3 Reasons Why You Need Smart Switches! + Tips & Best Practices
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- I'm going to give you 3 reasons why you should be using smart switches if you are getting serious about your smart home. We'll also discuss some of my experiences, what you should use: smart switches or smart bulbs, and which smart switches you should buy.
00:00 Intro
00:44 Overview
01:33 3 Reasons Why You Need Smart Switches
05:10 Different Kinds of Switches
06:07 Lutron Caseta Smart Switches
08:58 Aqara Smart Switches
10:05 Recap
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Loving this channel! Exactly the kind of HomeKit content I’ve been looking for!
Hey Alex, thank you! I appreciate the support and glad you are enjoying the channel!
Another awesome video! I've had Caseta for about 3 years now, they have never let me down, but then again that was before the market blew up with smart switches. A HUGE advantage of the Lutron is that you don't need a Neutral for the those places where you don't have one. Another advantage of Lutton is that the kit includes a Remote that you can program with that switch in another location, like a 2-way switch.
Great job!! Thank you 👊🏼
Look forward to every video buddy!!!!! Great job!!!!!!!!!! Shout out from HOUSTON TX 🤘🏻
Thanks so much man! I appreciate all the support!! 🙏🏻
Hey Shane, love the videos. Going back through and watching all of them! My first HomeKit devices were 2 Leviton smart dimmers. These hook up wifi but have worked great for over a year. My house is older so I have to get switches without a common wire. Therefore I’m getting into Lutron and going to look into Aqara as well. Thanks for all the tips. You should check out the Leviton products since you’ve reviewed everything else!
Thanks for watching Stephen! Yea I love Lutron, they just work great. And Aqara is probably my favorite "budget" option that I've used. Thanks for sharing your experience with Leviton. I still haven't used any of them.
This video really helped me out! 🔥
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!
I love Lutron. I never have issues with them like I have with my Hue bulbs (like no response with heavy internet usage). The fan switch is my favorite, love the extra control it gives. One thing I do like about smart bulbs over Lutron is the “Removability”. We’re planning to home homes in the next few years and I’m going to be taking all my Homekit tech with me. With Lutron I’ll have to install the old switches back on before we move.
Thanks for pointing that out, that's a great point. I don't plan to be in my house for ever but I so plan to be here for many years so I haven't thought much about moving. That would be a hassle to reinstall all the old light switches, but probably worth it especially if you have lots of Lutron switches...that's a lot of money!
Good stuff Shane, switches are the way to go. Can’t go wrong with Lutron! Love em’
Thanks Eric!
Nice, i just got a 3 gang & 2 gang luctron switch(s) put in. They’re awesome. Very reliable. I got them mainly to turn my outside lights on / off on a schedule for when im traveling. I want to add more
I agree, though I find I really enjoy warming up my color temperature significantly in the evening, which is easy with my Hue lights, but not possible with my Lutron setup. I think though Shane has it just about right....most of the overhead lights (switches) are best replaced with a Lutron switch, and keep your accent lamps on a color changing bulb.
Thanks Bri. I've also really come to enjoy the warmer colors in the evening. I have enough accent lighting through light strips, lamps, etc to enjoy the warmer colors in the evening also. I usually can turn off the main overhead lights unless I really need them for something like cooking or cleaning.
awesome video, this would help anyone who’s just embarking on building an affordable smart home with homekit as the main operating system. i wish this was out wayyy earlier when i was just embarking and figuring out things on my own in my smart home journey.
Renfred Tay thank you! 🙏🏻
Great job explaining brother! I subscribed to your channel!
Thanks for subscribing!
Hey Shane, great video at explaining smart switches and the need for them instead of light bulbs . I love the Lutron switches. they are definitely the most reliable HomeKit accessory. I've had them for a year and they never fail, always quick response. Also I have my eufy cameras motion sensors trigger my driveway and entrance light through automations and these switches. don't need lights with motion sensors.
Thanks Jaime! Thanks for sharing! I agree, Lutron switches have been rock solid for me too. Great way to utilize the motion sensors of your cameras for lighting automations!
