The modern smart home thrives on flexibility and seamless integration, and the Sonoff Fusion series emerges as a prime example of this philosophy. Designed for web publication, this comprehensive guide will walk you through how to use the Sonoff Fusion series of smart wall switches, from understanding their innovative modular design to deciphering their wiring diagram for various models. Whether you're a seasoned smart home enthusiast or new to the world of intelligent automation, the Fusion series offers a robust and adaptable solution for transforming your living spaces.

Understanding the Sonoff Fusion Series: Modular Design at its Core

At its heart, the Sonoff Fusion series redefines smart wall switches through its groundbreaking modular design. Instead of monolithic units, these switches feature sleek casings designed to house existing Sonoff Mini-modules. This core innovation provides unparalleled versatility and ease of maintenance, setting it apart in the smart home market.

What Makes the Fusion Series Modular?

The true genius of the Fusion series lies in its ability to swap out internal smart modules. This means you don't need to replace an entire switch to change its functionality or communication protocol. If a module fails, only that component needs replacing, not the entire wall unit, saving both time and money. This system supports a range of existing Sonoff Mini relays, including the MiniR4M, MiniR4, ZBMINIR2, and ZBMINIL2, by effectively encasing them within new wall switch designs.

Supported Protocols for Seamless Integration

The Fusion series embraces modern smart home ecosystems by supporting key communication protocols:

  • Zigbee 3.0: Ideal for creating robust mesh networks, offering broad compatibility and low power consumption.
  • Matter over Wi-Fi: The latest standard promising enhanced interoperability across different smart home platforms, simplifying setup and control.

Aesthetics and Tactile Design

Beyond its technical prowess, the Sonoff Fusion series boasts a sleek, "orb style" push-button design. This aesthetic choice is not just about looks; it provides satisfying tactile feedback and helps optimize space within the wall box for relays and wiring connections. Sonoff also offers single, double, and triple frames, as well as enclosures without pre-installed smart switches, allowing for complete customization to match your home's decor and your functional needs.

Getting Started: How to Use Sonoff Fusion Switches

Utilizing your Sonoff Fusion smart switches is straightforward, offering multiple control options and advanced automation features to enhance your smart home experience.

Control and Ecosystems

All Sonoff Fusion switches are primarily managed through the eWeLink app, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This app serves as your central hub for remote control, device management, and automation setup.

Beyond the eWeLink app, the Fusion series seamlessly integrates with popular smart home ecosystems:

  • Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to control your lights or roller shutters with simple voice commands.
  • Home Assistant: Zigbee versions, like the Orb-ZBW1L, integrate well with Home Assistant, often via Zigbee2MQTT, offering advanced customization and local control. Matter-enabled devices like the Orb-MW1 and Orb-RBS also promise broad compatibility across various Matter-supporting platforms, including Apple Home and SmartThings.

Smart Features and Automation

Once set up, your Sonoff Fusion switches unlock a world of smart functionalities:

  • Timers and Schedules: Program lights to turn on/off at specific times, aligning with your daily routine or creating a lived-in look while you're away.
  • Countdown Timers: Set a light to turn off automatically after a set duration.
  • Smart Scenes/Automation: Create complex rules to automate actions based on various triggers. For example, a motion sensor could activate a light connected to an Orb-ZBW1L, or your Orb-RBS roller shutter could open automatically at sunrise.
  • Loop Timers: Ideal for repetitive tasks or ensuring devices operate within specific windows.
  • Percentage Control (Orb-RBS): For roller shutters, precisely control the opening percentage, offering fine-tuned light and privacy management.

Pairing Your Sonoff Fusion Device

The initial pairing process is generally user-friendly:

  1. Power On: Ensure your Sonoff Fusion switch is correctly wired and powered.
  2. Enter Pairing Mode: Most devices enter pairing mode automatically on first power-up. If not, or to re-enter, typically press and hold a button on the device for approximately 5 seconds until the LED indicator flashes slowly. (Specific flash patterns may vary slightly by model, refer to the manual for precise details).
  3. Add in App: Open the eWeLink app (or your preferred Matter-compatible app for Orb-MW1/RBS) and follow the on-screen instructions to add a new device.
  4. Confirmation: Once paired, the LED indicator will usually change to a solid light, confirming connection to your smart home hub or gateway.

Sonoff Fusion Series Wiring Diagrams: A Model-by-Model Breakdown

Understanding the wiring diagram is crucial for safe and effective installation of your Sonoff Fusion smart switches. While the modular design simplifies the internal setup, each model has specific electrical requirements, particularly concerning the neutral wire. Always ensure the main power supply is turned off before attempting any wiring.

Sonoff Orb-ZBW1L Wiring Diagram (No Neutral Required)

The Sonoff Orb-ZBW1L is a Zigbee 3.0 smart wall switch specifically designed for installations where a neutral wire is not available at the switch location, making it ideal for retrofitting into older electrical systems. It can handle loads up to 6A and is optimized for LED lamps starting from 3W without requiring an anti-flicker module.



Key Wiring Connections:

  • L (Line In): Connects to the incoming Live (Phase) wire from your main electrical supply.
  • L out (Load Out): Connects to the Live (Switched Live) wire that goes directly to your light fixture or load.
  • S1 & S2 (Optional): These terminals are for connecting a traditional external wall switch, enabling two-way control (e.g., for staircase lighting).

Important Considerations:

  • Minimum Load: Requires a minimum load of 3 watts for proper operation, as it draws a small amount of power through the load circuit.
  • Safety: Install a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) or Residual Current Operated Circuit-breaker with Integral Overcurrent Protection (RCBO) with a rating of 6A before the Orb-ZBW1L for electrical safety.
  • Zigbee Hub: Requires a compatible Zigbee bridge or hub (e.g., SONOFF ZBDongle series, NSPanel Pro, iHost) to function as a smart device.

