Learn how to change a boneIO output from a 'light' entity to a 'switch' entity and vice versa in your ESPHome configuration.

Changing Entity Type (Light / Switch)

Sometimes the default configuration of an output as a light doesn't fit its actual use. For example, when you connect an outlet, a fan, or a pump to it. In such cases, it's a good idea to change the entity type to a switch so that Home Assistant categorizes it more appropriately.

Light: The entity appears in the light domain, is controlled by voice commands like "turn on all the lights," and is intended for light sources.
Switch: A more generic on/off entity. Perfect for outlets, fans, solenoid valves, and other non-illuminating devices.

Note: In YAML files, indentation is critical. Always use spaces, not tabs, and maintain proper alignment.

Prerequisites

A working ESPHome add-on installed.
Your boneIO device is adopted in the ESPHome dashboard.
You know how to edit the YAML configuration file.

Changing from `light` to `switch`

In this example, we will change light_02 into a switch_02 entity. The process consists of two simple steps.

Step 1: Change the output definition

We need to move the output definition from the light section to the switch section and modify it slightly.

BEFORE:

light:
  - platform: binary
    name: 'Light 01'
    output: out_01
    id: light_01
  - platform: binary
    name: 'Light 02'
    output: out_02
    id: light_02

AFTER:

light:
  - platform: binary
    name: 'Light 01'
    output: out_01
    id: light_01

# New section for switches
switch:
  - platform: output # Change 'binary' to 'output'
    name: 'Living Room Outlet' # New, more fitting name
    output: out_02
    id: switch_02 # New ID

Step 2: Update the button action

Now, we must tell the button to control the new switch (switch_02), not the old light (light_02), otherwise the configuration will be invalid.

BEFORE:

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: 'IN_02'
    # ... rest of the pin configuration
    on_press:
      then:
        - light.toggle: light_02 # This line refers to the old ID

AFTER:

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: 'IN_02'
    # ... rest of the pin configuration
    on_press:
      then:
        - switch.toggle: switch_02 # Updated domain (switch) and ID (switch_02)

After these changes, save the file and upload the new configuration. You're done!

Changing from `switch` to `light`

The process is almost identical, just in reverse. In this example, we will change switch_02 to light_02.

Step 1: Change the output definition

BEFORE:

switch:
  - platform: output
    name: 'Switch 01'
    output: out_01
    id: switch_01
  - platform: output
    name: 'Living Room Outlet'
    output: out_02
    id: switch_02

AFTER:

switch:
  - platform: output
    name: 'Switch 01'
    output: out_01
    id: switch_01

# Moved element to the light section
light:
  - platform: binary # Change 'output' to 'binary'
    name: 'Living Room Sconce' # New name
    output: out_02
    id: light_02 # New ID

Step 2: Update the button action

BEFORE:

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: 'IN_02'
    # ... rest of the pin configuration
    on_press:
      then:
        - switch.toggle: switch_02

AFTER:

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: 'IN_02'
    # ... rest of the pin configuration
    on_press:
      then:
        - light.toggle: light_02

Save the file and upload the configuration. The OUT02 output will now appear in Home Assistant as a light.

Changing Entity Type (Light / Switch)

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