Thanks for this foundational information
Great video Shane, I use Aqara smart switch they sit on the wall with double adhesive tape, on a blind cover where the original contacts was.
I love the Aqara ecosysten together with HomeKit.
And then I love the FLIC system aswell 👌
Thanks Mikael! Yea the Aqara stuff is great, I agree. I haven't looked into FLIC, I'll have to check that out.
Shane Whatley I do not have so mane FLIC yet, I have 3 buttons and there hub, it is a powerfull little thing.
Yes please check it out and I will look forward to se the review from you 👌
Cool video, Shane! That was what happened to me, family members kept using the switches and cut-off my sensors automation.
Thanks Melvin! We live and we learn huh.
100%. We moved and revamped our smart home. Had all bulbs before and now adding switches. It’s def the way to go and everything you said was right!
Do you ever have trouble getting the wires and switch back in the box especially in 3 or 4 gang setups?
Yes, that is certainly a challenge when dealing with these bulky smart switches. But I've always been able to figure it out.
Great video! I also am starting to put together Lutron switches in my house for HomeKit Control. For what it’s worth, here are some tips of my own that I’ve figured out when putting together my setup.
1. For Lutron three way switch setup, you can save a bit of money by using a regular dumb switch as your three way switch. Saves on the cost of the Pico remote and bracket setup, though you do have to find the wall plate that allows for both the Decora style and toggle style switch configuration (check out Amazon). Lutron has some advanced installation instructions online that detail how to do this.
2. For your bedroom setup with the dimmer, fan, and dumb switch to an outlet, I’ve got the same setup in my living room. For my dumb switch, I have a Philips Hue bulb in that lamp and use the Lutron Aurora Friends of Hue dimmer to get smart control to that lamp. May be something you’d be interested in for that lamp you rarely use.
3. Regarding your comment on the cost of Lutron switches. I’ve found that I can order them via eBay and save a ton of cash. For example, I got the Lutron fan switch for $40 instead of $60 from a big box store. It came packed in the original packaging. May be worth checking out as you look for more.
Keep up the great videos!
Thanks Mark! I appreciate your comments. When you use a dumb switch with Lutron for a 3 way, does using the dumb switch kill the smart connection to the light?
Shane Whatley honestly I don’t have any smart Lurton switches, but I think there should be a way to do it, but I am not sure. Eve’s Europe website says a little something about how they do it if you still down a ways on this link. www.evehome.com/en/eve-light-switch-eu
Lutron Casetta was an early part of my HomeKit journey. I 100% agree with you. I never have an issue with any of the switches. They always work all of the time. They are pricy. But, their reliability and flexibility in automations is worth the premium price. With the Pico remotes you are able to do some really neat automations. Example, going to our basement there was a 3-way switch to control the stairway light. At the bottom of the stairs was another switch to control the lights in the basement hallway then another switch at the far end of the hall to control the lights in my workshop. Once I replaced everything with Casetta switches, including placing the Pico at the top of the steps, we can now turn on not only the stairway light but also the hallway light and the workshop light with the press of the button on the Pico even though three different wall switches control the lights. Now there is no need to go stumbling through a dark basement looking for switches. And because they are HomeKit campatible I can ensure all lights are off in the basement when I run my "Good Night" scene in Homekit.
That's awesome Greg! Nice setup! I agree, this is one of those cases where you do get what you pay for.
With 45 Lutron dimmers, switches and fan controls (and 21 Pico remotes), everything you said was spot on! Smart bulbs are for accent lighting that is fully automated.
Thanks Jeffrey! Wow 45 lutron switches...I’m trying to get on your level! 😃
Thanks Shane, I've had a similar journey. Worth noting that smart switches are very different in every country due to electrical requirements. Here in Australia I've got a great solution using the Nue Zigbee 3.0 switches paired to a Hubitat hub and surfaced in HomeKit via Homebridge's Hubitat Maker API plugin. Then in Hubitat there is a great custom app you can get called switch binding that allows you to select all the lights that you want to sync status for 2, 3 way lighting etc. Works really great but every switch does need a neutral wire.
