SONOFF D1 Smart Dimmer Switch

Customer Reviews

Works a treat. Review by Andy

Overall Rating

These D1 dimmers are my most successful home automation. I had to replace a failed “conventional” dimmer switch, and tried a couple of alternative switches without much success; the main problem was the lack of neutral wire at the switch in Uk lighting wiring; the “no neutral” switches I tried just weren't up to it.

These are intended to be placed in the old switch box (behind the switch), but as I have wall fittings, I managed to place them inside the fitting itself. By bypassing the old switch (using a connector block to connect both wires from the old switch), the power is permanently on to the wall fittings with both live and neutral, so these dimmers are permanently powered as they need to be; the bulbs are now controlled exclusively by these dimmers at the fitting - which is “logically” no different from having a dimmer in the switch position. To avoid any future hazard for anyone maintaining the light fitting, I have just attached a “permanently live” tag; they should be pulling the breaker, but this alerts them that turning off the (now non-existent) switch is not sufficient.

As I have two wall fittings, I had to use two D1 dimmers; this does now give me the added advantage that I can control the lights separately, which I couldn't do before as they are on the same circuit. Both dimmers can be linked through the eWeLink app, and Google Home (probably Alexa etc, as well but I use Google). I had to use the app to set them up, but now I generally just use Google for convenience - the app is OK, but a faff to get to in a hurry, and I have no idea about how secure it is (but as I dont use it day-to-day, who really cares).

I had intended to just use Google as a “virtual” dimmer switch, and had set it to come on at sunset. However, clouds exist; it gets dark before sunset, so I conceded I still needed a simple manual switch for those times my phone or ipad are not actually in my hand. The best solution I’ve now got is the RM433 remote switch; it controls both lights (yes, two dimmers linked to one remote), which is placed on the old light switch position. This means to all intents, its like the old switch, BUT with the added advantage of being able to take the switch (remote control) off the wall if I want to use it and my phone or iPad is out of charge or elsewhere - so I can dim the lights from my chair, without moving :)

After a couple of failures to turn the lights on or off in the early days (or more usually one or other light) when using Google or the app, generally when trying to do too many operations or using both app and Google at (nearly) the same time, I now try to stick to Google, and its settled down to being very consistent and reliable.

The instructions on the RM433 were incorrect; they state the top left button is both on and off and the top right button is unused, but it turns out that top right is off!

I did have a period of confusion when one light appeared to be on (but still dark); after testing the bulbs, circuits and all sorts else, it turned out the dimmer was just set really really low! By going into the app, you can set the minimum level, and somehow that had got set to zero. The instructions are limited, but its worth just exploring all the settings in the app - there aren't that many, and its all useful.

Performance is good, the slow start and dim off features are nice (better on the eye, and better for the bulbs too), and dimming control is excellent. They are silent in operation, and no flicker at all from my LEDs. Linking to the app and pairing with the remote can be confusing (especially with more than one dimmer on the same circuit - so they both power on at the same time) but its just a case of repeating until they are all done.

This has been so successful, I’m working my way around other rooms now. (Posted on 4/2/2020)