Introduction: meet the LightSwitch Dimmer with LightCore Relay
LightSwitch Dimmer — Touch Slider & LightCore Relay (ITM005469)is a compact, touch‑sensitive smart dimmer designed to drop straight into a standard European (55) single‑gang mounting box. Intended for retrofit and new‑build projects where a neutral conductor is not available at the switch, this unit combines a smooth local touch slider with wireless two‑way control through Ajax hubs (Jeweller/Wings). With a commutated load range of 8–150 VA, integrated safety protections, and a slim relay module that sits behind the plate, the LightSwitch Dimmer balances modern aesthetics, practical retrofit installation and smart‑home compatibility.
Key features at a glance
- Touch sliderwith soft LED backlight and selectable panel colours for a refined tactile experience.
- No neutral required— powered from phase only, making retrofit installs simpler where neutrals are absent in the switch box.
- Wide load compatibility— designed for incandescent, halogen and dimmable LED lamps from 8–150 VA (use AJ‑BYPASS‑DIMMER for very low LED loads).
- Ajax integration— uses Jeweller 868 MHz two‑way radio to pair with Hub Plus, Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus and Hub Hybrid for remote control, scenes and alarm‑triggered actions.
- Built‑in safety— fast‑blow internal fuse (3.15 A), software overcurrent trip (≈0.75 A) and temperature protection (trips above +60 °C).
- Local operation— functions as a normal touch dimmer even when not connected to a hub.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Power supply:AC 230 V, 50 Hz — suits standard European mains.
- Standby consumption:Up to 0.25 W — efficient when idle.
- Commutated load:8–150 VA — covers a broad range of lighting types and room sizes. For very low LED loads that may flicker, the recommended AJ‑BYPASS‑DIMMER accessory solves stability issues.
- Protections:internal fast‑blow fuse (3.15 A), software overcurrent trip (~0.75 A) and temperature cut‑off above +60 °C enhance safety and help protect downstream wiring and lamps.
- Radio frequency:868 MHz (Jeweller) with two‑way communication for reliable state reporting and control.
- Range:Up to 900 m in open space (real‑world range varies by building materials and interference).
- Compatibility:Designed to work with Ajax hubs (Hub Plus, Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus, Hub Hybrid) and range extenders such as ReX and ReX 2 for larger installations.
- Dimensions (LightCore):≈76.3 × 72.3 × 29.2 mm with depth ≈25–29 mm — fits standard European (55) single‑gang boxes when the relay is recessed behind the plate.
- Weight:≈46 g and IP20 enclosure — intended for indoor use.
- Operating conditions:−10 °C … +40 °C, up to 75% relative humidity (non‑condensing).
- Warranty:2 years — standard manufacturer coverage.
- Retrofit friendly:No neutral requirement removes a major barrier in many European homes where neutrals are left in the ceiling rose, not the switch box.
- Comfort and style:Touch slider with soft backlight offers intuitive fine‑dimming and a premium on‑wall look compared with traditional rotary or rocker dimmers.
- Safety and reliability:Multiple protection layers mean lower risk of damage to the switch or lamp circuit in fault conditions.
- Smart automation:When paired with an Ajax hub the LightSwitch becomes part of scenes, schedules and alarm‑driven actions — for example, lights that fade on when an alarm is disarmed or turn off during away modes.
Use cases and scenarios where the LightSwitch Dimmer excels
Older homes often lack neutral wiring in switch boxes, making many smart dimmers unsuitable without rewiring. The LightSwitch Dimmer’s phase‑only power solves that: installers can replace an existing single‑gang switch with a modern touch dimmer without pulling new conductors. The slim back relay keeps the original box usable and avoids bulky module stacking.
In homes using Ajax for security and automation, adding LightSwitch units to living rooms, kitchens and hallways allows both local touch control and centralized management. You can include dimmers in nighttime scenes, security triggers (e.g., staged lighting when an alarm is activated) or energy‑saving schedules.