That's awesome, thanks for sharing David! Great to know as I've heard from others that the options for stuff like this in Australia is quite limited.
Very informative!
I'm glad, thanks for watching!
Excellent video Shane. I started my HomeKit quest a little bit after you with my new old house. I do love the Lutron switches but I also love my Hue bulbs and lamps also. I would agree the switches make a lot more sense for the others in my house. I am purchasing an Aurora smart bulb dimmer to prevent the dreaded No Response message for my bathroom that has my only Phillips WiFi bulb.
bonzyb thank you!! Yea the Aurora dimmer seems like a great solution for smart hue bulbs connected to a wall switch. I haven’t tried one but maybe I should in the future. Funnily enough, it is also made by Lutron! They make some good stuff.
@@ShaneCreates So your video inspired me and I did install of an Aurora dimmer and it is one of the easiest installs I have done and it works great. A bonus was that the dimmer switch were on sale for $29.99 from my local Home Depot so instant gratification!
Nice!!
After watching this video and my switch over to HomeKit, I'm considering getting the Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Switch Starter Kit w/ hub, but was wondering which bulbs do you use with your smart switches?
Nice! I’ll be making the “switch” on my new house.
Nice!
🤣
I see what you did there
Thanks Shane. I have 3 WeMo’s. 2 plugs and 1 dimmer. I have also had many other WeMo’s in the past. I could never recommend these products unless you are into “frustration”. They are on my list to remove. Lutron is expensive but an outstanding product. I have them everywhere in my home.
lol oh man...yea I'm not much into "frustration!" Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing Doug!
Great video, Shane. Would love to get some smart switches but support in Australia for HomeKit devices is still very minimal which is shame. For now, I've resorted to using smart buttons which work well but definitely want to get some switches when they are made available.
Thanks Daniel. Hopefully there will be more options in your area before too much longer.
Can you do a tour of all of your lighting automations with the products you’re using to make it all work? Just jumping into smart home stuff myself and gonna start with lights, but want to get it right from the beginning as I expand throughout the whole house
Yes! I will be doing a tour sometime soon hopefully. For getting started with lights, I always recommend smart switches when there are wall switches and smart bulbs for everything else. I actually use very few smart bulbs, but have many lightstrips and other things like that for accent lighting and color. That's just my opinion and how I've set my house up.
Good stuff Shane.
Totally agree, and would encourage anyone beginning their Smart Home journey to just ‘bite the bullet’ and grab the Lutron Caseta stuff - it’s THAT good in my opinion. Also. To anyone out shopping for switches...once you’ve decided on Caseta, just grab the switch that includes the Pico Remote - it is nice to have them around for future use, and they come in handy.
- My only comment about using a Smart Switch versus a Smart Bulb is that it will impact your ability to use color/temperature adjustable bulbs. Now that I want to add sone of those to my home, I’m struggling to find a solution that doesn’t create issues with the Smart Bulbs due to power being cut by the wall switch.
Just my $0.02.
Thanks for the video! Good stuff yet again.
Thanks Brad! Always appreciate your input. Definitely a trade-off for using smart switches is not having the color and temperature capabilities. For my setup, I've added enough "accent" lighting in most areas to offset that. For example I use things like lamps with smart color bulbs, light strips, Eve Flare, etc to give me those nice warm color temperatures or different colors for mood lighting. Then the main lights with switches are only needed when I'm actually doing things that need lots of light.
Bradley Reece, Philips Hue Smart Bulbs have “Power loss recovery. Last used color and brightness.” It’s in the Hue app Settings. This has made temporary power outages a non-issue for me. And since I rent, hard-wiring is out of the question, so I have covers on my wall switches.💡
@justsendit - thanks for the info. How long does the light take to ‘recover’ and go to the appropriate color/kelvin temperature? My goal is to have have ‘cool’ light temps in the AM, and ‘warmer’ hues as I get into the evening & nighttime hours. As this would be based on schedule, I am looking for a seamless experience. I’d prefer NOT to turn on a bedroom light at 8:00PM and have to watch the color transition to the desired temperature once the Network connection is re-established.
