh protocol (Zigbee/Thread), or EnOcean if you want to eliminate batteries. Comply with NF C 15-100 for all 230 V devices and keep your hubs updated.
