Hello,
I need your help.
We have a terrace roof with LED spotlights.
Currently, the LED spotlights are controlled by a light switch (we planned to replace the light switch with a dimmer). The LED spotlights are connected with a 3x1.5mm cable and have their own 24V transformer that works with trailing edge dimmers.
So far, so good.
Now we have a problem. We realized that we definitely need vertical blinds because the sun shines quite far under the roof, even very early in the summer. We installed frosted glass in the roof.
However, we only have the 3x1.5mm power cable going outside.
To supply power to the blinds (the blinds require continuous power), we have to set the light switch to constant power and create a branch with Wago connectors: one line to the two blinds and one to the LED spot transformer.
But then the lights are permanently on, so we need to install a dimmer between the branch and the transformer to switch the lights on/off and dim them.
Additionally, we also need a wireless switch that has continuous power and sends the signal for on/off and dimming to the dimmer in front of the transformer so that the light switch can be used again (but only wirelessly and not directly wired).
The blinds will have a Somfy motor and remote control.
We use Home Assistant but so far have only integrated Zigbee with Philips Hue lamps (ambient lighting only).
We have not yet decided on a smart home system for the rest; currently, Zigbee, Thread, or Homematic IP are under consideration.
Ambient lamps or garden lighting should definitely run on Zigbee (the ceiling lamps will be equipped with a dimmer at the light switch for fail-safe operation).
We want to have smart light switches, underfloor heating, roller shutters, and window handle sensors (the biggest challenge is finding a window handle sensor that looks good, as there aren't many options).
My most important question is: How can we most elegantly make the terrace roof (blinds and LED spotlights) smart and make the light switch usable again?
To integrate the blinds into Home Assistant, we need the Somfy Tahoma Bridge (I believe there is no other way).
How should we make the LED spotlights smart? Should we install a Somfy dimmer (before the transformer) and a Somfy wireless transmitter (behind the light switch and convert the light switch wiring with Wago connectors to continuous power),
or would you also recommend using a Zigbee dimmer and wireless switch, or the same system we will install in the house?
What would you recommend? How can this be done best?
Maybe someone is experienced with Somfy?
We are currently gathering quotes for the blinds and have noticed that 99% are equipped with Somfy motors.
Thank you very much for your help.
I need your help.
We have a terrace roof with LED spotlights.
Currently, the LED spotlights are controlled by a light switch (we planned to replace the light switch with a dimmer). The LED spotlights are connected with a 3x1.5mm cable and have their own 24V transformer that works with trailing edge dimmers.
So far, so good.
Now we have a problem. We realized that we definitely need vertical blinds because the sun shines quite far under the roof, even very early in the summer. We installed frosted glass in the roof.
However, we only have the 3x1.5mm power cable going outside.
To supply power to the blinds (the blinds require continuous power), we have to set the light switch to constant power and create a branch with Wago connectors: one line to the two blinds and one to the LED spot transformer.
But then the lights are permanently on, so we need to install a dimmer between the branch and the transformer to switch the lights on/off and dim them.
Additionally, we also need a wireless switch that has continuous power and sends the signal for on/off and dimming to the dimmer in front of the transformer so that the light switch can be used again (but only wirelessly and not directly wired).
The blinds will have a Somfy motor and remote control.
We use Home Assistant but so far have only integrated Zigbee with Philips Hue lamps (ambient lighting only).
We have not yet decided on a smart home system for the rest; currently, Zigbee, Thread, or Homematic IP are under consideration.
Ambient lamps or garden lighting should definitely run on Zigbee (the ceiling lamps will be equipped with a dimmer at the light switch for fail-safe operation).
We want to have smart light switches, underfloor heating, roller shutters, and window handle sensors (the biggest challenge is finding a window handle sensor that looks good, as there aren't many options).
My most important question is: How can we most elegantly make the terrace roof (blinds and LED spotlights) smart and make the light switch usable again?
To integrate the blinds into Home Assistant, we need the Somfy Tahoma Bridge (I believe there is no other way).
How should we make the LED spotlights smart? Should we install a Somfy dimmer (before the transformer) and a Somfy wireless transmitter (behind the light switch and convert the light switch wiring with Wago connectors to continuous power),
or would you also recommend using a Zigbee dimmer and wireless switch, or the same system we will install in the house?
What would you recommend? How can this be done best?
Maybe someone is experienced with Somfy?
We are currently gathering quotes for the blinds and have noticed that 99% are equipped with Somfy motors.
Thank you very much for your help.
I’m not familiar with Somfy, but if you have a switch with up/down control, you can simply use a Shelly 2PM for about 25 euros.
My window manufacturer also tried to sell me some other system (which might even have been Somfy) when I said I wanted to control it later through the home automation. I told them that a standard motor with a normal switch for up/down is enough. The rest is handled by the Shelly.
My window manufacturer also tried to sell me some other system (which might even have been Somfy) when I said I wanted to control it later through the home automation. I told them that a standard motor with a normal switch for up/down is enough. The rest is handled by the Shelly.
D
derdietmar30 Mar 2026 14:44Hello,
definitely avoid adding more devices with io Homecontrol (Somfy / Velux).
For the rest, it depends on the overall system. I would recommend using Zigbee devices that also support Matter (over Thread). You already have Zigbee with Hue.
Alternatively, there is KNX RF. There is a lot happening in that area currently, but it is more expensive.
Best regards
definitely avoid adding more devices with io Homecontrol (Somfy / Velux).
For the rest, it depends on the overall system. I would recommend using Zigbee devices that also support Matter (over Thread). You already have Zigbee with Hue.
Alternatively, there is KNX RF. There is a lot happening in that area currently, but it is more expensive.
Best regards
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