If you've made it this far, you already know you need a bypass. That leaves the second question: which one. And the answer doesn't depend on your bulb or your installation, but on the Shelly device you're going to fit.
The two current models
They share the same threshold (20 W), size, location and way of connecting. The only thing that changes is which device they're designed for.
Bypass for 1L/2L Gen3
This is the one for the neutral-less relays: the single-channel Shelly 1L Gen3 and the two-channel Shelly 2L Gen3.
Its job is to ensure the relay gets enough power to stay connected to Wi-Fi even with the lights off, which is when available current is scarcest.
If your Shelly 2L Gen3 controls two circuits and both are below 20 W, you'll need two units: one per circuit.
Bypass for Dimmer Gen3
Specific to the Shelly Dimmer Gen3 in two-wire installations.
On a dimmer the problem is more noticeable: besides the glow with the light off, you get flicker while dimming and abrupt jumps in brightness at the low end of the range. The bypass stabilizes the circuit and widens the useful dimming range.
See the Bypass for Dimmer Gen3
The third one, for the previous generation
There's an original Shelly Bypass, compatible with the previous-generation Shelly 1L and Shelly Dimmer 2.
If you've just bought your device, it's almost certainly not yours. It makes sense if you're keeping older units running and need a replacement.
The rule in one line
Check the generation of your Shelly before ordering the bypass. A previous-generation accessory isn't the right one for a Gen3 unit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 1L/2L one on a Dimmer Gen3?
Each is specified for its own unit. Using them crossed can give incorrect behavior, so respect the stated compatibility.
Do devices with neutral need a bypass?
No. The bypass only applies to units that work without a neutral wire. A Shelly 1PM Gen4 connected to neutral powers itself.
What if my load exceeds 20 W?
You don't need a bypass. At that power the device draws enough current through the load itself without switching it on.
How do I calculate the power of my light point?
Add up the watts of all the bulbs on the circuit. Four 6 W LEDs is 24 W and stays above the threshold; three 5 W ones is 15 W and stays below.
Are the two installed the same way?
Yes: in parallel with the load, inside the light fixture. We detail it in the installation guide.
Related guides
- Why your LED flickers with a Shelly
- How to install the bypass step by step
- Snubber or bypass: which one you need
Not sure which to order? Tell us the exact model of your Shelly and we'll confirm it. Technical support in English and shipping from Spain.
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