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Building automation WiFi vs twisted pair: Sonoff, Fibaro, Arduino - opinions and practical applicati

lukas198820 1347 12
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  • #1 20737008
    lukas198820
    Level 15  
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    Hello

    Lately, I've been wondering whether instead of building automation done by twisted-pair cable, wouldn't it be better in the era of fibre-optic internet and deep electrical boxes to do automation by wifi ?

    I'm talking about Sonoff , or the more expensive Fibaro, or even something based on Arduino.

    What is your opinion.
    And maybe the sense of a smart home isn't right after all, because after playing around with the BMS, one uses practical solutions anyway.
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    #2 20737010
    sosarek

    Level 43  
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    Don't you think cables are more reliable?
    Otherwise it depends what you mean by automation.
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  • #3 20737017
    lukas198820
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    Yes I think cables are better.
    But.
    If we are talking about switching on lights in given rooms instead of pulling a cable, wouldn't it be better to do it via wifi?

    And how does the wireless alarm system work?
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    #4 20737324
    gkwiatkowski
    CCTV and Stationary Alarms specialist  
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    lukas198820 wrote:
    And how does the wireless alarm work?


    Somehow it works.
    Every 1.5-2 years you have to replace the batteries in the detectors.
    Sometimes the control panels report failures due to detection of jamming. Someone nearby has a remote control or other data transmission on the same frequency and the alarm system detects this as an attempted "attack".
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    #5 20737408
    TvWidget
    Level 39  
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    Wireless sensors are quite convenient. Battery power allows them to be easily installed in various locations. They are unlikely to use WiFi due to their power consumption.
    The actuators are generally less mobile. They require different cables to be connected. They may have a network veil. Wireless communication in them has much less advantages than in the case of sensors.
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    #6 20737507
    sosarek

    Level 43  
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    lukas198820 wrote:
    Wouldn't it be better to do it via wifi if we are talking about switching the lights in certain rooms instead of pulling a cable?
    If you are stubborn, you can even do it on an alarm....
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    #7 20745550
    weryfany
    Level 27  
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    Maybe off topic, but I have had ewelink app-based touch switches installed for 3 years.... devices with the sonoff logo to this control from the app communication of switches via Wi-Fi.
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    #8 20745567
    kkknc
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    Despite the years, however, z-wave, is the most....
  • #9 20750722
    lukas198820
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    Why -wave
    Why not Supla?
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    #10 20750740
    kkknc
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    When you have to deal with z-wave you will know.
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    #11 20750928
    Szyszkownik Kilkujadek
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    lukas198820 wrote:
    So lately I've been wondering if instead of building automation done over twisted pair cable, isn't it better in the age of fibre optic internet and deep electrical boxes to do automation over wifi ?
    I don't know what fibre optic internet has to do with building automation, but generally if you have good wifi coverage throughout the house it can and does work quite well.

    lukas198820 wrote:
    This is about Sonoff , or the more expensive Fibaro, or even something based on Arduino.
    Whoever prefers. I tested various solutions and eventually went in for Tuya.

    lukas198820 wrote:
    And maybe the point of a smart home isn't quite right after all, because after playing around with the BMS, one uses practical solutions anyway.
    It depends on the people. Their needs and lifestyle.
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    #12 20751053
    bezpiecznykrakow

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    When it comes to switching on the light, this can be done with an alarm and over existing wires. Ropam PLC.
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    al. 29 Listopada 130, Kraków, 31-406 | Tel.: +48XXXXXXXXX (Show) | Company Website: https://bezpiecznykrakow.pl
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    #13 20754365
    kmarkot
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    I recommend Zigbee + Home Assistant
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on the feasibility of using WiFi for building automation compared to traditional twisted-pair cabling. Participants express a preference for wired solutions due to their reliability, while acknowledging the convenience of wireless options for tasks like lighting control. Concerns are raised about battery life and interference in wireless systems, particularly with alarm systems. Some users share experiences with specific products, such as Sonoff devices and the eWeLink app, while others mention Z-Wave and Tuya as alternatives. The conversation also touches on the importance of good WiFi coverage and the potential of Zigbee with Home Assistant for automation solutions.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Wireless alarm sensors need battery swaps every 1.5–2 years; "Somehow it works." For lighting, wired is still more reliable, but Wi‑Fi/Zigbee/Z‑Wave can work with solid coverage. For homeowners, renovators, and installers deciding between Wi‑Fi and twisted‑pair automation. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #20737324]

Why it matters: You’ll choose a reliable, maintainable path for lights and alarms without needless rewiring.

