Smart Switch
Smart switches are the glue that holds the fabric of time together. For now, at least. Every human is used to turn on/off lights by touching a wall. Mixing dumb switches with smart lightbulbs tho it works, can be very frustrating and humans are not yet ready for no-switches. Smart switches allows for primal impulses to thrive in a futuristic environment by removing the ambiguity in the user experience. No more double-clicking. which is off, the switch or the light? Doesn’t matter….
A smart switch replaces a traditional wall light switch, giving you remote control, automation, and monitoring of the circuit it controls — usually lighting, fans, or outlets.
Unlike smart plugs (which control the outlet), smart switches control the hardwired circuit, allowing manual and smart control of ceiling lights and fixtures.
How It Works
A smart switch is a hardwired device installed in a wall gang box, replacing a standard light switch. It lets you:
- Control the light or fan manually and via app/voice
- Automate based on time, presence, sensors, or scenes
- Maintain wall switch usability (unlike smart bulbs alone)
- In some cases, monitor energy usage
Electrical & Installation Considerations
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Neutral wire | ⚠️ Most smart switches need a neutral wire for power. Older homes may not have this! |
| Load & line wires | Know your wiring — Line brings power in; Load carries power to the light. |
| Grounding | Required for safety and code compliance |
| Dimming support | Only use with dimmable LED/incandescent bulbs |
| 3-way compatibility | Requires proper wiring or specialized companion switches |
Neutral Wire Workarounds
If you don’t have a neutral wire:
- Look for “no-neutral” smart switches (e.g. Lutron Caseta, Aqara T1)
- Consider smart bulbs + scene controller combo
- Or hire an electrician to rewire
Uses & Ideas
- Time-based: Lights turn off at midnight automatically
- Sunset/sunrise: Outdoor lights turn on at dusk
- Presence: Hallway lights turn on when someone enters home
- Vacation mode: Simulated lighting for security while away
- Button press: Double-tap top paddle triggers a whole scene (e.g., “Movie Mode”)
- Voice control: “Hey Siri, turn off all the lights”
| Brand / Model | Platform Support | Protocol | Power | Notable Features | Tested | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Motion P1 | HomeKit, HA | Zigbee | Battery | Small, fast, adjustable timeout | ✅ | Buy |
| Philips Hue Motion | HomeKit, Hue Bridge | Zigbee | Battery | Light sensor, good integration | ✅ | Buy |