How does relay behind wall switch work?

[zealous verge]

So I am looking to make my regular lights smart. I have Zigbee smart bulbs here and there but remodeling so want only "regular" lights and wall switches.

However looking for relays that can dim the light but it's uncommon? I don't need a know, just like holding down to change intensity and short press to turn on off?

What should I look for, like a search term I don't understand?

I was looking at shelly gen4 but was like ridiculed when I asked on their Facebook. And aqara H2 looks new and competent but can it do what I ask?

Or should I have just turn on and off switches and then control dimming in the HA app(if possible)

[deft edge]

If you're remodeling, why not use smart switches that support dimming?

There's no way to get 'press and hold' functionality unless the switch supports it, which normal dumb switches do not

Inovelli switches will do everything you want via Zwave, Zigbee, or Matter.

[zealous verge]

I understand dumb switches do not but don't understand which smart relays do. Innovelli looks nice but us only? Forgot to mention am in EU

[deft edge]

Relays turn circuits on and off

That's what a relay is

I'm sure there are other options for smart switches elsewhere, but I haven't researched them

[zealous verge]

But what do you call them if you want dimmer functionality? I have seen switches which I think uses like a "spring " so you hold down to set dimmer level. And then you quick press to turn on off

Like "shelly dimmer " . They call it relay (wifi though)

[fresh beacon]

You need specifically dimmers, which most wall switches are not. Also your bulbs (the dumb ones) ideally should explicitly say that they are dimmable, as some LEDs will react poorly, e.g. flashing when dimmed.
You can use a shelly or a similar dimmer module, but you'd most likely have to reflash (with esphome or tasmota) and program it yourself to make it work with a dumb switch, handling short/long clicks etc.
Keep in mind that a standard 60mm diameter EU switch slot needs to be around 50mm or deeper to fit both a switch and some standalone module.

[zealous verge]

Seems like a very niche requirement. Thought people wanted to be able to adjust their lights. I mean half of my dumb lights at home are dimmable. Thanks for the info

[hardy depot]

Remove the "use a dumb switch" requirement. Just use an In wall smart dimmer switch. Adding a relay behind a dumb switch is the niche requirement.

https://moeshouse.com/products/star-ring-zigbee-dimmer-switch?currency=USD&variant=46040268276027&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&stkn=b5498fdce93a&srsltid=AfmBOoquJKNtnURXQO4yivVM55dd6JbYGMvRc1jlwXsO4fvV465EdS3MYmc&gQT=1

I'm in the US, and even i can find EU dimmer smart switches all over the place.