You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion
Smart switch alexa is does it count
Former Community Member
So looking through regs items need to be switched to be controlled. So does an Alexa for type switch count. If you run a normal switch then add Alexa bulb say at some point someone will turn off the switch and the item will over time deprogramme. Therefore you could short back of switch giving constant power and solving problem but is that within the regs?
As far as the regs, if you do control a light by electronic means, and it could be Alexa, or it could be a PIR or an electronic dimmer, this is only a functional switch, and does not count as a safe means of isolation for working on the system (unless there is a large mechanical contact, means to lock off etc). You can have as many functional switches in series or parallel as you like to make a really complex multi-point control, but somewhere up front of all that, there must be a normal isolator as well (though in a simple system that may be the MCB at the consumer unit.).
As far as the regs, if you do control a light by electronic means, and it could be Alexa, or it could be a PIR or an electronic dimmer, this is only a functional switch, and does not count as a safe means of isolation for working on the system (unless there is a large mechanical contact, means to lock off etc). You can have as many functional switches in series or parallel as you like to make a really complex multi-point control, but somewhere up front of all that, there must be a normal isolator as well (though in a simple system that may be the MCB at the consumer unit.).
