Do you want to upgrade the lighting in your home by installing a smart home light switch? Smart switches allow for convenient and easy control of indoor lighting devices, creating more comfortable living spaces while reducing energy consumption.
This blog post will provide an overview of everything you need to know about how to install smart home light switch – 12 steps to easily install. With this helpful guide, you won’t have any trouble turning your old lights into modern, energy-efficient smart home lights. It tells you what materials you need and how to wire them.
How to install smart home light switch? 12 steps to easily install
A smart switch applied to a smart home system is connected to a power supply and at least one electronic device. The smart switch includes a screen, a power detecting unit configured to detect real-time electrical information of the electronic device, a processor unit including a calculating module configured to calculate total electricity consumption of the electronic device and a control module configured to control the screen to display instantaneous electrical information and the total electricity consumption, and a communication unit configured to connect the smart switch to a gateway of the smart home system in wired or wireless manner, and send the electrical information and the total electricity consumption to the gateway.
Source: https://patents.google.com/
Step 1: Identify your current wall switch configuration.
Before you upgrade to a smart light switch, it’s crucial to determine the type of switch that fits your needs. If there is only one panel in the wall, then you require a single-gang switch.
But if two switches are present (one for lighting and another for the ceiling fan), then opting for a double-gang smart light switch would be most appropriate. Lastly, three switches necessitate purchasing an alluring three-gang device!
Step 2: Begin the process of determining the sort of wiring you have.
To lessen the risk of electric shock or electrocution, make sure to switch off power from the fuse box. Before getting into any electrical circuits, it is wise to get hold of a voltage meter (if you don’t already have one).
If you own a non-contact voltage detector, there’s no need for wires and leads, as this will give an accurate reading.
Step 3: Remove the current switch from the location where you wish to install your smart switch.
To access the switch, start by unscrewing the screws on either side of its wall plate. If you’re having trouble prying it off due to paint, try a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver for added leverage. Finally, undo the screws on your light switch and pull gently forward until it’s free from its housing.
Step 4: Inspect the wire configuration.
When it comes to smart light switches, the essential wire requirements are an “in” wire, an “out” wire, a ground wire, and a neutral wire. While most homes have all three of these wires installed in their walls, pre-1980s buildings often lack the neutral wiring needed for this setup.
Usually, the neutral wire is a white wire or a bunch of white wires. Even if your lighting system doesn’t have a neutral wire, you can still use smart light switches. Just buy a type of switch that is made to work without this type of link. Take the Lutron P-PKG1W-WH-R Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch as an example. It doesn’t need a neutral wire to be installed, but it does need its own bridge.
Step 5: Select an intelligent light switch.
Once you’re comfortable with your wiring system, select a suitable smart light switch for your specific circumstances. If you have two-gang switches, there may be traveler wires and other complexities to consider. As such, the subsequent instructions will focus on single-gang smart lights like Wemo’s model, which include neutral wire connections.
Step 6: Take out the old light switch.
Before you begin, make sure to turn the power off at the breaker. Then carefully disconnect each wire of your old light switch one by one and remember which is which. If there are no labels, then use different colored electrical tape to label them properly as you go along.
Step 7: Connect the cables on your smart light switch to the wiring inside your wall.
Connect the input wire to its corresponding port, followed by the output wire and ground/neutral wires. Make sure there is no loose or open wiring in the box (the ground may be shown as an uncovered wire). Use a trustworthy plug to secure your connections. To make sure that your new switch is put in correctly, use a wire tool to prepare the old wiring as needed.
Step 8: Connect the wires you just connected and test them by turning on the power.
If the switch is powered on, it’s time to progress with the next phase. However, if your switch refuses to turn on, you must double-check all of your connections.
Step 9: Disconnect the electricity at the breaker box and secure the smart light switch.
Before you start, make sure to turn off the breaker box power. Then take your time carefully organizing and inserting all of the wire connections into the wall box—it can be a tight squeeze!
Although pressure will definitely build, resist cramming them in; instead, slowly place each one in so that no loose connections or fires occur. Additionally, if necessary for extra security, binding wiring with electrical tape is an option as well.
Step 10: Install the smart light switch.
To begin, activate the breaker box and ensure all connections are secure. After that is confirmed, attach the wall plate, and then you can start installing your app!
Step 11: Join your smart light switch to your network.
To start enjoying the convenience of voice control, begin by downloading the smart light app and connecting to your Wi-Fi. Subsequently, assign a name to your switch that you find suitable before syncing it with Alexa or Google Home. Then all you need to do is speak commands into those devices for an effortless experience!
Step 12: Use an app to control your smart switch.
Now, it’s time to sync your smart light switch with the corresponding hub so you can take advantage of voice control through Google Home or Alexa. Congratulations! You now have access to all the amazing features that come along with owning a smart switch!
Tips for installing a smart light switch
- Read the instructions carefully to ensure proper installation and use of the device.
- Ensure that your smart switch is compatible with your existing switches, light bulbs, and other features in your home.
- Consider hiring an electrician if you are unsure about your wiring or electrical system.
- Always turn off the power before working on any wiring.
- Test the light switch before closing up the wall to make sure everything is working properly.
- Be sure to follow all safety protocols when installing or repairing any electrical devices in your home.
Ways to select the right smart home light switch
- Look at compatibility with existing switches and dimmers in your home.
- Make sure the switch is compatible with your phone’s operating system, like iOS or Android.
- The switch’s load rating will determine how much wattage the device can manage, so pay attention to it.
- Check the range of your switch, so you can be sure that it will work with your home network.
- Consider features like scenes, timers, and voice commands for more convenience.
- Look for additional security and safety measures like tamper alerts and surge protection.
- If you are uncertain about any part of the installation process, consult a knowledgeable professional for help.
Properly installed light switches and dimmers can save you money on your energy bill and provide additional safety to your home. Take the time to properly install a smart switch, so you can enjoy all the benefits it provides!
FAQs How to install smart home light switch
Is an electrician required to install a smart light switch?
Avoid hiring an electrician and skip the need for extra tools when you replace your standard electrical switch with a smart one. Safety is essential, so make sure to follow our safety precautions for a quick, straightforward installation process!
How can I link my smart home switch to WiFi?
After the switch is in discovery mode, access the accompanying app on your mobile device to select and begin pairing with your model. The app will ask you for Wi-Fi credentials; type them in and watch as the switch automatically reconnects!
Can I use a smart light switch manually?
Level up your smart device use by automating it! With easy set-up routines, you can control the switch from your device with just a few taps. Schedule the porch light so that it turns on at sunset and off when sunrise comes, or even link multiple rooms together for simultaneous control.
What are the drawbacks of smart light switches?
While smart light bulbs aren’t as expensive as they used to be, they still come with a higher price tag than regular non-smart LED or incandescent bulbs. The current cost of an average incandescent bulb is around one dollar, while a basic LED will set you back five dollars on average.
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing a smart home light switch can be surprisingly simple and straightforward. As long as you have the right tools and a bit of patience, you should have your smart light switch shining in no time.
Don’t forget to save all of your new application settings before any changes are made! With the help of digitalne.tv‘s guide, you should now know how to install a smart home light switch and be able to control your lights from almost anywhere. Thanks for reading!