As home automation manufacturers work harder to appeal to a broader audience that extends beyond the tech savvy, they are looking to develop devices usable by average consumers who have little to no tech knowledge. One such device is the smart light switch. New to the market, the smart light switch is slowly gaining traction with consumers.
A typical smart light switch replaces analog switches and dimmers without the need for any major construction. When paired with compatible smart light fixtures or bulbs, the switches do everything their analog counterparts do but with additional smart functions.
If you’re interested in knowing more, you can find an in-depth Vivint Smart Home guide here. Vivint recently began offering smart light switches to consumers looking for a more complete home automation ecosystem.
Controlling Smart Lights
As its name implies, the smart light switch is designed to control smart lights. There is no point to installing the smart switches if none of the lights in your home are equipped with smart fixtures or light bulbs. In fact, doing so would prevent you from using your lights at all. So that’s the first thing.
The next thing is compatibility. The switches you choose must be compatible with the fixtures or light bulbs you prefer. Thankfully, that is not a serious issue at this point. Some of the biggest names in smart lights, like Phillips for example, offer fixtures and bulbs that are compatible with mainline switches.
Over-the-Top Installation
Installing a smart light switch which doesn’t require major construction. It does not require removing existing switches or tapping into the home’s electrical system. Instead, the switches fit right over the top of your existing switches. They are powered by batteries. Installation is as simple as removing a faceplate and replacing it with a smart switch.
A switch can be installed in under a minute. It really is that simple. Then it is a matter of using a companion mobile app or home automation hub to link the switch to the smart lights in that particular room. It is an easy task if you know your way around a cell phone.
Greater Control and Flexibility
So why install smart light switches? Because they add greater control and flexibility to a whole-house lighting system. With analog lights and switches, you control each one manually. You flip switches to turn lights on, then flip them again to turn the lights off. With a smart switch and compatible smart lighting, you can:
- Control Lights from Anywhere – Smart lights are accessible from anywhere using mobile app. Whether you are home or hundreds of miles away, you can control your lights with your phone.
- Create Lighting Groups – A smart switch allows you to create groups of lights in specific areas of your home for the purpose of controlling all of them with a single command.
- Create Lighting Scenes – Smart switches and mobile apps allow you to create lighting scenes based on different times of the day or certain events. Lighting scenes can make home lighting more efficient and enjoyable.
- Automate Lighting – Smart lights can be automated in a number of ways. Create a static program for your daily routine, then run a randomized program when you are away for an extended amount of time.
There is a lot more to be said about smart light switches. The most important thing to know is that they extend the functionality of your lighting system by giving you automated access and control. They are yet another device you can add to create a more complete smart home ecosystem that makes life easier.
