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What is a Smart Light Switch?
A Smart Light Switch is a switch or device that is similar in appearance to a normal light switch that will usually be installed on your wall. However a smart light switch can contain a lot more features and power over your house hold lights, including controlling your lights through your smart phone.
What do I need a Smart Light Switch for?
Not only do you get all the extra control over your lights including dimming capabilities, remote access to your lights and timers. These lights are also a great way of keeping track of your energy consumption and saving you money year after year!
There is an initial cost of setting up a smart light switch but you will save money in the long run and have more control of your lights and better security. Out of the house for a few days? Have your lights be turned on at night and turn off during the day, all at the push of a button.
Which is the best smart light switch?
This is going to depend on a lot of factors for each individual. What kind of features do you want? What’s your budget? How many lights would you like to control?
Let’s take a look at some of the best smart light switches available:
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1.TP-link Kasa smart light Switch
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One of the best smart light switches is TP-link HS200 light Switch. TP is a well known brand when it comes to routers and Wi-Fi capabilities. This light switch will use Wi-Fi and TP link has a great reputation in this area so it’s perfect that they have made their very own smart light switch.
|
Wireless Type |
System Requirements |
Environment |
Maximum Load |
Maximum Power |
|
2.4GHz, 1T1R |
Android 4.1 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher |
â?Operating Temperature: 0 ºC ~ 40 ºC (32°F ~ 104°F) |
15A, 600W Incandescent |
3.68KW
|
Pros & Cons
Pros – This light switch is easy to install into your wall and doesn’t require any batteries. You are able to control all lights in your house from your smart phone. Most light bulbs will work with this light switch. You can control other fixtures in your home like your fans. You don’t need to install or purchase any sort of hub. You can control your lights and fixtures with popular voice operated apps like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Cons – The switch must be in range and be able to connect to your Wi-Fi in order to function. This Smart light switch only works on a single-pole electrical set up and you must have a neutral wire.
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2.Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch
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The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch with Remote is a relatively new smart light switch that provides the user with something other light switches do not. No electrical wiring. Just place the switch anywhere you want, connect your lights and it works. You can control up to 10 light bulbs with the dimmer switch and if you combine it with the Philips hue hub you can control up to 50.
|
Batteries included |
Lifetime |
Max. lights per switch |
Frequency band |
Minimal battery lifetime |
Minimal range indoor |
|
1 x CR2450 |
50000 clicks          |
10 if not linked to the Hue bridge |
2400 â?2483.5 MHz |
3 Â years |
500 Â inches |
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Pros & Cons
Pros – This Smart light requires close to 0 installation and you don’t have to deal with the hassle of finding out if you have a neutral wire or not. In fact no electrical wiring is required at all! It’s quite cheap and very easy to use.
Cons – You can only use Philips Hue smart light bulbs with this smart light switch. You can only control up to 10 light bulbs without the Philips Hue hub. You don’t get full functionality over your lights using the Hue app until you purchase the Philips Hue bridge at an additional cost.Â
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3.GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Lighting Control Light Switch
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GE Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch is of the best light switches on the market. It provides similar features of the above light switches including scheduled timers and the ability to wirelessly control your lights from anywhere on earth with an internet connection. This smart light switch can be used with a number of Z-Wave certified Hubs such as Pulse and Wink.
|
Max Load |
Power |
Operating Temperature Range |
Signal Frequency |
Wireless Range |
|
960W Incandescent, 1/2 HP Motor, 1800W (15A) Resistive |
120VAC, 60HZ |
32-104°F (0-40°C) |
908.4/916MHz |
Up to 150 feet |
Pros & Cons
Pros – Can use up to 600W Incandescent light bulbs and up to 150W CFL/LED light bulbs. Can control your lights and your fans. Can function if you have a 1 or 3 way electrical system.
Cons – Your electrical system must have a neutral wire. Does not include a wall plate so aesthetically is not so pleasing. You must purchase a separate hub of your choosing in order for this to work which will be at an additional cost.
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4. Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch (Model # PD-6WCL-WH)
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Lutron Wireless Dimmer Switch will be installed by mounting onto your wall into your electrical system. This smart light switch will have great dimming capabilities on all your lights that support dimming. This Light switch does not require you to have a neutral wire which is great for some of the older homes that do not have this wire.
Specs –
|
Compatible Bulb Type |
Mounting Type |
Amperage (amps) |
Wattage (watts) |
|
CFL, Halogen, Incandescent, LED |
In-Wall |
1.25 |
150 |
Pros & Cons
Pros – Does not require a neutral wire. Can support a wide range of light bulbs. Compatible with many different smart hubs. Works with all the popular voice command apps. Is compatible with the Pico remote. You have the option to dim your lights.
Cons – Does not work without purchasing a HUB or Pico remote separately. The dimmer is more expensive than other switches and you also have to factor in the cost of a mandatory hub purchase, making it even more expensive. Also no wall plate is included for the smart light switch making it look very unappealing.
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5.Meross Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
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Meross Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch is from a lesser known company but they make a terrific switch. This smart light switch will be installed onto your wall using the electrical wiring behind it and will operate on your Wi-Fi connection. It uses the MT7687 chipset which will provide a high quality stable connection so you never need to worry about your smart light switch not working.
|
Wireless Type |
System Requirements |
Environment |
Antenna |
Wireless Security |
|
2.4GHz, 1T1R |
Android 4.1 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher |
â?Operating Temperature: 0 ºC ~ 40 ºC (32°F ~ 104°F) |
One Internal Antenna |
Supports 64/128 bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK |
Pros & Cons
Pros – Easy to install light switch. Can schedule lights to go on and off remotely. No need to buy or use an additional hub. Can use popular voice command apps to control your lights. Uses a stable MT7687 chipset for the Wi-Fi connection.
Cons – This smart light switch will only work if your electrical system has a neutral wire and is a 1 way switch. Your switch must be connected to the Wi-Fi at all times in order for you to control the lights. Â
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Conclusion
No matter which smart light switch you pick from this list you are going to get some added luxury that your parents and ancestors have never had before. The power of light in your hands.
You will need to consider and find out if your home has a neutral wire or not and how much money you would like to spend. All of these smart light switches have the pros and cons that have been addressed so you will need to decide which one fits your home and needs the best.
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