Will Smart Light Switches Still Work When the Internet Goes Down?
Will Smart Light Switches Still Work When the Internet Goes Down?
While smart switches are a great convenience, they still require wire and a switch box.wifi switch You’ll need to cut a hole in your wall and run the wires, which is a hassle for many people. Plus, adding new switches in desirable locations may be impossible without rewiring your home.
Smart light switches allow you to control lights from a smartphone app, by voice or manually using the switch itself.wifi switch They also work with other smart home devices like connected bulbs, speakers and door locks. You can set schedules, control music ambiance and feel secure in your home even when you’re away from home.
Unlike most other connected devices, smart switches can operate independently of your WiFi.wifi switch But what happens when the internet goes down? Will your smart light switches stop working or will they remain operational? Let’s find out the answer to this question and more in this article.
If your router or wireless network goes down, you won’t be able to use your smart switch until the problem is resolved.wifi switch But if you connect your switch to another device with an internet connection (such as your smartphone), the switch will be able to communicate with that other device and continue working. If you have multiple switches in your home, this will enable them to communicate with each other as well.
As long as your switch is still connected to the power grid via a neutral wire, it will be able to turn on and off as usual.wifi switch However, if you have any smart functions or schedules set up in the apps on your smartphone, these will not be active until you regain internet connectivity.
Luckily, many smart switches have backup systems that enable them to continue operating during a power outage.wifi switch For example, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer KS220 supports a backup battery that provides enough power to operate the switch for up to three hours. This allows you to keep your lights on or turn them off using the switch itself or from an app while you’re away from home.
Another option is the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Motion Sensor Dimmer Switch LS220ZZZ, which is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. It requires a neutral wire but is easy to install by anyone with basic DIY skills. The switch can be operated by touch, voice or remotely from an app, and it works with any standard bulb, including LEDs and CFLs. It can support up to 300 watts of lighting and has a sleek, simple design.
The GE Lighting Cync Dimmer + Motion Smart Switch, No Neutral isn’t the sexiest or most elegant switch, but it’s inexpensive and has plenty of features. This single-gang switch can be controlled by a Tapo hub ($29, Amazon) that plugs into a spare outlet or by a phone with the free Tapo app or a voice assistant. It doesn’t have a built-in Wi-Fi radio, so it needs a separate hub to communicate with your home’s Wi-Fi router and the switch.