Wired wall switches with Matter functionality represent a gap in the market, at least in Europe. There are products like the Eve Shutter Switch or solutions from Asian brands such as Aqara, Haojai, or Sonoff. European switch manufacturers, however, have so far held back. Anyone who wants to integrate light or roller shutter switches into a control system via Matter must add an extra wireless module – which leads them to providers like Eltako, Wago, or Warema.
The German Hager Group (link) now wants to change that. The family-run electrical company, with annual sales of around three billion euros, unveiled a new switch system at the Light + Building trade fair (link). It marks the company’s second step toward the cross-manufacturer smart home standard, following the introduction of a Matter Bridge in its Domovea KNX server.
The new switch range is divided into four design lines: the compact A.1 and C.1 series, as well as two slightly larger variants designated A.8 and C.8, with edge lengths of 88 millimeters. All four are based on the same 55 × 55-millimeter electronic platform, ensuring that the modules are compatible with existing installations. The long-established Berker brand, which previously served Hager’s switch segment, will be discontinued and integrated into the Hager portfolio.
Modular System with Matter over Thread
The system features a modular design for maximum flexibility. This allows the same aesthetic to accommodate mechanical switching inserts, electronic in-wall variants, or push-button sensors with KNX Secure. The electronic inserts gain their Matter functionality from an application module located behind the rocker switch (see large image at the top of the page).
This module also integrates the complete wireless stack required for communication with smart home systems. Hager relies on Matter over Thread for connectivity. This low-power mesh protocol offers several advantages, including the ability for the manufacturer to provide battery-powered wireless push buttons that can be positioned independently of the installed switching inserts throughout the home.
At the launch of the new product line, five in-wall devices will be available: a single-channel switching insert rated at 16 amps, a dual-channel switching insert (4A), a dimming actuator, a shutter control actuator, and a so-called mains insert. The latter does not include any integrated switching function; it simply supplies power to the application module mounted in front of it – for permanently installed wireless push buttons that are not intended to rely on batteries. In addition, two Matter application modules (single-channel and dual-channel) will be offered to control the respective functions.
Limited Installation Effort for Electricians
To reduce installation effort, single-channel application modules automatically connect to the output when clipped onto a single-channel in-wall insert. This enables local switching, dimming, or shutter control without any additional configuration by the electrician. At the same time, Matter can be used to configure parallel control of other Matter-enabled devices, such as smart light bulbs. If a dual-channel application module is used on the same actuator, the second button can be freely configured within the Matter system.
If the user chooses to replace a wired light source with a Matter-enabled bulb, the electrician can permanently connect the phase to the lamp wire, ensuring the light source is continuously powered – an essential requirement for reliable operation of wireless bulbs. In this setup, the attached application module is decoupled from the in-wall insert, and control of the Matter-enabled bulb is handled exclusively via wireless communication. The switching actuator effectively becomes a mains insert, serving only to supply power to the front-mounted module.
The new switch range is scheduled to launch in May 2026. Initially, push buttons will be available in black, white, anthracite, and titanium, with both matte and glossy finishes, as well as square and rounded frames. Starting in October 2026, Hager plans to expand the portfolio with a Signature range featuring 16 colors and 15 surface finishes – including materials such as wood, stone, slate, and marble for the A.8 and C.8 series.
However, the lineup will only be considered complete once Matter-enabled outlets in the same design become available. According to the manufacturer, these are already planned and are expected to launch by late 2026 or early 2027.
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