Remember when your gadgets couldn't communicate with one another? Thanks to technological advancements, our most utilized — and helpful electronics and appliances may now connect to the Internet of Things. And they can now communicate with one another. Lighting, fans, or door open or close control through smart switches are some of the fascinating features you like to have. Let us see how it goes.
What Is A Smart Switch?
You can replace your manual switches with smart switches and use them for every device. You are able to command everything in your home, like turn on or off the lights after installing them. Also, you can achieve the whole home automation using smart switches.
How Smart Switches Work?
Unlike traditional built-in switches, you are able to use smart switches as a direct replacement. You can turn on and off lights the same way as always. Nevertheless, these smart switches give you much broader control over your lighting, hardwired appliances, and fans in your home. You can use the app on your smartphone or even use your voice commands to control your switches.
Features To Look For in Smart Switches
You should check some crucial features while buying these switches. If you live in Australia, get to know features for smart switches that you need to understand while living in Australia.
Aesthetics
Instead of using a traditional switch, you have to consider a smart switch. They offer the convenience of controlling a connected device from a remote location. They function as well as contribute to the appearance of modern homes. In today's world of beautiful interiors, aesthetics is a critical decision-making factor. Any other material cannot match the level of finish that glass provides. However, protection should be taken to ensure this is a toughened glass panel for added safety.
Module type
To begin, you need to select a device that fits the room's requirements. But how do you plan to control your home? Are there any appliances, air conditioners, fans, or lights? Do you have to calculate what the numbers for each are? So, you need to identify the module that meets your requirements once you have that down. By doing so, you will be able to get the benefits of having smart switches.
Built-in WiFi Chip or Hub
You are able to establish a wireless connection to your home router either through the usual signal or through a particular hub. After that, you should connect it to the router. Also, you might not buy the switch which you were connecting to a unique hub for the sole purpose of connecting smart devices. It can prove very costly if you decide to buy five different hubs. Since most homes have WiFi nowadays, buying devices that have built-in WiFi would be a smart move.
Cloud Technology
You have to prefer to use cloud-based technology for smart devices that can be controlled from anywhere since it is fast, reliable, and safe. You see that whenever a command is issued from the app, the device is readily available. The cloud infrastructure must be scalable and capable of handling millions of devices simultaneously.
Voice Control
When integrating with those platforms, you can control these switches if you make a voice through Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home-kit. In the near future, users will become accustomed to voice control as more and more devices become voice-activated.
Cost Factor
You need to consider the cost factor too. It may cost a lot of money to install smart switches throughout your entire house. Your target is to get the facility to determine whether the value derived is worth the cost paid by doing a simple market study on features, reliability, and warranty provided.
Fair enough, not all the lights in your home need to be connected. It wouldn't be wise to install two smart switches for each set of lights, as some switch types are redundant.
Two Way Switches
For manual switches to be controlled from two places at the same time, two controls and additional wiring were required in the past. In an age where smart switches are able to work through mobile apps, remotes, and voice commands, this two-way feature becomes somewhat irrelevant.
Zigbee vs. Z-Wave Compatibility
Smart thermostats, smart bulbs, locks, and speakers don't use the same wireless communication standard. So, you don't have to worry about that. We recommend that you choose either Alexa, Google Home, Siri, or SmartThings as the "brain" of your smart home.
For a larger, more sophisticated smart home with smart switches, garage doors, full-fledged security, and many more features, you have to choose between ZigBee and Z-Wave. These protocols require you to use a device that can communicate with your phone through a compatible hub. It is not easy to decide which one to use.
Fortunately, although there is still a protocol divide, it is quickly becoming less of an issue. Z-Wave and ZigBee are not directly compatible. In addition, smart speakers such as Alexa and Google Home support some or all of the current standards.
