An electrical switch on an electrical circuit controls the flow of power in your home from the one location.
Many electrical switches are included with electrical home automation circuit systems as part of a bundle for the same price, so you may not have to pay for them separately.
Wired electrical switches require electrical power to operate and are more difficult to install than wireless switches. You'll need to run a cable from the switch to your device which might be inconvenient if you don't have an easily accessible power source in the room where your device is located.
Wireless electrical switches require no installation and can be placed throughout the building for complete control by the family. They use batteries for electricity that typically last from six months up to two years depending on usage.
The downside of both types of electrical switches is that they aren't compatible with all smart home devices; some only work with voice assistants or smart plugs.
Another option is to have a pro install a light switch that enables you to control it wirelessly from anywhere in the building.
This is useful if you don't want to invest in additional home automation products just yet.
To start using this type of switch, simply remove your current light switch and replace it with one compatible.
A professional may charge around $100 on average for installation, which could vary depending on the location of your new switch (and whether any other repairs are necessary). Most switches will include installation instructions.Electricians charge a range of prices for electrical work, with some estimations listed below.
Location | Estimated hourly rate and work |
|---|---|
Western Australia | $90 for light switch installation |
Tasmania | $80 for general electrical jobs |
ACT | $80 for light switch installation |
Queensland | $75 for a safety switch |
South Australia | $75 for a safety switch |
Victoria | $70 for general tasks |
The cost or the price of a new piece also depends on the type that you're opting to install. Wired switches can run between $24 and $30, while wireless smart switches range from $20 for basic models up to $120. Wireless dimmer switches are typically priced at around $70. Installing a smart light switch will require an electrician, so expect installation fees as well (anywhere from $90 to $160).
For wired smart switches, you first need to run an Ethernet cable from the switch all the way up to where your router is located. This may cause some inconvenience if you don't have an easily accessible power source in the room where your device is located. The below product cost guides are estimates only. Costs to install a switch are excluded here. All the costs are per unit only.
Product | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Smart light switch by Wemo (Wi-Fi) | $85 |
Smart switch by Leviton Decora (Wi-Fi) | $72 |
Smart light switch by Ankuoo Neo | $37 |
Smart mini plug by TP-Link | $100 |
Smart light switch by TP-Link (Wi-Fi) | $68 |
A smart light is any lighting fixture that can be controlled through an app by the user. The most basic models are wireless light bulbs that screw into lamps and can be turned on using a smartphone app. Dimmer switches, meanwhile, are good for power users who need to control lights remotely or set up schedules. They work by plugging into an outlet and then wiring them into the circuit breaker box to complete the installation. Their cost is high and the cost becomes a major factor if you're on a budget. Smart plugs are designed specifically to work with LED bulbs by plugging directly into an outlet and connecting to an existing WiFi network. These devices will only turn on when there's movement in your home and they can be scheduled to activate at specific times. They are great for reduced energy consumption or turning off lights when you're not home. They're like a dimmer switch.
If you're replacing a light switch, it is not necessary to rewire the entire home, as most light switches are wired separately from other major wiring. Replacing a light switch should not require more than an hour's worth of work. Wiring is generally run through the switchboard (the main box that distributes power throughout your home) and its most basic purpose is to ensure electrical safety by preventing overloads.
You may need to upgrade your old switchboard if it doesn't have enough space for additional sockets, but this would depend on the age of your home as older homes were often built with smaller switches and lower wattage appliances. Replacement of an existing switchboard with one capable of running modern electronics will require rewiring the entire building, which may cost anywhere between $500 and $3,000 depending on how many outlets you're planning to install.There are DIY kits available at home improvement stores that let you upgrade your old light switches to smart ones, but in most cases, the work is better left up to professionals. Most homes have customised wiring systems that require extensive knowledge and technical skill to fix. That means hiring an electrician to do the job is a much more sensible option than trying to figure it out yourself.
Depending on where your switchboard is located, it's possible that replacing a light switch may not need the help of an electrician. If you're looking to install dimmer switches or smart plugs, getting an electrician will be well worth the money as these types of jobs require greater technical expertise.
Installing light switches requires some wiring that will likely be difficult for most homeowners to do themselves without damaging the house's existing infrastructure.
Whether you need to get a dimmer switch set or multiple dimmer switches, calling in a professional electrician is a good idea.Safety switch prices depend on the type of product and its features. For example, a traditional light switch with basic mechanical components may be sold for around $10-$20, while switches with more advanced technology can cost upwards of $100. They have an electrical line that controls the power going to your appliances and a second line that checks if someone is still using them. This technology helps reduce energy waste and makes it safer to use electrical appliances like heaters or air conditioners in your home. The average cost to install a switch is between $70 to $100, but you will need to add the call out fee to the hourly rate. It'll take no more than an hour to install a switch. If you need a new circuit, it can take several hours for the entire process. Some home improvement project companies charge just $50 call out fee.
It depends on the size and layout of your home and the electrical current. The requirements for safety switches varies according to the type and function of the appliance. For example, if you're installing a safety switch for an outdoor light, it only has to turn off when the light goes out. This would require just one safety switch equipped with a photocell that will detect any sudden changes in light levels. With a gas stove or fireplace, you'd need at least two safety switches at two locations to make sure your home is protected from possible fires at the same time. Most safety switches come with a limit on how many appliances can be controlled by one unit. It's best to buy the right number of switches upfront for other appliances so you don't have to replace them later, which could prove costly if they are not compatible with existing wiring systems.
Installing an RCD switch is a relatively straightforward process. It doesn't require any rewiring.
The cost of these products can vary widely depending on their brands and features. An RCD Switch installed outdoors has to be designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and would require quality materials and workmanship for it to last through all seasons.RCD installation can cost around $190 for the installed unit, completely installed.