Make sense?
I installed a couple the week before! I was intimidated because of the electrical aspect but it was so easy! I had to tape the switches so the family wouldn’t use them, LOL!! The bulbs we have are in lamps except for a few but I’m definitely going to get a few more. Meross three way switches only require one switch, which was something that was a big question I had because we have almost all three way switches. It’s nice to be able to have the lights on when we come home late from XC meets, especially in the winter time. At first I didn’t want to bother with a hub but after seeing how quickly our WiFi filled up I can see the benefit of getting one. We only have a few bulbs and switches but I’m definitely going to look into these for future setups, thanks!! Now if we have neutral wires will it be an issue if the switch doesn’t have one?
Nice! I haven't tried Meross switches. The neutral shouldn't be an issue. If the switch has neutral options (like Aqara) get those, but otherwise no problem. I have neutral wires in my house and have plenty of the Lutron switches that don't require a neutral.
Thanks for all the videos. Since February I’ve been converting my new home to a smart home using your videos.
It would be very helpful for a video on how to install a single pull wemo switch in a box that have 2 switches (1 single pull and 1 three way). I’ve been searching for hours without luck.
Thanks again for all the videos. I have light bulbs, switches, light strips, circle 2’s, VOCOlinc door lock, insignia garage door opener, various Aqara Products. Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for all the support and watching the videos. I'm glad they have been helpful. Sounds like you have a pretty awesome HomeKit setup underway!
Not sure if I understand correctly...are you just trying to replace one switch in a 2 gang box (two light switches in one box)? Are they different style switches or something?
@@ShaneCreates Correct, I have a 2 gang box. One of the switches is a single pole. The other is a 3 way switch. I am attempting to use the Wemo switch (regular) on the single pole side.
Shane Whatley figured it out (face palm) Ultra rookie mistake, wire nuts were not tight enough on my live wire, whoops!
@@keyKEYadventures oh good, glad you got it working!
Agreed, though a Hue bulb + Lutron Aurora switch is a pretty amazing setup which allows you to automate color temperature as well as on/off/brightness. However, doing an entire house like this would be even more expensive than Hue bulbs alone. I've found it pretty nice to use Lutron switches for most lights, but Hue + Aurora for anywhere you'd like to automate the color temperature (or even RGB).
Agreed! Good point, thanks for sharing!
Does it require neutral wire?
@@johnwentzell2544 Nope! Don’t even have to remove the existing switch.
I just started to build my HomeKit home and I have found your videos to be among the most helpful. I want to add smart switches (like the Lutron Caséta) and smart outlets. Unfortunately my house wiring does not include a neutral wire so I guess I'm S.O.L.. I am now leaning more towards the Aqara starter kit so I can use their smart switches. Is that still a good route for someone like me?
So far I just have a home pod mini and the insignia garage door controller you reviewed. I plan on getting an Ecobee thermostat and the Logitec doorbell. Eventually I want to add contact sensors and cameras both interior and exterior that are homekit secure. I'm a big fan of your channel and look forward to future videos.
Thanks Oscar, glad you find the videos helpful! So the Lutron Caseta dimmer switches also don't require a neutral wire, so you should be good either with those or Aqara. I do still think Aqara is also good option, especially if you want to get a lot of contact or motion sensors to pair with the hub. They work great and and are very affordable. Good luck building your smart home and thanks again for watching!
As long as you’re not looking for any of the ‘features’ of certain bulbs, switches are the way to go. I’ve never liked the look of the Lutron, but I have a few Leviton dimmer switches, and they’re great. They connect directly to WiFi without a hub, and I’ve only had a problem with them once in over two years - they can be reset directly from the switch as needed, so no need to unplug a hub, or reset a breaker
Good to know. Thanks for sharing!
Great info Shane, I’ve been putting off getting these but will definitely invest on some now. Can you do a tutorial on setting up the fan switch to turn on/off automatically based on temperature? Will it use outside temperature or is there an additional gadget needed to go off of inside temperature? Thanks man!
