SONOFF BASIC-1GS Basic Gen5 - Matter Wi-Fi Single Channel Smart Switch 10A

SONOFF BASIC-1GS Basic Gen5 - Single Channel Matter Wi-Fi 10A Smart Switch

GENERAL OVERVIEW

The BASIC Gen5 (BASIC-1GS) is a single-channel smart switch from the Basic series by SONOFF, a modern successor to the iconic original SONOFF BASIC that popularized DIY home automation since 2016. With its compact dimensions of 80.5×41.5×23.6mm and 44.8g, this switch stands out with its standalone casing with removable cover and its ability to be wall-mounted via M3 screws.

Based on the BK7238 microcontroller and Matter over Wi-Fi protocol, this switch offers universal compatibility with all major smart home ecosystems: Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, and any Matter-certified platform. This fifth generation marks the evolution of the Basic range towards Matter interoperability while maintaining the user-friendliness that made its predecessors successful.

The BASIC-1GS handles a switching channel with a capacity of 10A (2400W at 240V) for resistive loads. The channel can be controlled via the eWeLink app, voice command, home automation, or locally via the physical button on the casing. This direct manual command makes it an ideal product to modernize existing installations while preserving intuitive tactile control.

Unique feature of this model: the Magic Switch mode (exclusive to the eWeLink ecosystem). By connecting the L Out and N Out outputs together before the wall switch, the device remains online and controllable even when the wall switch physically cuts the load. This function allows modernizing existing lighting circuits without losing the use of traditional wall switches, while maintaining permanent smart control.

Important point: like all SONOFF modules, this model requires a neutral wire to function. The installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician and protected upstream by a circuit breaker or RCBO of a maximum of 10A. The cover must be properly closed before any power-up to avoid the risk of electrocution.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Universal Matter compatibility guaranteed: The adoption of the Matter protocol ensures seamless integration with all current and future smart home ecosystems. Control your load via Apple Home on iPhone/iPad, Google Home on Android, Alexa on Echo, or SmartThings on Samsung. Create complex multi-brand routines mixing SONOFF, Philips Hue, Eve, Aqara, and other devices without platform limitations. The BASIC-1GS becomes a universal element of your smart home setup.
• Standalone casing with integrated wall mounting: Unlike MINI micromodules that fit into wall boxes, the BASIC-1GS has a compact standalone casing (80.5×41.5×23.6mm) that can be wall-mounted via M3 screws or simply placed in a technical space (electrical panel, false ceiling, furniture). This installation flexibility makes it a versatile product suitable for both new installations and modernizing existing ones. The removable cover facilitates access to wiring terminals during installation.
• Direct manual control via physical button: The button located on the casing allows manual control of the device with a simple press (ON/OFF) without relying on the app or an internet connection. This local tactile command ensures reliable operation even in case of network failure, faulty Wi-Fi, or smart system maintenance. Ideal for critical applications requiring direct emergency control.
• Exclusive eWeLink Magic Switch mode for wall switch compatibility: Unique function allowing modernizing existing lighting circuits without modifying the wall wiring. By creating a short circuit between L Out and N Out (according to supplied diagram), the device detects wall switch cuts and remains online for permanent smart control. The user retains the use of their traditional wall switch (double-pole toggle) while being able to control via app, automations, or voice command even when the wall switch is in the OFF position. Compatible with LED bulbs, energy-saving, and incandescent lamps 3-100W.
• 10A capacity suitable for common domestic uses: The maximum load of 10A (2400W at 240V) covers the vast majority of residential applications: general lighting (up to 24 LED bulbs 100W equivalent), auxiliary heating 2000W, fans, small appliances. The channel state is memorized after power outage to automatically restore its configuration. State reported in real-time to the Matter controller with typical latency
• Simplified professional installation: T40 screw terminals directly accept rigid or flexible copper conductors of 16-14AWG (1.5-2.5 mm²) section. The casing has clearly identified cable passages and a secure closure system preventing power-up with the cover open. The cover removal procedure is simple (notch pressure + lever) but requires a flat metal tool to prevent accidental opening. Compatible with 100-240V~ 50/60Hz single-phase installations.
• Advanced Matter automations and native Home Assistant integration: Create complex automations in Home Assistant combining your BASIC-1GS with any Matter device: motion detectors, temperature sensors, bulbs, motorized blinds. Use Node-RED for advanced visual flows or community blueprints for ready-to-use automations. Local Matter communication ensures a response time

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Product Identification

• Trade name: Basic Gen5
• Model reference: BASIC-1GS
• Product series: Basic series
• Product type: Matter Over WiFi Smart Switch (single channel)
• Generation: 5th generation of the BASIC range
• Manufacturer: Shenzhen Sonoff Technologies Co., Ltd.

