Modern devices are intended to take the place of regular wall switches and provide greater control over your electrical systems. They connect to your home’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, allowing you to control lamps and other devices remotely via smartphone applications, voice commands, and automated systems.
The Different Types of Smart Switches
Smart switches are available in a number of styles and types to help users meet their own personal needs:
- Basic Smart Switch: A basic smart switch allows you to control remotely one light or device from anywhere.
- Basic functionality allows for ON/OFF control and scheduling.
- Smart-Dimmer Switch: A smart-dimmer switch allows you to remotely adjust the brightness of your lights (and serves as an energy-saving feature).
- 4-Way Smart Switch: A 4-way smart switch allows you to control a single light from multiple locations (i.e. large bedrooms, hallways, stairways) in a complex lighting installation.
- Smart Home Light Switch: The defining characteristic of a smart home light switch is its ability to connect with other smart home devices and deliver enhanced functionality.
Follow these steps to properly use a smart switch
- Install your smart switch. Depending on the model, you may need to get an electrician’s help or perform some light electrical work yourself to install the new switch.
- Choose to connect your smart switch to either your home WiFi network or connect over Bluetooth. The manufacturer’s app will provide you with instructions on how to do this.
- Configure your smart switch by using the app to establish settings and establish schedules, as well as to integrate with other compatible smart devices you may have in your home.
- Control your smart switch remotely, through voice commands, and/or through the use of automated systems. You will be able to access and make adjustments through the app, or use voice commands to control your switch.
Does a Smart Switch Move it All?
Smart switches enable you (or your smart automation system) to control the amount of electricity going to an appliance or light and are not used to transmit data or perform additional functions. Smart switches give you added convenience; therefore, their primary purpose is for improved control and automation capabilities.
Is it worth investing in a smart light or a smart switch?
The answer depends on you, but let’s take a look at some benefits:
- Smart Lighting and Smart Switches provide you with all of the convenience and control of being able to turn lights on/off; dim/brighten; and control any connected device from anywhere in your home or workplace with a smartphone or using voice commands.
- Smart Lighting and Smart Switches also provide you with an automated way to manage the lighting in your home or workplace. You can schedule your lights to turn on/off, create “Scenes” with multiple lights and devices, and automate operations, such as turning on/off lights at a particular day or time.
- By monitoring and managing how you use energy, you may be able to lower your energy costs by taking advantage of rebate programs offered by local utility companies and monitoring through your smart light and smart switch, you will have an opportunity to lower your energy costs by being able to monitor how much energy you are using daily.
- You can now secure your home and improve security measures through all three products – combining all into one system.
Are Smart Switches Used (via Bluetooth) or Wi-Fi for Operation?
Most Smart Switches connect to their respective Smart Home Networks (also called Home Wifi) using the Home Network, allowing users to remotely access and control their devices using the Internet. However, there are several Smart Switches that may only provide Local Connections (reported to operate via Bluetooth). In these scenarios users will not have to be connected to any Wifi Network during the operation of their device.
Benefits of Installing Smart Lighting
As you consider smart lighting for your home, you may be thinking: “What will the benefits of smart lighting be to me?” Here are a few ways smart lighting can help make your life easier.
- Improved Control: You will have the ability to change the intensity of your lights, change their colour(s) and set them to either turn off automatically at a specific time or by using voice commands, from anywhere in your home.
- Reduced Energy Consumption: Smart lighting allows you to decrease the amount of electricity you use and consequently save money on your monthly energy bill.
- Remote Control: You can control your lights remotely (from out of town) with the simple touch of your finger or by using voice commands.
- Flexibility: Smart Lighting allows you to create specific lighting scenes (multiple settings within the same room) that correspond to your different activities and states of mind.
About IGOTO – Electric
IGOTO stills smart solutions for the Home including advanced smart switches. IGOTO is known for their hard work in putting together cutting-edge technologies for the Home, and at the same time, providing reliable products. The switches are made with a beautiful glass face and also have a very good-quality feel. They work perfectly with any smart home system and do meet all the necessary American requirements. They provide both Wi-Fi and RF (RFID) control.
Conclusion
With the advent of smart switches, the ability to control and automate electrical systems has never been better. There are numerous types of smart switches to choose from, including smart dimmers and smart switches for 4-way installations. A qualified professional can determine which type of smart switch is best for a specific application based on the customer’s requirements. Understanding how to operate a smart switch and the numerous benefits to end-users will allow you as a professional to provide your clients with the best possible solutions. When you are looking for a great selection of quality, reliable, and innovative smart switch products, turn to IGOTO Electric.
IGOTO Electric uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Our commitment to accuracy and reliability ensures that readers receive well-researched information they can trust.