Sonoff Orb-MW1 Wiring Diagram (Neutral Required)

The Sonoff Orb-MW1 is a Matter over Wi-Fi smart wall switch that requires a neutral wire for its installation and operation. It supports loads up to 10A (approximately 2400W at 240V) and offers full Matter integration.

Key Wiring Connections:

  • N (Neutral): Connects to the Neutral wire from your main electrical supply. This provides the return path for the electrical current.
  • L (Live): Connects to the incoming Live (Phase) wire from your main electrical supply.
  • L out (Load Out): Connects to the Live (Switched Live) wire that goes directly to your light fixture or appliance.

Important Considerations:

  • Neutral Wire is Essential: Unlike the Orb-ZBW1L, this model cannot operate without a neutral wire connection at the switch location.
  • Maximum Load: Supports a maximum resistive load of 10A/2400W.
  • Safety: An MCB or RCBO with a rating of 10A should be installed before the Orb-MW1.
  • Detach Relay Mode: This feature allows remote control via "Smart Scenes" even if the physical switch is off. If the device goes offline, the physical switch regains full control.





Sonoff Orb-RBS Wiring Diagram (Roller Shutter, Neutral Required)

The Sonoff Orb-RBS is a Matter over Wi-Fi smart roller shutter wall switch designed to control electric roller blinds or shutters. It also requires a neutral wire and connects to 4-wire or 5-wire AC motors with a built-in forward/reverse rotation limiter, supporting motors up to 1A.



Key Wiring Connections:

  • N (Neutral): Connects to the Neutral wire from your main electrical supply.
  • L (Live): Connects to the incoming Live (Phase) wire from your main electrical supply.
  • L out1 (Motor Up/Forward): Connects to one directional control wire of your roller shutter motor (e.g., for "Up" movement).
  • L out2 (Motor Down/Reverse): Connects to the other directional control wire of your roller shutter motor (e.g., for "Down" movement).
  • (Motor Neutral): The motor's neutral wire should connect to the main neutral line of your electrical supply.
  • (Motor Ground): If present, the motor's ground wire should connect to the electrical system's ground.
  • S1 & S2 (Optional): Terminals for connecting an external traditional switch (rocker or momentary).

Important Considerations:

  • Motor Type: Compatible with AC (100-240V) 4-wire or 5-wire motors with a built-in limit function and a current not exceeding 1A.
  • Safety: Install an MCB or RCBO with a rating of 1A before the Orb-RBS.
  • Direction Reversal Function: If the shutter moves in the wrong direction after wiring, use the app's "Direction Reverse" function or physically swap the L out1 and L out2 wires (after powering off).
  • Calibration: For percentage control, calibration through the eWeLink app or manually on the device is necessary.

Understanding the Orb-RM1

While not extensively detailed as a standalone model in the research, the Sonoff Orb-RM1 appears to be a variation of the Sonoff MiniR4M-E housed within a Fusion series casing. As such, it would likely require a neutral wire for operation, similar to the Orb-MW1, and its wiring would involve connections for Neutral, Live, and Load Out. Always refer to the specific product's user manual for precise instructions.

General Installation Tips and Safety Precautions

Regardless of the specific Sonoff Fusion model, adhering to general installation best practices and safety guidelines is paramount:

  • Disconnect Power: ALWAYS turn off the main power supply at your circuit breaker before performing any wiring.
  • Professional Installation: If you are unsure about any wiring steps, consult a professional electrician to avoid electrical shock hazards and ensure compliance with local electrical codes.
  • Secure Connections: Ensure all wires are securely fastened to their respective terminals to prevent loose connections, which can cause overheating or malfunction.
  • Wire Gauge: Use the recommended wiring diameter (e.g., 16AWG-14AWG for Orb-MW1, 18AWG-14AWG for Orb-RBS) for solid or stranded copper conductors only.
  • Circuit Protection: Always install the recommended Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) or Residual Current Operated Circuit-breaker with Integral Overcurrent Protection (RCBO) with the specified rating for each device to protect your electrical installation.
  • Refer to Manuals: The official user manual for your specific Sonoff Fusion model is the ultimate resource for detailed wiring diagrams, pairing instructions, and troubleshooting tips. These can usually be found on the SONOFF website.
  • Certifications: Sonoff devices, including the DUALR3 and DUALR3 Lite modules sometimes integrated or compatible with the Fusion series, are often certified by TÜV, CE, FCC, and RoHS standards, ensuring safety and reliability.

Expanding Your Smart Home with Sonoff Fusion

The Sonoff Fusion series offers more than just individual smart switches. Its modularity extends to multi-gang frames (Orb-2/3 Gang), allowing you to consolidate multiple smart controls into a single, cohesive wall plate. This not only enhances aesthetics but also provides flexibility for future expansions, enabling you to integrate additional Sonoff products like temperature or motion sensors for a truly interconnected and intelligent home.

Conclusion

The Sonoff Fusion series stands out as an innovative and user-friendly solution for smart home lighting and automation. By understanding its modular design, how to use its various functionalities, and carefully following the specific wiring diagram for each model, you can seamlessly integrate advanced control and convenience into your living spaces. The flexibility to choose between Zigbee and Matter over Wi-Fi, along with options for no-neutral and neutral-required installations, ensures there's a Fusion switch suitable for almost any home. Embrace the future of smart living with Sonoff Fusion, simplifying maintenance and future-proofing your smart home setup.