Sure thing! I've got some more content around automations planned for the near future so be on the look out for that. I think one of the things I'll discuss is setting up temperature based and conditional automations. Automations like this will use the temperature inside based on sensors. There are many temperature sensors out there available that work in homekit.
Shane Whatley perfect, looking forward to it
I'm not a homekit user but your videos came up in my recommendations and I just wanted to tell you I've enjoyed them. Good presentation and you give the information without a lot of fluff and extra talking. Well done!
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Completely agree.
Great information. I’m just getting started, and have a couple of questions. If I have a three gang switch, but only want to replace two with Caseda switches, can I? And if I do, can I use my existing cover plate, or do I need a Caseda cover plate, and will it effectively cover the one old-style switch?
Thanks Craig, Yes, you can mix and match if you want. I've done that. If your "dumb" switches are the decora style, chances are you can still use the same cover plates. If not, Lutron makes the Claro wall plates that fit these, as well as "dumb" decora switches that can also be used to replace other types of switches.
I have ecobee switch + which I think is underrated but I’ve had nothing but success and the features in the app make it worth it. I’ve used wemo 3 way switch those are pretty good no reliability issues. I have Kasa smart switches through hoobs they are good as long as hoobs doesn’t go offline. Also have Lutron fan and dimmer switches like you said pretty much zero issues. You said in the video aqara has a cheaper feel than Lutron? I’m shocked because I think Lutron switches are lacking in quality so aqara is even worse?!! Also I have 15 WiFi devices connected to HomeKit and I haven’t had any loss of speed or congestion at all granted I have 300mbps. Great video be sure to check out mine too!
Thanks for sharing! Interesting to hear Ecobee, I agree that's one you don't hear much about regarding switches. I bet you don't have any speed issues with 300 mbps! If you hold Aqara and Lutron switches at the same time, the Lutron ones are definitely built more solid. The Aqara ones are great for the price, no doubt, but they have more of a clicky, plastic feel when using them in every day life.
I have an older home were the switches in the room control the wall sockets but the ceiling fans are controlled by the pull cables . What do you recommend? Upgrades rite ? Please LmK
Not sure you’ll see this comment on such an old video, but would love an updated video to this. Maybe after the Inovelli White Series comes out, and have a bit of a comparison or Top 3 list.
I have a light fixture from Home Depot the Home Decorations Calloway 15” LED Dimmable Color Changing Light. Would i be able to change the color and use dimming features with Lutron switch?
Thanks for this video!
I
have a question, if I live in a house with only one hub, is it enough? or I need one per floor?
Carlos Palacios What hub are you referring to? Either way, the answer is probably yes unless your house is really huge.
What’s up Shane new to the Apple and HomeKit and smart home. I have a question my ceiling fan/light in my living room. On my wall I have a wall switch that has a button on top and a button on the bottom of it that control my light and fan. What smart switch can I use for this situation?plz get bk to me at your earliest convenience
Hey Man thanks for all the info and I really enjoy your channel. I have a question that maybe you can answer. Would you happen to know if I can use my Lifx BR30 bulbs with a Lutron on/off, In-wall switch? I see that they don't work with the dimmers but I'd like to be able to use the 5 that I already have in my kitchen if possible.
Did you ever find this out?
Been a long time smart home enthusiast, but recently started switching everything over to HomeKit. Love this channel!
Can these switches dim non smart bulbs? Like the recessed br30’s in can lights?
Thanks for watching! Yes, you do not need smart bulbs. In fact, smart switches and smart bulbs typically don't play too well together. So I recommend choosing one over the other. I always choose smart switches when there is a wall switch to control the lights, and reserve smart bulbs for accent lights, like lamps, that aren't controlled by a smart switch.
Nice video Shane. I have one question, if I use smart switches with smart bulbs, how donI control it in Homekit? I believe that it will appear as two separate devices right? One device is for the smart switch and other devices are for the bulbs. Can I group all of them into one device? i.e. Living Room light (smart switch+3 smart bulbs)
Thanks Tasriff. This is almost always problematic. That's why I always recommend using one or the other. I use smart switches for all my main lights and smart bulbs (when there are no switches) for accent lights.
