Three mode switching namely: 1. touch panel, 2. Wifi (mobile phone + configure all aspects predefine ON/OFF etc) & 3. Bluetooth (mobile phone – WiFi to Bluetooth hub can also be added if required.)

Smart light switches tend to be relatively cheap (at least compared with some of the pricier smart bulbs and LED light strips like the Philips Hue Lightstrips), as well as being compact and very easy to use. They are also simple to install and set up, and even those that replace your existing wired switches only require a very basic understanding of domestic electricity. The switch can be operated manually, and in this case it’s a single-gang switch capable of turning a single light on and off. When controlled via the app, the switch’s internal mechanism is powered by a pair of included AAA batteries, which are neatly concealed within the switch. Installation is easy enough, but does require a basic understanding of home electrics. It replaces your existing light switch and can be paired with the Lightwave Link Plus to control your lights from anywhere. You can set schedules, create timers, and adjust the mood of your home room by room. The dimmer switch is compatible with dimmable LED bulbs and requires a Wi-Fi router with broadband internet connection. With the timing function, you can set your switch to turn your lights on and off automatically according to your schedule. You can create smart scenes, so one SONOFF device can turn another one on or off. This allows you to control multiple devices with just one tap. Generally, a smart light switch will be compatible with at least an iPad, android device, Nest, or Ecobee in your home. For example, Apple Homekit devices such as Ecobee or iPad are perfect for iDevices and in-wall outlets. SmartThings technology on the other end supports Z-Wave and Zigbee devices. Switch or Plug

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Activation dates, days of the week, start time and duration can all be pre-configured via the Smartlife application giving you complete remote control and ON/Off overwrite. See ‘how do I get started’– select from main menu above This is a feature we like: If a smart light switch has this feature in its app, it will automatically turn your lights on and off randomly while you're away, to make it look like you're home. Frequently asked questions Do I need an electrician to install a smart light switch? Signify’s Philips Hue bridge is another solution, but it’s generally limited to supporting Philips Hue smart bulbs and accessories. Zigbee is widely support among smart dimmer manufacturers, including Jasco, Sinopé, and Sengled. Lutron also makes an ingenious Zigbee gadget for Philips Hue smart bulbs— the Lutron Aurora—that attaches to an old-fashioned toggle light switch and not only prevents the switch from being turned off (instantly rendering a Philips Hue smart bulb dumb), but it wirelessly controls all the Hub bulbs connected to that switch—complete with a rotary knob for dimming and brightening those bulbs and turning them on or off. Its worth noting that not all LED bulbs are compatible, and the switch can reset itself if the resistance in the circuit is too low.

In addition, most smart light switches will require some installation, as they'll replace your current switch. Some smart switches will also need a neutral wire, which is installed in the wiring of most modern homes. If installation sounds difficult, you can also have an electrician install it for you. It has a maximum dimmable load of 280W (non-LED) and a current rating of 1 Amp. It comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.We experimented with using the switches in different rooms and with different combinations of lighting fixtures. With wired switches, it was a case of removing an old switch and wiring up the smart one, ensuring we carefully turned off the power and fitting the wires to the correct terminals of the new switch. Functionality: Does it support three-way or four-way connections? What other features does it have?

With a smart light switch connected to your external lighting for instance you’ll be able to set them to turn on and off at preset times automatically. Despite being such a simple device, there are a few key questions you need to ask yourself when buying a smart light switch. Firstly, do you want a wireless switch for controlling a smart lighting system like Philips Hue? Or, do you want a wired switch that replaces your home’s existing wall-mounted switches and controls the regular light bulbs already installed?

Products

You can also create lighting scenes, at the touch of a button or through voice control you can turn multiple lights on to different light levels in one go. This is great for kitchens and larger rooms with multiple lighting circuits, no need to press 10 switches to set the scene! GEOLOCATION & HOLIDAY MODES

With the Lightwave app, you can also create what they call “Magic Buttons” to trigger multiple Lightwave devices with a single press. You can also set up a gentle wake-up call in the morning by automating your lights. The device is available in white metal and is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Wireless technology: Most of the smart switches and dimmers on our list use Wi-Fi, but we also consider models that use other wireless technologies, such as ClearConnect, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. No, you do not need to hire an electrician to install a smart light switch. However, it is important that you take the proper safety precautions. Make sure that you turn off the circuit breaker to the switch before starting any work, and be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to install a smart light switch. If you're unsure at all, it's worth calling an electrician. Can I replace a normal switch with a smart light switch? The switch is easy to add to an existing Wiz system, but has fairly limited functionality. It can only be used to turn the lights on or off with a press, and to raise and lower their brightness with a long press of each button. There’s no option for enabling preset lighting scenes, and we encountered a couple of strange issues with the Wiz app during the setup process.Relatively few manufacturers make smart switches that look like this type of old-fashioned toggle switch. To test smart switches, we either installed them ourselves, or had an electrician install them in our house. We then evaluated the switches based on the following criteria: We love smart lighting systems here at TechRadar, but what if all you want is to add smartphone or voice assistant control to your existing lights? That’s where the Tapo Smart Switch comes in. This replaces your existing wall-mounted light switch with one that functions in just the same way, but can also be controlled by app and voice. Installation: How easy was it to install the physical switch, and how easy was it to connect to our home network? Holiday timers mean you can turn lights on and off at preset times to make it look like you are home, preventing the risk of burglaries.