Lighting is usually the first device that many choose to start their journey into automated living. Everyone uses lights on a daily basis and controlling them is convenient and easily attained. There are multiple smart devices to control lighting and each have their pros and cons. Let’s review the list below.
- Smart Light Bulbs
- Smart Light Switches
- Smart Plugs
- Smart Light Strips
Smart Light Bulbs
There are many brands of smart light bulbs, but there are basically two ways they connect to your smart home automation. The first type requires a hub that connects to your home wifi.
The hub is a device that is powered and connected to your router via ethernet cable or through a wifi connection. This device controls the devices connected to it.
The second type of smart bulbs have built in wifi in each bulb you purchase. You download their app and follow the instructions. Name it (bedroom lamp, living room, etc), and connect it to your wifi.
Some smart bulbs also have the ability to change colors to any color and brightness you desire.
Smart Light Switches
Smart Switches are a great option for controlling entire rooms. No matter how many lights or types of lighting the room contains. As long as you install the Smart Light Switch you can turn on or off the room. Some switches are dimmable as well.
The downside to using these devices is the installation process. These are hardwired into the electrical circuit of your home and should be performed by a licensed electrician.
The cost may be higher for this solution because of the electrician’s cost to install the switches based on their hourly rate.
The upside is that once installed, you can control lights wired to the switch. The Smart Switch works like any other smart device and can be controlled by the app, with a voice assistant like Alexa, or set up on a scheduled routine.
Also if a regular LED light bulb needs to be replaced, it may be much more affordable than replacing a Smart bulb.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are one of the first smart devices to hit the market years ago and are common for those just starting the Smart Home journey. They are easy to install and set up and are a great way to control lamps.
The Smart Plug simply plugs into your home’s existing electrical outlets and then you plug your lamps or other items into the smart plug.
For lighting purposes the smart plugs are good for floor lamps, desk lamps, bedside lamps, and even seasonal control of Christmas lights and displays.
The only downside to this type of lighting control is that it only controls what you have plugged into the smart plug either by cord on a lamp or an extension cord. Therefore the applications for this are limited and specific.
Smart Light Strips (LIFX Z Strip)
Another option for accent or mood lighting are strip lights. The LIFX Z Strip is a common brand that comes in a few different lengths that can be expanded by connecting multiple strips.
These lights can be set to any color or multi-color. The strips are flat and have an adhesive backing to stick to the surface.
Summary & Conclusion
After reviewing the different types of smart devices to control lighting, there are pros, cons, and specific applications that are suited to the different types of controls depending on the goal.
For whole home lighting, the Smart Switches make the most sense. However the need for an electrician to wire these into every room may be quite expensive, therefore may not be the first choice for lighting controls
Smart Bulbs are a more affordable solution. Purchasing a smart bulb to replace every light in the house could also be costly.
Smart Plugs are very affordable but are only good for lamps and other lighting that may be on an extension cord.
Strip lighting is a special application for accent or mood lighting for ambiance.
So what should a person do to automate the lighting in their house?
The best solution is an approach that uses multiple types of controls. For example, choose the rooms where you spend most of the time and use lighting most often. Determine what types of smart lighting would best be suited for those areas.
Maybe in the bedroom, a few smart plugs for bedside lamps would be sufficient. In the living room or movie room, accent lighting might create the perfect setting such as with some strip lights.
Other areas may require a few smart bulbs.
The great thing about do- it- yourself smart home automation is that you can mix and match smart controls and add them one at a time to make it more affordable. You can also control them all on one platform such as with a Voice Assistant.
If you are unsure where to begin, see the free guide.