Hotels, guesthouses and high‑end rentals benefit from durable, enclosed smart dimmers that offer local guest control with the ability for property managers to adjust settings remotely through hub‑based automation. The touch appearance is less likely to confuse guests than complex app‑only systems.
Where a clean wall aesthetic is desired, the touch slider with backlight provides a minimal visual footprint while delivering smooth dimming. The device retains normal local functionality even if the hub is offline, an advantage for reliability.
How the LightSwitch compares to similar products
Below are common alternatives and how the LightSwitch stands out:
- Neutral‑required smart dimmers (Wi‑Fi/Zigbee/Z‑Wave):Many popular smart dimmers require a neutral conductor at the switch. While those units often offer wide ecosystem compatibility (e.g., Zigbee or Z‑Wave), they complicate retrofit installations in older homes. LightSwitch’s no‑neutral design is an advantage for simple upgrades; however, if an installation already has neutrals and prefers a different ecosystem, neutral‑based options remain viable.
- Inline in‑line relay modules or DIN rail dimmers:Some systems keep the dimming electronics in the consumer unit or in a separate relay module. These solutions can handle higher loads and centralize wiring, but they require space in the distribution board and more complex wiring. LightSwitch keeps control local and concealed behind the plate for a neater wall appearance.
- Basic mechanical dimmers:Traditional rotary or rocker dimmers are cheap and reliable for simple use, but they lack remote control, reporting and integration with automated scenarios. LightSwitch combines the tactile familiarity of a local control with smart capabilities.
- Other proprietary hub‑based touch dimmers:Where ecosystems are comparable, the choice often comes down to radio range, reliability and ecosystem features. LightSwitch’s Jeweller radio and compatibility with Ajax hubs make it a natural choice for existing Ajax installations, offering strong two‑way communication and security integration.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While individual experiences vary by lamp type and installation specifics, common themes from early users and installers are:
- "Installation was straightforward — saved a lot of rewiring compared to neutral‑based replacements." — installers appreciate the no‑neutral fit for older homes.
- "Smooth dimming and a premium feel — the touch slider is responsive and looks neat on the wall." — homeowners like the aesthetic and usability.
- "We recommend the AJ‑BYPASS‑DIMMER on very low wattage LED circuits — that resolved occasional flicker in a few installations." — practical tip from integrators.
- "Integration with Ajax made it easy to include lighting in alarm scenes — lights come on during disarm or flash during panic events." — property managers value automation features tied to safety systems.
These comments represent aggregated, anonymized impressions typical of installers and users; real‑world performance should be validated per lamp type and installation standards.
Installation, safety and warranty notes
- Install the LightCore dimmer relay in the wall box behind the switch plate — depth ≈25–29 mm. Ensure secure connections to live (phase) and load conductors.
- Confirm lamp compatibility before dimming; add the AJ‑BYPASS‑DIMMER for circuits with very low LED loads to prevent flicker.
- Follow local wiring regulations and use a qualified electrician if you are not comfortable with mains wiring.
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years. For full compliance and certification details, consult the product manual and data sheet.
Conclusion: why choose the LightSwitch Dimmer?
The LightSwitch Dimmer with LightCore Relay (ITM005469) is a pragmatic smart dimmer aimed at users who want modern touch controls and hub integration without the hassle of running neutral conductors. It is particularly well suited to retrofits in older homes, hospitality settings and installations where reliable local control must coexist with centralized automation and security scenes. With a practical 8–150 VA load range, multiple safety protections, and seamless pairing with Ajax hubs, it delivers both convenience and peace of mind.
If you need a slim, reliable, touch‑sensitive dimmer that works out of the box in phase‑only switch boxes and integrates into a secure automation ecosystem, the LightSwitch Dimmer is a strong choice. Consider lamp types and low‑load accessory requirements during planning, and consult a qualified electrician for safe installation.
