How to Install a Wi-Fi Switch
How to Install a Wi-Fi Switch
A wifi switch allows you to control lights and other smart home devices using a mobile app or voice command.wifi switch It's one of the best ways to take your smart home beyond a sci-fi dream and into the real world.
The most popular smart light switches work over your existing wires to connect to your home's Wi-Fi network.wifi switch Some have an on/off button and others -- like the Leviton Decora Smart Voice Wi-Fi Dimmer with Alexa -- function as a dimmer for superfine lighting adjustments. Smart light switches are powered by the electrical circuit in your home, so they don't need batteries and can run on different power configurations than most other smart device.
Many smart switches also support the smart-home protocol known as Zigbee, which enables them to communicate with other Zigbee-enabled devices and even with some non-Zigbee devices such as smart speakers and security cameras.wifi switch The Lutron Caseta dimmer switch, for example, works with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, as well as with other brands' smart-home ecosystems via the Matter standard.
You can usually install a smart light switch yourself if you're comfortable doing electrical work, but it's often a good idea to hire a licensed electrician, especially if you're replacing an existing fixture with a new one that's not the same type and requires wiring changes.wifi switch Many models are designed to fit an existing 35mm back box and use standard wiring, but you'll need to have the right power configuration to ensure that the switch can run on the circuit and draw enough power for your lights.
Most smart switches require hookup to a neutral wire, which is the black or brown wire found in most homes built since the mid-1980s.wifi switch They also require a home Wi-Fi router with at least 8 Mbps download speeds to function at their most optimal. Some smart switches require a separate hub to connect to your home's wireless network, but others will work directly with your router.
What are the best wifi switches?
Our top picks for the best smart light switches include the Philips Hue Bridge-less Smart Light Switch, the iHome iHome Z-Wave Plus Single-Button Wi-Fi Light Switch and the GE Smart Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Switch. The first two plug into your home's wall and use your existing wires to connect to your home Wi-Fi network, but the iHome and GE models don't require a hub to operate.
These smart switches offer plenty of functionality, including remote operation from a mobile app, integration with voice commands (Alexa or Google Assistant), and vacation mode that can make your home look occupied while you're away. They also feature a touch-sensitive screen for manual operation and a modern design that complements other smart light fixtures in your home.
A key advantage of smart switches over other types of smart home automation devices is their ability to continue working even when your WiFi goes down. However, all the settings and schedules stored on your smartphone will stop functioning until you're able to reconnect with your home's Wi-Fi.