![]() (Double-pole switches for 240-volt circuits are much less common and used for larger appliances or industrial settings.) Smart switches are generally used to replace a single-pole switch, which is the most common type of wall switch found in homes, controlling a single 120-volt circuit."The biggest disadvantage is the need for a dedicated hub for this to work, translating the signals between Wi-Fi and Z-wave." "The biggest advantage Z-wave has is the ability to use very little power and effectively build a mesh, expanding the coverage area in which the switches can communicate," says Whitehouse. Most smart switches connect directly to your Wi-Fi network, but certain models can utilize Z-wave wireless technology to interact with other smart devices in your home, provided you already use a Z-wave network. ![]() "It's easier for the installation since no additional wiring would have to be added." "There's not a definitive benefit for the function of the switch to not need a neutral wire, but it definitely helps with ease of wiring," says master electrician Ryan DalPezzo of RD Matthews Electrical Contracting. From homes without a neutral wire (often built before the 1980s), no-neutral smart switches are the ideal option. Smart switches often require neutral wiring to deliver constant power to the switch.Three-way switches typically come in pairs and can control the same light fixture from two different places in a room, such as the top and bottom of a staircase or either end of a hallway.There are a number of terms you may come across when looking into smart switches, here's what you need to know: Smart switches are conveniently installed to replace traditional light switches, but they can also be used to control fans and appliances, too. We considered the products' connectivity options, feature sets, and, their compatibility with popular smart platforms.Ī smart switch is an energy-efficient, electrical switch that can be controlled via smartphone app, voice assistant, or other smart home device. With Whitehouse's expert insights as a foundation, we researched a wide range of smart switches from various leading brands, including units with dimmers, three-way switch support, and motion sensors. If the light bulb went out or you decided you wanted a different color temperature on those bulbs, everything will continue to work exactly the same." "In addition to the cost benefits, replacing switches allows you to change out the bulbs whenever needed without worrying about losing your automation. "Automating with the use of light switches is an effective and often less expensive way to automate your lighting system," says Johann Whitehouse, owner of the home automation company WH SmartHome. Using your Wi-Fi network or other wireless connectivity, these modern switches give you remote control through a mobile app or voice assistant, often serving as an alternative to installing individual smart light bulbs. One of the most seamless ways to integrate smart home technology throughout your house and daily life is by upgrading the light switches on your walls to internet-connected smart switches and dimmers. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. ![]() These hubs won't cost as much as an electrician, but they're still fairly costly. The easiest option is to simply buy compatible smart switches, but keep in mind that many of them only work by connecting through a compatible bridge or hub, which stores programming data like your wireless network details and login. There's always the potential to get hurt, so be safe instead of sorry. We recommend you consult with an electrician before pulling out switches or starting any rewiring in your home. If your house doesn't have neutral wires, your options are to rewire your home to add neutral wires, buy and add microcontrollers inside the switches to smarten them up or buy smart light switches that work without a neutral wire or microcontroller. There's a reason why almost every smart switch needs a neutral wire attached. That's why you typically need a neutral wire, which directly connects the power source to the switch: If you turn off the lights, the circuit still breaks, but the neutral wire gives the switch its own persistent source of power. If you switch off the lights, the electric current is broken because no power is passing through the bulb. Without a neutral wire, there is a single circuit between the bulb, power source (or junction box), and light switch. ![]()
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