A smart light switch can be defined as a device that allows you to remotely control your lighting system using your smartphone or a voice assistant like Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home Kit.
With a smart light switch, you can easily connect to your home network using Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee or a smart bridging hub. This process means you can remotely switch on or off your lighting system anywhere, regardless if you’re home or not.
A good example is that you can tell Alexa to turn on the lights before you get home, or otherwise, you can choose to switch off a light straight from the convenience of your smartphone while you’re lying in your bed.
Smart light switches are primarily useful in terms of convenience, security and energy efficiency. Generally, the ease of use and the convenience is a big plus.
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How to select a smart light switch?
Choosing the right smart light switch is quite essential in ensuring that your smart light switch works effectively and meets your needs.
Talking from personal experience, I have installed many of these smart light switches and have learned a lot over the years in terms of what works and what does not.
Here are a few things to consider when selecting a smart light switch:
1. Check for a Neutral Wire: Some smart light switches require a neutral wire to function, while others do not. It’s important to check whether your existing wiring has a neutral wire before selecting a switch.
2. 2-Way Switching Compatibility: If you have a light or set of lights that are controlled by two switches, you need to select a smart switch that offers 2-way switching compatibility.
3. Hub Requirements: Some smart light switches require a hub or network extender, while others can connect directly to your Wi-Fi. It’s important to determine whether you need a hub or not before making your selection.
4. Back Box Depth: Smart light switches come in different sizes and depths, and it’s important to ensure that you have a deep enough back box to accommodate the switch and wiring.
5. Control Options: Consider how you want to control your smart light switch, whether it’s through a phone app, voice assistant, or other means.
6. Voice Compatibility: If you want to use a voice assistant like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home Kit to control your smart light switch, make sure it is compatible with the assistant you prefer.
By considering these factors, you can select a smart light switch that meets your needs and works effectively in your home.
Is it required to have a neutral wire to install a smart light switch?
The decision of either to instal neutral wire to a smart light switch or not will mainly depend on the type of switch you’re using. Some smart light switches require a neutral wire to power the switch itself, while others do not.
In the UK, there are two wiring methods used for lighting circuits.
- One method is the “two-plate” wiring method, where all the incoming and outgoing loops are wired to the ceiling rose or light pendants, and the only switch wire goes to the light switch.
- The other method distributes all the loop-in and out wires of the lighting circuit from the light switch back box or junction box.
If you’re not sure whether you have a neutral wire or which wiring method is used in your home, it’s a good idea to consult a competent electrician who can advise you from an expert viewpoint.
The electrician can help you determine whether your lighting circuit requires a neutral wire or not and can provide advice on the best type of smart light switch for your needs.
How do you control or configure smart light switches?
Smart light switches can be controlled in many ways; however, they must be connected to the internet in order for you to get it working remotely.
Once the smart light switch is connected to the internet, you can then start controlling it through the use of proprietary apps from smart switch manufacturers or through voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit with Siri commands.
The type of connectivity used for the switch may vary, such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or RF signal. Most smart light switches simply connect to your Wi-Fi router. Some require only Wi-Fi, while others may need an intermediary hub or box in order to automate all lights and make configuration and management of the lighting system easier.
Shall I consider the voice compatibility for the smart light switch?
When selecting a smart light switch, it is important to consider its voice compatibility because doing so will allow you to control the light simply by speaking a command, such as “Alex, turn on the light”…
Most manufacturers make smart light switches that are compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, while some are compatible with all three voice assistants (Alexa, Google Home and Siri).
A quick note to bear in mind; if you are an Apple HomeKit fan and want to use Siri to control your lighting systems, I will highly recommend that you get a smart light switch that is also Apple Home Kit compatible; this is simply because some of the lights may not work with Siri.
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