# Preservation of existing switchgear

**URL:** <https://community.homey.app/t/preservation-of-existing-switchgear/79545>\
**Category:** Questions & Help\
**Tags:** app, zigbee, flow, homey-pro\
**Created:** [April 21, 2023, 7:31am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/preservation-of-existing-switchgear/79545 "2023-04-21T07:31:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jacques](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/jacques/32/23891_2.png) [@Jacques](https://community.homey.app/u/Jacques)\
**Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 7:31am UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/preservation-of-existing-switchgear/79545/1 "2023-04-21T07:31:11Z")

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Hello,  
I would like to use an existing built-in double-pole pulse wall switch as a “virtual” switch for controlling Homey flows. I think I can do this by placing a mini smart built-in switch behind the physical switch in the wall box. I then do not connect any wired lights or appliances to this switch to L-out. This means that the visible appearance of the existing switching material on the wall does not change.

My intention is to start a flow with the push of a button on the wall switch. Pressing the switch should then be seen by Homey as a state change, which I can then use to create a flow.

For example, if the last person leaves the room and that person can then start a flow with the push of a button, whereby all lighting is switched off.

I also have an unused sunshade switch on the wall (which are also 2 push buttons). I think that should also work.

Does anybody have experience with this?  
Should this work like this?