Protocols and Connectivity

• Main protocol: Matter over Wi-Fi
• Secondary protocol: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz only
  • 20 MHz Channels: 2412–2472 MHz (channels 1-13)
• Bluetooth: 2402–2480 MHz
• Maximum transmission power (EU):
  • Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz: ≤20 dBm
  • BLE: ≤20 dBm
• Matter compatible platforms:
  • Apple Home (iOS 16.1+, iPadOS 16.1+, macOS 13+, tvOS 16.1+, HomePod 16.1+)
  • Google Home (Android/iOS app)
  • Amazon Alexa (4th gen+ Echo, 3rd gen+ Echo Show 10, Echo Studio, etc.)
  • Samsung SmartThings (Hub v3, Station, SmartThings Family Hub, etc.)
  • Home Assistant (2022.12+)
  • Homey Pro (2023 Early Access)
  • Any Matter certified compatible platform
• Control app: eWeLink (iOS and Android)
• Pairing: Matter QR code scan or manual pairing
• Pairing mode duration: 10 minutes

Hardware and Microcontroller

• Microcontroller (MCU): BK7238 (Beken Corporation)
• Architecture: Integrated Wi-Fi + BLE processor
• Radio interface: 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 5.0

Electrical Characteristics

• Supply voltage: 100–240V~ 50/60Hz single-phase only
• Maximum load:
  • Single channel: 10A Max (2400W at 240V~, 1200W at 120V~)
  • Load type: Resistive only (lighting, electric heating)
• Mandatory upstream protection: Circuit breaker (MCB) or RCBO 10A
• Neutral wire: REQUIRED (installation not possible without neutral)
• Conductor type: 16-14 AWG (1.5-2.5 mm²) SOL/STR copper only
• Connection terminals: T40 screw terminals
• Standby consumption:

Wiring Diagram

• Available terminals:
  • N In: Neutral input (REQUIRED)
  • L In: Phase input 100-240V~
  • N Out: Neutral output to load (100-240V~)
  • L Out: Phase output to load (100-240V~)
• Standard installation: Direct connection between power supply and load
• Magic Switch mode (optional, eWeLink only):
  • Short circuit L Out and N Out before the wall switch
  • Compatible with double-pole toggle switches only
  • Compatible with LED, energy-saving, incandescent bulbs 3-100W
  • Also works with double-switch circuits
• CRITICAL WARNING: Strict single-phase use 100-240V~ ONLY. Multi-phase connection → Guaranteed device destruction.

User Interface

• Physical buttons: 1 touch button on top of the casing
• Button functions:
  • Single press: ON/OFF switch of the load
  • Long press 5 seconds: Activate pairing mode
• LED indicator: Multifunction blue LED
  • eWeLink mode:
    • "Two short + one long" blink: Active pairing mode
    • Steady on: Device online
    • One blink: Offline
    • Two blinks: Connected to router but not to cloud
  • Matter mode:
    • "Two short + one long" blink: Active pairing mode
    • Steady on: Device online
    • One blink: Offline

Dimensions and Weight

• Casing dimensions: 80.5 × 41.5 × 23.6 mm (L × W × H)
• Net weight: 44.8 g
• Format: Rectangular with removable cover
• Thickness: 23.6 mm
• Wall mounting: Holes for M3 screws (screws not provided)

Construction and Materials

• Casing material: Flame-retardant PC (Polycarbonate)
• Color: White
• Finish: Matte
• Protection index: Indoor use only (no IP)
• Fire resistance: V0 compliant
• Cover: Removable with secure clip system
• Cover removal: Flat metal tool required (notch pressure + lever)

Environmental Conditions

• Usage location: Indoor only
• Operating temperature: -10°C to +40°C
• Storage temperature: -20°C to +70°C
• Relative humidity: 5 to 95% RH (non-condensing)
• Maximum altitude: 2000 meters

Certifications and Compliance

• European certifications: CE
• North American certifications: FCC
• Environmental compliance: RoHS
• FCC ID: 2APN5-BASIC1GS
• RED Directive: 2014/53/EU
• Matter certification: Yes (CSA-IOT, Matter 1.0+)
• WEEE compliance: Yes (mandatory recycling)

Supported Matter Functions

• Device Type: On/Off Light Switch (0x0103)
• Supported Clusters:
  • On/Off (0x0006) - On/Off state
  • Groups (0x0004) - Group control
  • Scenes (0x0005) - Scene management
• Commissioning: Wi-Fi + BLE
• Fabric support: Multi-fabric (up to 16 controllers simultaneously)
• Thread: Not supported (Wi-Fi only)

Smart Functions

• Remote control: Via eWeLink app or native Matter app
• Voice command: Compatible with Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa
• Scheduling: Weekly schedules
• Smart scenes: Create multi-device scenes
• Groups: Logical grouping of multiple devices
• Device sharing: Multi-user sharing
• State memory: State memorized after power outage
• State after power-up: Configurable (last state/always ON/always OFF)
• Magic Switch mode: Maintains connection despite wall switch cut (eWeLink only)

Installation and Mounting

• Installation type: Standalone (wall mounting or free placement)
• Mounting options:
  • Wall mounting via M3 screws (holes provided on casing)
  • Free placement in technical space (panel, false ceiling, furniture)
  • Installation in flush-mounted box if sufficient space
• Required space: Minimum 85mm × 45mm × 30mm
• Required wiring: Phase + Neutral (input and output)
• Necessary tools: Flat/cross screwdriver, voltage tester, wire stripper
• Installer qualification: Qualified electrician recommended
• IMPERATIVE: Cover properly closed before power-up

Package Contents

• 1× SONOFF BASIC-1GS Basic Gen5 (main device with cover)
• 1× Multilingual Quick Start Guide with Matter QR code
• 1× User Manual (EN/FR/DE/IT/ES)
• Note: M3 wall mounting screws NOT provided