When using both, anytime the smart switch is turned off, it will kill the connection to your smart bulb leaving the "no response" error.
@@ShaneCreates Thanks for the info Shane. I am just thinking if it it possible to do it that way (smart switch + smart bulb)
This way, if someone accidentally switch off the smart switch, I can just remotely switch it on again using the Homekit Apps or Siri voice command. Do you think it’s possible?
My only confusion is that in the Homekit App, we will see 2 different devices i.e. Smart Switch and also Smart Bulbs. Any way that we could group them together? 😊
Can I install a smart switch on the wall and then also use a Wifi connected switch somewhere else in the room. If so what switches would work?
Hi Shane, Koogeek has one switch that has two rockets on it. I had one of those for the bathroom. Same as you, I prefer stuff that have a hub, but on my case I already have some hue lights with their wall switch here and there, so I didn’t wanted to purchase the Lutron hub for only one switch for now. But maybe in the future I’ll change my mind. Thanks for your videos :)
Ok, good to know. Thanks!
Shane, I am updating my home. Looking at Lurton caseta, will this have matter support when that comes out. Thanks for all that you do.
Thanks for the support. I haven't heard any announcements from Lutron regarding Matter support.
I'm going to plug the Leviton switches. There is no word about network bandwidth but you do need to know the limits of number of devices on your wifi routers. I have multiple AirPort Extreme hubs that can support 50 connections each so no worry for a while there. These are instant response. I also have a couple Koogeek switches that have been very reliable and quick and even one bluetooth eve switch. Bluetooth can be slow at times but normally nearly as responsive as wifi. I'm going to test some legrand and Merros switches. Build quality is obviously not the same as the Leviton but they are cheap!
Nice, thanks for sharing!
I am looking to get some smart switches in New Zealand not sure what to get and if any of those switches would work over here ? Need some help
I like the Eve Switch connected via blue tooth.
Nice! Thanks for sharing. I haven’t tried the Eve switch yet but i like their other stuff. They make quality products.
Luis Demetrio Yeah me too. If they made some sort of a modern designed version and it was dimmable, I would buy so many of them! I hope they do that soon.
I agree 90% and have 22 lutron caseta switches installed. The only reason ine should consider using the smart bulbs is if you want to change the color in the bulbs. I have about a dozen lights i chose the philips hue colored bulbs instead of switches so we can have colors in some lights.
I agree. I have a couple of lamps with smart bulbs and lightstrips that I use for accent lighting and color. That does the job for me. Everything else I use switches.
I’m sold. I need to gets smart switches in my kitchen too.
From the beginning it was a big no no for me to use smart bulbs. Only use would be changing colors.. like in automation when the light can indicate specific task. For dimming there's dimmer switch so yea.. for I started smart home only for my front porch lights.. sunrise and sunset automation.
Yea I’ve got accent lighting from a few lamps and lightstrips for color. Everything else I use switches also.
The main advantage for smart bulbs is color control. Smart bulbs are also a good option for places where one can’t change the switch; i.e.: in rental properties.
The main advance for smart switches is that you don’t change the normal or instinctive use of the switch that many home owners have. Other advances of the smart stitch are the various “wiring options” they can handle; i.e.: 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, dimming, etc. Smart switches can also be customized for more than lights; i.e.: fans and shades.
A question on using the Lutron light switches for three -way and four-way situations, can you use just one smart Lutron switch and then use plain dumb rocker switches (in place of the Pico remote switches) for the other switches in that circuit, or do you have to replace all of the switches with smart switches?
With Lutron, yes I believe you must use the pico remotes for 3 way setups. I believe Wemo has a 3 way switch that allows you to keep your other "dumb" switches on the same circuit. Haven't used it tho myself.
I saw you had the ecobee in your home. Which version did you have and why did you prefer it over the Google Nest Learning Thermostat? I am looking to start my new smart home and any help in the right direction would be highly appreciated. Great video. Saved me money because I was about to get that smart light bulb starter kit as well. Thanks!
