Frequently asked questions

• How is the M5 Matter different from the regular SwitchMan M5?

  The hardware is the same SwitchMan series — 86×86 plate, mechanical keys, 10 A relay. The Matter version, however, joins Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant directly via the Matter standard, while the classic M5 works only through eWeLink and cloud links.
• Do I need a Sonoff hub?

  No Sonoff hub is needed. You only need the Matter controller of your chosen ecosystem: a HomePod or Apple TV for Apple Home, a Nest Hub for Google Home, an Echo for Alexa. In the eWeLink app the switch can be added even without them.
• What wiring must be present in the back box?

  Line L, the load wire to the fixture and a neutral for the N terminal; the manufacturer also requires a 10 A breaker ahead of the switch. In older buildings the neutral often does not reach the switch box — an electrician brings it over from the junction box.
• How much load can the relay take?

  Up to 10 A, which means 2200 W of resistive load. For LED fixtures the manufacturer caps the load at 300 W at 220 V because LED drivers draw high inrush currents.
• Can the key backlight be turned off at night?

  Yes. The LED brightness is adjustable in the app and can be switched off entirely; the blue network indicator can be disabled separately.
• What happens after a power outage?

  The behaviour is configurable: always on, always off, or return to the last state. Schedules are stored in the switch itself and survive the outage.
• Does it work when the internet is down?

  Yes — in Matter ecosystems commands travel locally over the home network, so the key, scenes and automations inside the LAN keep working; only remote access from outside becomes unavailable.
• Can I use eWeLink and Matter at the same time?

  Yes. The M5 Matter lives in eWeLink and, in parallel, in a Matter ecosystem added via the QR code: fine-tuning of backlight and power-on state is done in eWeLink, while scenes are built on whichever platform hosts the rest of your devices.