How to build a smart dashboard without changing the entire installation

Many believe that a "smart electrical panel" means a complete replacement of the installation — new wiring, a new controller, expensive installation. In practice, the upgrade can be done gradually, element by element, without touching the existing wiring.

What makes an electrical panel "smart"?

A smart electrical panel is not a new type of panel, but your existing panel with some devices replaced by their WiFi versions. Each of them is mounted on the same DIN rail, in place of the old element, and works with an app like Tuya or Smart Life.

Where to start

You don't have to upgrade everything at once. It's most logical to start with the points that bring you the most benefit:

A circuit breaker for an appliance you often forget to turn off – a water heater, a heating device, a garage. A smart circuit breaker with a display allows you to turn it off remotely and see the current load.

An electricity meter for a consumer whose consumption you want to monitor – for example, an air conditioner or a workshop. The WiFi electricity meter shows real-time voltage, current, and accumulated energy directly on your phone.

Light switches that you operate frequently or want to automate by schedule.

What remains unchanged

The wiring, phases, neutral wire, and grounding remain the same. The replacement only affects the element itself – the old mechanical breaker comes out, the new WiFi module goes into the same place, with the same cables.

Steps for upgrading

1. Turn off the power to the electrical panel from the main breaker.
2. Dismount the element you are replacing (old breaker, contactor, or module).
3. Connect the new WiFi element according to the same scheme – N and L enter from the top, the output powers the consumer. For models with a display (like JWG3), the input and output terminals are usually marked separately as IN and OUT, at the top and bottom of the housing.
4. Turn on the power and check if the element lights up correctly.
5. Download the Tuya or Smart Life app, add the device via WiFi (a 2.4GHz network is mandatory – 5GHz is not supported).
6. Set a device name and, if necessary, timers or scenarios.

What to pay attention to

Always check the nominal current of the new device against the consumer it will control. Do not combine elements with different maximum currents on the same line without adequate protection. WiFi devices require a stable 2.4GHz network near the electrical panel – if the signal is weak, consider a WiFi extender.

The gradual approach works

You don't need to buy everything at once. You can start with just one circuit breaker for the most problematic consumer – for example, a Wifi automatic circuit breaker 1P 1-63A with monitoring – to see how the application works, and gradually add elements when you decide. For tracking the consumption of a single consumer, a Wifi multifunctional electricity meter with color display is also convenient.

Important: Electrical installations must be performed by a qualified electrician. The information in this article is for educational purposes only.