Introduction: Ajax SoloButton 1-Gang 2-Way Touch Panel
The Ajax SoloButton 1-Gang 2-Way Touch Panel (Black, SKU 45117.144.BL) is a sleek, contactless front panel designed for the Ajax LightSwitch ecosystem. As a modern touch-sensitive interface, the SoloButton brings hygienic, responsive control to lighting circuits while integrating wirelessly with Ajax Hubs and ReX extenders via the Jeweller two-way radio protocol. Note that this is a panel-only product: it provides the user interface and must be paired with a compatible LightCore relay module (sold separately) to perform mains switching.
Key features at a glance
- Contactless touch activation— proximity touch up to approximately 15 mm for touch-free operation.
- Adjustable night backlight— soft illumination that can be customised or disabled using the Ajax app.
- 1-gang / 2-way support— compatible with 2-way switching topologies when connected through the appropriate LightCore relay wiring.
- Wireless integration— pairs with Ajax Hubs and ReX extenders over Jeweller for secure, low-latency control.
- Panel-only form factor— easy to snap onto LightCore relays or into multi-gang frames for finished LightSwitch installations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Product: SoloButton 1-gang / 2-way touch front panel
- Variant / SKU: Black — 45117.144.BL
- Included items: Panel only — relay not included
- Compatibility: Ajax LightCore relays, Ajax Hubs & ReX extenders
- Communication protocol: Jeweller two-way radio
- Frequency range: Region-specific variants (examples: 866.0–866.5, 868.0–869.2, 905–926.5, 915.85–926.5, 921–922 MHz)
- Radio range: Up to ~1,100 m open space (environment dependent)
- Panel power: Low-voltage front panel — powered via LightCore relay
- Mechanical: IP20; dimensions ≈ 3.26" × 3.26" × 0.4" (single panel)
- Environmental: Operating temp -10 °C to +40 °C; humidity up to 75% non-condensing
- Hygienic control— contactless activation reduces touch points in homes, offices, hospitality and healthcare settings, helping lower the spread of microbes compared with traditional switches.
- Seamless smart-home integration— works with Ajax hubs to support remote control, scheduling, scenes and automation rules through the Ajax app.
- Simplified installation and aesthetics— the panel snaps onto compatible relays or into multi-gang frames to create a clean, finished appearance without exposed wiring once the relay is installed in the switch box or DIN rail location.
- Low-voltage safety— the SoloButton is a low-voltage front panel, so switching safety and mains isolation are managed by the LightCore relay, making it easier to follow local electrical regulations when installed correctly.
- Adjustable night lighting— backlight can be tuned or disabled for bedrooms, hallways or commercial spaces to minimise light pollution while preserving usability at night.
Use cases and scenarios where the SoloButton excels
For modern homes prioritising touchless convenience and a minimalist aesthetic, the SoloButton is an attractive front-end. It allows residents to activate lighting without physical contact, integrate switches into scenes (for example, "Goodnight" to turn off selected lights), and control circuits remotely through the Ajax app. Its slim profile and black finish fit contemporary interiors.
In offices, retail stores, restaurants and hospitality venues, reducing contact points can be a tangible benefit for both hygiene and perceived cleanliness. The SoloButton’s contactless activation and adjustable backlight make it suitable for corridors, restrooms and public areas where frequent surface contact is undesirable.
Where infection control and ease of use are priorities, the SoloButton offers a simple control surface that can be activated without touch. Combined with Ajax automation, it can be used in nurse-call or patient-assist lighting scenarios where remote triggers or scene-based controls are required.
Because the SoloButton is panel-only and designed to snap onto LightCore relays or into multi-gang frames, it is a good choice for projects that need flexible front-end finishes without changing existing relay or wiring locations dramatically. System integrators can mix-and-match panels to create consistent switchbanks across a building.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the SoloButton, it helps to compare it against three broad alternatives: mechanical traditional switches, wired smart switches, and other wireless touch panels.
Mechanical switches are inexpensive and reliable, but they require physical contact and offer limited integration with automation systems. The SoloButton elevates the user experience with contactless activation, app control and scene integration. It does, however, require a LightCore relay and Ajax hub to unlock smart features, so the overall system cost and setup are higher than a standalone mechanical switch.
Wired smart switches (Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi based) often replace the whole switch mechanism and perform mains switching directly. These can be excellent for single-circuit upgrades but may need more invasive wiring changes in multi-gang boxes or historic properties. The SoloButton’s panel-only approach separates the user interface from the mains-handling relay, offering more flexibility in how relays and panels are arranged. Additionally, Ajax’s Jeweller protocol is optimised for security and battery life in the Ajax ecosystem.
Other manufacturers offer capacitive or proximity panels with similar aesthetics. The SoloButton stands out for its native integration into the Ajax LightSwitch family and its specific design to work with LightCore relays. This close ecosystem integration delivers straightforward pairing, app-based backlight control and predictable performance, particularly where long-range Jeweller communication and Ajax hub features are desired.
Customer feedback and installer insights
Official customer reviews for the SoloButton 45117.144.BL may vary by region and reseller. While product-specific public reviews are limited, installers and smart-home integrators who work with Ajax systems frequently mention the following recurring points based on hands-on use:
- "Easy to snap into place and gives a clean, modern finish to a LightSwitch installation."
- "Contactless activation is a great feature for client sites concerned about hygiene, and the adjustable backlight is useful for bedrooms and corridors."
- "Remember to order the LightCore relay and any multi-gang frames — the SoloButton is panel-only, so missing relays can delay installs."
If you require verified customer reviews, check retailer pages or Ajax-authorised resellers where buyers can leave feedback specific to their installations.
Safety, compliance and installation notes
The SoloButton itself is a low-voltage front panel. Mains switching and load handling are performed by the LightCore relay — always follow the relay’s mains wiring instructions and local electrical regulations. The product documentation includes a user manual and datasheet; installers should consult these and confirm the correct regional Jeweller frequency variant before commissioning.
Conclusion: Why choose the Ajax SoloButton 1-Gang 2-Way Touch Panel?
The Ajax SoloButton 1-Gang 2-Way Touch Panel is a compact, elegant and practical choice for anyone building or expanding an Ajax LightSwitch installation. Its contactless activation, app-controlled backlight and native integration with Ajax hubs and LightCore relays make it well-suited to homes, commercial spaces and environments where hygiene, aesthetics and smart automation matter. While it requires a compatible LightCore relay and Ajax hub to operate, this modular approach gives installers flexibility and system-level control that many single-piece smart switches cannot match.
For those seeking a modern, low-voltage front panel that complements a secure smart-home ecosystem, the SoloButton offers a balanced mix of style, functionality and straightforward integration. Be sure to order the panel alongside the appropriate LightCore relay and any multi-gang frames required for a completed installation.
