If you do not want to change your bulbs or lights that you currently use, nor do you want to resort to proposals such as smart plugs to be able to remotely control your home lighting, then what you need are smart switches . But how do they work and how to choose the ideal model?
Beyond smart bulbs and plugs
When it comes to smart lighting, most users tend to think only of connected light bulbs and smart plugs. Both are devices that allow you to control home lighting remotely, although the latter have more uses for that of being able to plug in other appliances.
However, there is a third solution that is much simpler and cleaner than the previous two. In addition, it may even be cheaper and does not imply, on the subject of lighting, also changing each of the luminaires that you want to control. What’s more, it is not always ideal because they are fluorescent or other types of lights much more interesting than the bulbs that are so popular right now.
Therefore, let’s talk about smart switches , a device that you can place in your existing recessed switch.
What are smart switches
As we say, smart switches are nothing more than devices that allow you to remotely control the passage or not of electrical current . It is basically if we remove the element that controls the on and off from those smart bulbs and plugs.
Of course, by only offering that control in the current that will or will not reach the device that is connected or depends on said switch, they are usually cheaper and offer a series of advantages that can be much more interesting than those provided by the most popular solutions. on smart lighting issues.
Advantages of smart switches
Smart switches are one more solution when it comes to remotely controlling home lighting, although they can also be used for all those electrical devices that we have connected to a switch.
Therefore, its own existence is justified by the advantages that the other solutions do not provide. Although they are not perfect either and there are some other negative aspects that it is always important to know in order to choose the option that really interests you the most.
The best
- They are usually cheap
- No light changes required
- Integrate into existing wall recessed switches
- The remote control lights will always work
Worst
- Requires installation
- It is necessary to know maximum power if you want to use it with other devices than bulbs
- In some cases they may be impossible to install due to lack of space on the wall
- Not all offer light intensity control (it also depends on the luminaire used)
How to choose a smart switch
Choosing such a smart switch might seem straightforward, but sometimes it isn’t. Because not all work in the same way or require a specific type of installation. That is, there are models that in addition to the classic two current wires also need the neutral.
The other factor that will sound much more familiar to you is the type of connectivity they use: WiFi, Zigbee or Z-Wave. Here the ideal is that it is the same protocol that you can already have and use at home with other connected devices such as smart bulbs.
It is also important that you consider the compatibility options with different home automation platforms . If you want to control them through Alexa, you will have to ensure that it offers you support for the Amazon assistant. And the same for Siri and Google Assistant, so be very careful. Because if they can only be controlled through their own application, you will be limiting yourself for the future.
Finally, it is also recommended that it offers functions that go beyond switching it on and off. Being able to dim the light is one of them, because if in the future you buy a luminaire that can be used with dimmers, you will be able to get a better experience.
Therefore and as a summary, to choose the best smart switch according to your needs, you must take into account the following:
- Type of installation required for your implementation. Know if you need a neutral wire or an earth connection, if you completely replace your wall switch or just the interior “box”
- Connectivity standard used: WiFi, Zigbee or Z-Wave
- Compatibility with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant
Once these three sections are controlled, you will basically have no problem when deciding which switch to buy.
Recommended smart switches
A simple search will allow you to find a multitude of smart switches that will allow you to continue using your same lights, but with the advantage of being able to be controlled remotely through a mobile application or by voice commands if it supports any of the assistants. current.
Some of the most prominent and recommended models in all this of the smart switches are the following. Of course, some completely replace the one you have in the recessed wall and others only accessories that you connect inside, to be able to have the option of wireless remote control while you continue using the existing button / switch when you want to do it manually.
Sonoff switch
These Sonoff switches offer different options depending on whether you want to control just one or more lights. That is, they are valid for those double wall switches that you have. The panel is tactile and the connectivity is done through the home WiFi connection.
With different options, support for Alexa and Google Assistant, what is important to know is that it requires a neutral wire for installation.
Broadlink TC2 switch
Broadlink smart switches are another of the most interesting options, although this time the price is above the rest of its competition. That will make it not easy to change all of the house at once for most users, but it is something that will depend on each one.
The good thing is that you do not need the neutral cable for installation and it is controlled through the WiFi connection together with the use of an app available for iOS and Android. There is also it to control several lights from the same switch.
Philips Hue Switch Wall
It is not yet available for purchase, but will do so shortly. The Philips Hue Switch Wall is the official solution expected by many users of Philips Hue products. They are installed inside the hood where you currently have your current switch and it does not replace it, so that even if they are used to turn off the light the wireless control will still be available.
With a price of 39.95 euros they continue to use Zigbee connectivity, so the use of the Philips bridge or one compatible with said standard will be required.
Meross switch
Finally you have the Meross smart switch model. Like the others, it sits in the place of your old switch and offers support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Samsung SmartThings.
With a fairly cheap price, only 18 euros, it is a very interesting proposal for a massive change. Of course, it requires the use of a neutral wire.