Quick Facts

Is wired (twisted pair) more reliable than Wi‑Fi for home automation?

Yes. Cables provide higher reliability and predictability for core functions. Define your automation scope first. "Don’t you think cables are more reliable?" If reliability is critical, prefer wired control for lights and safety systems. Add wireless only where wiring is impractical or for add‑on features. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #20737010]

Can I switch room lights over Wi‑Fi instead of pulling new cables?

Yes, if your Wi‑Fi coverage is strong and consistent. Users report that whole‑home Wi‑Fi lighting works quite well under solid coverage. Place access points to avoid dead zones and keep 2.4 GHz channels uncongested. Start in one room, validate stability, then expand. "It can and does work quite well." [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, post #20750928]

Do Wi‑Fi touch switches like Sonoff/Ewelink hold up long term?

Many do. A forum user reports 3 years of daily use with eWeLink‑based, Sonoff‑logo touch switches. Success depends on stable power, good Wi‑Fi, and correct installation depth in wall boxes. Update firmware when available and document device names and locations. Keep spare modules for quick swaps. [Elektroda, weryfany, post #20745550]

How do wireless alarm systems perform in practice?

They work, with upkeep. Expect detector batteries to last about 1.5–2 years. Panels may report RF jamming if nearby devices interfere, which is a known edge case. Plan a battery calendar and test supervision signals. “Somehow it works,” but maintenance matters for reliability. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #20737324]

Why don’t most battery sensors use Wi‑Fi?

Wi‑Fi draws more power than low‑power protocols, which shortens battery life. Designers choose Zigbee/Z‑Wave/other low‑energy radios for years‑long operation. Reserve Wi‑Fi for mains‑powered devices like switches, plugs, and bridges. For coin‑cell sensors, avoid continuous Wi‑Fi connectivity. [Elektroda, TvWidget, post #20737408]

Are wireless actuators a good idea for lighting or blinds?

Only when wiring is difficult. Actuators are usually fixed in place and already need power cables. Wireless adds little benefit and another failure mode. Prioritize wired control for actuators if you can reach them with cable. Use wireless mainly to add control points or retrofit scenes. [Elektroda, TvWidget, post #20737408]

Is Z‑Wave still worth considering over Wi‑Fi or Supla?

Many installers favor Z‑Wave after real deployments. It offers a mature ecosystem and strong device interoperability. "When you have to deal with z‑wave you will know." If you plan many battery sensors, Z‑Wave is a solid candidate. Evaluate device availability and your controller support first. [Elektroda, kkknc, post #20750740]

What’s a good local‑control stack to start with?

Zigbee devices integrated with Home Assistant is a popular, local, and extensible setup. It fits low‑power sensors well and supports robust automations without cloud dependency. Start with a supported Zigbee coordinator and add devices room by room. [Elektroda, kmarkot, post #20754365]

Can I use my alarm/PLC to switch lights over existing wires?

Yes. Alarm‑integrated PLCs can drive lights via existing cabling. One approach: Ropam PLC. How‑To: 1. Add programmable outputs or expansion relays in the panel. 2. Wire outputs to lighting circuits through certified relays/contactors. 3. Program schedules/scenes and link to sensors or keypads. [Elektroda, bezpiecznykrakow, post #20751053]

Does fiber‑optic internet change how I should wire or plan automation?

No. Internet backhaul speed doesn’t determine your automation bus choice. Your Wi‑Fi coverage and device power model matter much more. Focus on RF reliability indoors, wiring feasibility, and local control needs. “I don’t know what fibre optic internet has to do with building automation.” [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, post #20750928]

What interference or failure modes should I expect with wireless systems?

Alarm panels can detect RF jamming and raise faults when nearby devices transmit on similar frequencies. Plan for periodic sensor tests and supervised heartbeats. Keep detector batteries fresh to avoid false trouble events. Treat radio planning as seriously as cable routing. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #20737324]

Which platform should I pick: Sonoff, Fibaro, Tuya, or Supla?

Test against your needs, then standardize. Users try multiple ecosystems and settle on what proves stable and flexible. One user moved to Tuya after trials. Prioritize local control options, integration with your hub, and long‑term device availability. Label circuits and keep spares. [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, post #20750928]

Should I go all‑wireless or mix wired and wireless?

Start from requirements. Use cables where maximum reliability is needed, like primary lighting circuits. Add wireless where wiring is impractical or for extra control points. "Otherwise it depends what you mean by automation." Document choices per room and function. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #20737010]
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