Introduction: Ajax LightCore LightSwitch Relay (1-Gang) — What it is and who it is for
The Ajax LightCore LightSwitch Relay 1-Gang (LIGHTCORE-1-GANG) is a compact smart switch relay designed to add remote, automated and secure control to conventional lighting circuits. Built to work within the Ajax ecosystem via the Jeweller two-way radio protocol, the module installs inside a standard European 55-type mounting box and enables contactless control through separate LightSwitch touch panels or buttons. Its standout characteristics include operation without a neutral conductor, a long radio range, built-in protections and compatibility with multiple Ajax hubs and ReX extenders — making it attractive for retrofit projects, new smart-home installs and commercial environments where tidy, discreet relay integration is required.
Key features at a glance
- No neutral required:powers from the live phase only, ideal for older wiring without a neutral in the switch box.
- Jeweller radio protocol:reliable two-way communication with Ajax hubs, open-space range up to ~1,100 m (region dependent).
- Contactless touch activation:touch panels operate through a ~15 mm distance and offer optional soft backlighting.
- Load capacity:supports up to 600 W for the 1-gang variant with overcurrent and overtemperature protection.
- Compact design:fits standard European 55-type mounting boxes for a discreet modular installation.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical details helps clarify where this relay excels and how it will perform in real installations.
- Protocol: Jeweller two-way radio — designed for low-latency, secure communications within the Ajax security/smart-home ecosystem.
- Compatible with: Hub Plus, Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus, Hub Hybrid and ReX range extenders. The relay requires a separate LightSwitch touch panel or button to initiate local touch control.
- Benefit: Tight integration with Ajax hubs allows you to combine lighting control with alarm, automation and scene logic, keeping everything manageable from the Ajax app.
- Frequency bands: region dependent, covering typical ISM bands used in Europe, the UK and select international markets.
- Range: up to 1,100 m in open space (real-world range will be lower indoors but is extended significantly with ReX extenders).
- Benefit: long, reliable range reduces the need for additional wiring or repeaters in medium-sized properties when paired with suitable hubs or extenders.
- Supply: 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz — no neutral required; ideal for retrofit situations.
- Maximum switched power: up to 600 W for 1-gang models (300 W per segment on 2-gang variants).
- Current protection: device turns off and sends a notification if current exceeds ~2.6 A; overtemperature protection triggers above +60 °C.
- Benefit: safety features reduce the risk of overload and overheating, supporting long-term, unattended operation in home and commercial settings.
- Dimensions: 76.3 × 72.3 × 29.2 mm; weight ≈ 46 g — compact enough to fit behind switches in standard 55-type boxes.
- IP rating: IP20 — intended for indoor use only.
- Operating conditions: −10 °C to +40 °C, up to 75% non-condensing humidity.
- Compliance: consult the official datasheet and product page for CE/UKCA and regional approvals.
Practical benefits in everyday use
- Retrofit-friendly: because it does not require a neutral conductor, the LightCore relay is often the simplest way to add smart control to older homes with two-wire switch loops.
- Discrete installation: the relay hides behind the switch or inside the wall box, preserving decor and allowing modern touch panels to be used without bulky devices on view.
- Reliable ecosystem integration: pairing with Ajax hubs brings the relay into a wider security and automation system — lighting can react to alarms, schedules or presence detection.
- Robust protections: overcurrent and thermal cutoffs protect wiring and loads, and the module reports fault conditions to the hub/app for quick troubleshooting.
Use cases and ideal scenarios
The LIGHTCORE-1-GANG relay is especially well suited to several common scenarios:
- Heritage and retrofit homes:older buildings frequently lack a neutral in the switch box. This relay offers a simple way to add smart lighting without pulling new conductors.
- Multi-room automation:when used with Ajax hubs and ReX extenders, lights can be centrally scheduled, grouped into scenes or linked to security events (e.g., lights on when an alarm is triggered).
- Commercial fit-outs:small offices, cafés or boutique retail spaces can use concealed relays to maintain clean aesthetics while offering app control, energy schedules and central management.
- Security-aware installations:because the relay is part of the Ajax family, lighting can be integrated into alarm responses, giving you automated visual deterrents or safe-route illumination in emergencies.
How it compares to similar products
It helps to compare the LightCore LightSwitch relay with other smart relay options to understand trade-offs.
Many smart relays (and smart switches) require a neutral conductor to power the module. The LightCore 1-Gang stands out because it operates from live only, making it much easier to install in homes without rewiring. The trade-off with no-neutral designs can be reduced compatibility with certain low-wattage LED loads; however, Ajax mitigates that with minimum load guidance and protective cutoffs.
Wi-Fi based relays are common and inexpensive, but they can suffer from latency, local network dependence and coverage issues. The LightCore uses Ajax Jeweller — a purpose-built, two-way radio optimized for smart security and home control — offering lower latency, better range and a design focused on reliability and battery-awareness in the wider Ajax system. If you already use Ajax for security, the LightCore provides tighter, more secure integration than a generic Wi-Fi relay.
The LightCore sits between consumer DIY relays and professional automation hardware. Its design focuses on secure operation and professional installation (installation by a qualified electrician is required), which may appeal to installers and property managers who prioritise safety, compliance and ecosystem integration over the lowest possible price.
Customer feedback and reviews (summarised)
Available user feedback and installer commentary tends to highlight a few recurring positives: ease of retrofit where neutral wiring is absent, reliable communication when paired with an Ajax hub or ReX extender, and the neat, hidden installation that preserves interior appearance. Installers often appreciate the small footprint and the safety protections that reduce call-backs. A few notes of caution from users mention checking LED compatibility for very low-wattage lamps and confirming radio coverage in concrete-heavy buildings before purchase.
Pricing note and commercial considerations
The provided cost price and suggested retail price were used to calculate a minimal suggested retail price to achieve a 16% gross margin. Please confirm the currency of the cost price (GBP, USD, EUR or other), whether the RRP should include VAT, and the primary selling market (UK, EU, US or worldwide) so that market-adjusted price tiers, shipping, taxes and compliance costs can be calculated accurately.
Conclusion: Why choose the Ajax LightCore LightSwitch Relay 1-Gang?
For homeowners, installers and small businesses seeking a discreet, reliable smart relay that integrates with a security-conscious smart-home ecosystem, the Ajax LightCore LightSwitch 1-Gang is a compelling choice. Its ability to operate without a neutral makes it an excellent retrofit solution, while Jeweller radio and Ajax hub compatibility ensure dependable control and automation. Built-in protections, compact dimensions and professional-grade installation expectations make it suitable for installations where safety and compliance matter. If you prioritise clean aesthetics, secure integration with an alarm and automation platform, and a product designed for installers rather than a consumer plug-and-play device, the LIGHTCORE-1-GANG is worth considering.
If you would like, I can produce a concise installation checklist for electricians, a lamp-compatibility guide (to avoid LED issues at very low loads), or market-specific pricing tiers once you confirm currency, VAT preferences and primary selling regions.