Whenever I automate a circuit, my two favorite modules are the Shelly 1 UL and the Shelly 2.5 UL. They’re my go-to for 90% of the circuits I work with, because they’re so quick and versatile, but offer great functionality. Here’s a quick install of a Shelly 1 with a Decora style switch in a standard single gang box.
I used stranded wire and ferrules for this install. When I want to use a Decora style switch in a single gang box, I like the greater flexibility of stranded, though I’ve used solid core plenty of times when I’m out of ferrules.
As always, I do a quick bench test to make sure everything’s working. I like to provision the module at this point – add to the Wi-Fi network, assign a static IP address, upgrade firmware, and enable cloud services.
Here’s a shot of the original wiring – Line in, Load out, neutral bundle. The house was built in 78, so I’m fortunate to have neutral drops in almost all the boxes.
I normally use Wago connectors, but I decided to go with regular wire nuts (and a whopping big one for the incoming line), just to show that everything fits.
I tucked the Shelly 1 on the left, with the terminals down for optimal wire fit in this specific box, which allowed everything to seat properly.
Here’s everything all buttoned up. I left the screw heads at offset angles in case Scott Grayban sees the post… he LOVES to see screws that are not aligned.
I set this particular light to turn off 5 minutes after turning on, using the “AUTO OFF” function in Timer Settings. This specific circuit lights the closet in our master bedroom – which we have a bad habit of leaving on and walking out of the room.
The Shelly 1 UL is $16.79 at Shelly’s US Store and works with lights, outlets, garage door openers, irrigation switches, and more – it even has dry contacts, so you can switch and control with different voltages!
Total time to install? 11 minutes, including bench testing, provisioning, and pictures.
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