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Abha Shah @brimfulofashah27 September 2023
Every year, new home tech and appliance launches propel us ever further into the future.
There are buzzers that beam doorstep surveillance straight to your phone and speakers that double as a PA. You can also install thermostats that tweak the home’s climate so you’re not burning money on energy you don’t need. That is just the tip of the iceberg of clever inventions that keep our homes working efficiently and protected from intruders.
One way to scale up your abode without your home looking like something out of The Jetsons is by making idle fixtures and fittings work harder. Enter the smart light switch.
What is a smart light switch?
A smart light switch lets you remotely control your lighting through an app on your phone or tablet. It’s a super-handy thing if you have a habit of leaving lights on before heading out.
They’re a cost-effective hack to enhancing your home’s lighting and cheaper than buying a smart bulb for every socket. Some also offer a timer feature which is useful to deter potential intruders when you’re on holiday.
Sure, it’s yet another app to download, but one that’ll work hard for its place on your device.
How to install a smart light switch
While the process is pretty much the same as installing a regular light switch, if you’re not particularly handy, it’s wise to call in a pro to do the honours.
Keen DIYers should have a sound knowledge of how switches and their wires work - earth, neutral and live wires, for instance - and turn off the mains power before getting started.
How much energy can a smart light switch save?
Most wired smart switches need a constant electrical current flowing through so they can turn on from off. While you’ll save more money with one - especially if you’re prone to leaving lights on in empty rooms - it’s not as much as you’d save if you turned off a traditional switch and cut the power completely.
Many also work with systems like Google Home and Alexa, meaning they require a WiFi network, which could be another drain on bills and make them easy prey for hackers.
From a home security standpoint, however, a smart light switch can help by illuminating rooms before you get in, or making it appear that a house is occupied even when you’re on another continent. You can also power down the entire house before going to sleep from the comfort of your bed.
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If this is the sort of convenience you can get on board with, the good news is that there are plenty of options to browse. We’ve rounded up the best smart light switches across budgets and types (wireless models are also available) to help make automating your home’s lighting system as easy as, well, flicking a switch.
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Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
Philips
Prefer the fuss-free option? Enjoy lightbulb moments galore with Philips Hue, a range of smart lighting which includes this incredibly affordable Dimmer Switch. The wireless design means straightforward installation. Impressively, it can control up to 10 lights on a single switch, operated via the slim remote control which can be left in the wall mount or taken with you to the bed or sofa.
Once the switch is up and running, scroll through four preset light types to create an energising mood or a chilled vibe. Comes with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Buy now£19.99, Currys
Lightwave Generation 2 Lighting & Power Starter Kit
Lightwave
This kit is a great investment in your journey to making your home smarter. The set includes a Smart Series socket, dimmer and Link Plus, none of which needs any extra wiring - good news for the DIY shy. The switch connects to the Lightwave app, which is available on all platforms, and can be used to operate lights as well as keep an eye on energy consumption.
Buy now£238.50, Amazon
SONOFF WiFi Touch Wall Light
SONOFF
Compatible with the likes of Alexa and Echo, this ultra-minimal switch can be controlled by voice commands as well as through the eWeLink APP. There are various timer modes to make use of, from countdown and loops to single and repeat. Connecting to WiFi, this waterproof and fireproof switch is one that needs to connect to the neutral wire - so crack out that toolbox.
Buy now£19.79, Amazon
TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Switch
TP-Link
So minimal in design that you’ll barely notice it’s there, say hello to TP-Link’s smart light switch. The device doesn’t require hooking up to a neutral wire to special smart bulbs and can be operated with voice commands, offering an additional layer of convenience - especially if you’ve got your hands full with kids/pets/ the weekly shop.
Control lights via the Tapo app (it’ll also send you notifications when the unit’s battery power is running low) and initiate Away mode when you’re out of town but want it to look like you’re home. Requires 2 AAA batteries, which means you won’t be powering it constantly.
Buy now£19.99, Amazon
Alfawise Smart WiFi Wall Touch Control Switch
Alfawise
This intelligent switch can do it all, from touch control in person to operating it remotely over WiFi, wherever you happen to be on the planet. It can be installed in old homes as well as new ones as it doesn’t need to be connected to a neutral wire.
Like its peers, a timer comes as part of the parcel which means you can power lights and electronics when you need them and be sure they’re closed when they’re not required.
Buy now£26, B&Q
ENER-J Wifi Smart 3 Gang Touch Switch No Neutral Needed Black Body
ENER-J
Add some flair to walls with a smart lighting switch in black, offering a flashy alternative to plain old white. Under a square of tempered glass sits three ‘buttons’ which allow you to control light fixtures, lamps and other appliances through - you guessed it - an app on your smartphone. It also offers a timer and can be controlled via voice commands.
Buy now£28.99, Robert Dyas
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