Do smart light switches need a neutral?

Smart light switches require a neutral wire to stay connected to your WiFi at all times, even when the switch is turned to the off position. Without this connection, the smart switch won’t be able to receive commands from its app.

How does a smart light switch work?

A smart light switch is wirelessly connected through WiFi to an app, usually on your phone. It can control your lights based on remote commands and schedules. These switches can also be controlled manually if your phone is not nearby, or for guests without access to the control app.

Do smart light switches need a hub?

Some smart light switches required a smart hub to connect to your phone, but most models can connect to your phone directly. By choosing smart light switches that don’t require a hub, you can reduce your setup costs and simplify installation.

Are smart light switches secure?

You can increase the security of your smart light switches by taking a few steps. A few examples include: Using a secure encryption method for your WiFi network access like WAP2 and choose a unique password that will make it harder to hack. Also, consider setting up a guest WiFi account to limit access to the network used to control your smart switches. Always make sure to keep your phone software up to date, so you have the latest and best security features.

Do smart light switches use electricity when off?

Even when smart lights are turned off, they still use small amounts of energy to maintain communication with your WiFi. This allows the switch to receive commands from its app or perform scheduling actions. The amount of energy used is not enough to make much of a difference, if any, on your energy bill.

Do smart light switches save money?

Yes, smart light switches can help you use less energy. They can be programmed to suit your lifestyle and can be remotely controlled in the event you forgot to turn your lights off and are away from home.

Are smart light switches energy efficient?

Most often, they use LED light bulbs, which are arguably the most energy-efficient option on the market. They can be programmed to suit your lifestyle and can be controlled remotely in the event you forgot to turn your lights off and are away from home.

In-Depth Product Guide

Smart Light Switch

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Smart light switches are replacements for traditional light switches allowing for lighting control on the panel itself, or remotely with a mobile application. Most popular smart light switch models allow for control remotely. Some can even leverage voice commands from compatible voice activated home hubs. Most smart light switch applications allow for programmable on and off lighting schedules. Time-based scheduling allows you to automatically turn your lights on and off, increase your homes security and reduce your energy use. Some switches even allow dimming, color and "mood" settings for activities such as hosting a dinner party, watching a moving or reading a book.

Look for switches that are easy to use, with an app that you would enjoy working with. If you are going to go farther into home automation, start with switches that are compatible with automation hubs available on the market. Many new smart home hubs support a variety of communication protocols, including ZigBee, Z-Wave, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Bonus - see if you can find one that will also measure energy consumption.

Mainly these are for convenience, but you can use them to save energy and money by turning certain devices that use energy off at certain times, like when they are not needed or when the peak electricity prices happen.

Lighting color can be viewed as a novelty for holiday decorating and parties, but did you know that changing the color of your environment can have a significant impact on how you feel and function. When paired with a smart LED light bulb, a smart light switch can help you experiment with lighting colors.