Retrofitting smart switches: what to consider in advance

Apps and voice assistants surely prove convenient when you’re on the road or simply too tired to get up from the couch. That said, classic switches still remain a central component of Smart Homes. Alongside Alexa and smartphones, they enable you to control all processes precisely and intuitively:

• gradually adjusting the brightness of your lights

• monitoring and regulating room temperatures

• synchronising your blinds with the natural course of the sun

• setting up automated time schedules

• creating and activating scenes with several devices

Thus, a mere swipe of the finger is all it takes to tell your house exactly what to do. But how can you retrofit switches in a Smart Home? We’ll give you an overview of what you should know before getting started.

Generally speaking, there are two different types of smart systems: cabled and wireless. Which option works best for you always depends on your living situation and individual needs:

Generally speaking, there are two different types of smart systems: cabled and wireless. Which option works best for you always depends on your living situation and individual needs:

• Conventional KNX systems are based on a so-called “green cable“ which is laid into the wall. Therefore, this kind of network is usually installed in new buildings. To retrofit switches in a KNX Smart Home, you need specific connections for the cabling. Make sure to keep that in mind early on in the planning phase.

• If you want to give your home a technological upgrade without major renovations, we recommend a wireless alternative such as the Gira System 3000. It covers all essential functions in everyday life – namely lighting, blind, and heating control. The Gira KNX RF system, which can also be retrofitted, allows for even more comfort. The functional inserts of Gira System 3000 thereby serve as the basis for its installation.

You have decided which network you want to use or maybe already got one set up? Then it’s time to think about what your smart switches should be able to do:

• Control only the lights or maybe blinds and heating as well?

• Control your entire home or just certain areas?

Gira switch variants come with one, two, or more buttons that can activate different functions – depending on your personal requirements.  

First things first: you should always have a professional install your system. We recommend contacting a local specialist partner to guide you along throughout the whole process. If you want to retrofit smart switches within the Gira System 3000, all it takes is exchanging the flush-mounted inserts and mounting the new top units – in the design of your choice, of course. There are different options available:

First things first: you should always have a professional install your system. We recommend contacting a local specialist partner to guide you along throughout the whole process. If you want to retrofit smart switches within the Gira System 3000, all it takes is exchanging the flush-mounted inserts and mounting the new top units – in the design of your choice, of course. There are different options available:

• operating top unit with or without arrow symbols for lights and blinds

• intuitive touch top unit for lights and blinds

• room temperature controller

The Gira System 3000 top units can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This enables you to control all functions within your home via app. You can thus monitor and activate motion detectors, the Bluetooth timer for blinds, and other devices from every room.

KNX is the international standard for connected building technology that brings maximum living comfort into your home – including control options via voice command and app as much as intuitive operating units on the wall. You can choose from different switch variants which are also suitable for retrofittings:

• Gira button for KNX with either two or four individual functions

• Gira pushbutton sensor 3 or Gira pushbutton sensor 4 with up to eight individual functions

Each KNX switch has integrated LEDs that show you the current status of connected devices – in the light colour of your choice, of course. You can add a personal inscription, too.

For wireless KNX RF systems, there are special top units and pushbutton sensors available. Since this type of network requires no extra cabling, you can mount the operating units on various surfaces – even glass panes or furniture.

You love a perfectly coordinated interior? Then it goes without saying that your switches should blend in seamlessly. The Gira product range includes seven design lines in many colours, shapes, and materials. You can be sure to find something for any taste – from classic and minimalist to bold and luxurious. What makes it even easier: all design lines are part of the Gira System 55, which means that each component has uniform measurements of 55 x 55 mm. This allows for maximum flexibility when it comes to retrofitting smart switches: based on the motto “Mix and Match”, you can exchange and combine different frame variants as you please.