I'm glad the video was helpful. I chose the Ecobee for two main reasons. 1) It supports HomeKit natively and 2) You can pair room sensors to the thermostats.
I have an Ecobee 4 downstairs and now have an Ecobee 3 lite upstairs.
@@ShaneCreates Bought the Google Nest Thermostat, but I am returning it to try out an Ecobee 5 (Smart Thermostat). Do you think it's worth the upgrade from the Ecobee 4 to the Ecobee 5? Do you have automations set up with the Ecobee?
Love my Lutron switches. Only problem I’ve had is with the bulbs. When they go they do this flicker that’s super off putting. Do you have a preference on dimmable bulbs that you’ve had luck with? Thanks!
Hey Anthony, no I haven’t really had any issues. I just use standard regular bulbs, nothing special.
Anthony, If you are using LED light bulbs, the that is the culprit. They don't dim well, even though it says they do on the box. The only type bulb I have found that dims well with no flicker is incandescent bulbs.
Shane I went with the Aqara light switches but still need to do my hallway. This is one switch downstairs and another switch upstairs controlling the same lights. It think you call that 3 way in the US. Have you heard of any current or future Aqara switches that will support this??
Andy Hopkins so far they do not officially support 3 way switches. I’ve heard that they plan to release some sort of update that will allow you to use them that way. Not sure how they plan to do it tho.
Hey Shane, what if I want both smart switches and smart bulbs? I would like to get the benefits of smart switches mantaining the features of my smart bulbs (changing colors for istance)...is this possible? How is this managed by the Home app? Do I have to control two different devices (switch and bulb) or is there a way to merge them togheter?
For the most part, no you can’t typically do that. Yes you’d have to control two different devices in HomeKit and if you turn the switch off, it will kill the connection to your smart bulb. That’s why I recommend one or the other.
There may an exception if you can find a smart switch that allows you to turn off the manual wall switch function and control it only through HomeKit. I think you can do that with Aqara switches. Then you’d have to set up automations and such for the switch to basically act as a HomeKit button/switch.
Shane,
I finally know what I need.
I need a double rocker that has dimmer for both rockers.
I bought Aqara hub when it was on sale so the Aqara smart switch double rocker would make sense to get, however it looks like it is not a dimmer.
Does the Lutron Caseta have double rockers and dimmer?
I have one gang and want to control 2 things, normal light in the ceiling and LED string lights.
Thank..!!
No, I'm not familiar with a double rocker dimmer. I think the Aqara double rockers are the only double rockers that I know of that support HomeKit natively.
Ok thanks. Finally, is that Lutron Caseta a double rocker? It looks like 2 buttons up and down and then dimmer button in the middle, or is that just a single rocker?
My setup is going to be LED ceiling lights plus LED string lights, I guess I will have to have 2 different switches, one for each, so I can control the dimming
I’ve got the Leviton decoras that work on WiFi 2.4 ghz. Sometimes one has to flip the breaker switch to restart it but no slowdown on my WiFi network because they don’t consume much bandwidth. The problem could be that routers have a limit of devices that they can handle on WiFi, so it is important to have a solid router or mesh network. There’s also risk of security but hopefully this can be addressed with a HomeKit router
hjparma good points. Thanks for sharing!
Okay, dumb question. Do the switches work for regular bulbs. Sorry, I’m just trying to get started and want to make sure I know what I’m getting into.
Yes, they work with regular bulbs. In fact, I would NOT use smart bulbs where you are using smart switches. Use regular dumb bulbs with smart switches.
Hey Shane, I’ve got one question, do you know any light switches that are available and compatible with European standards, or if possible even with Swiss standards, and if you know some, do you know some that use a hub? That would be great, because as of right now I didn’t really find one.... (as you probably know these switches should be HomeKit compatible...)
KreaTech not sure if you have seen Eve switches. Unfortunately they don’t have a dimmable version currently but they may work for you. They use Bluetooth to connect to your home hub too. Evehome.com
Do you happen to knew of any Australia compatible HomeKit smart switches. I’m think if getting one from my local hardware store that uses tuya and then adding it to HomeKit through HOOBS.
I think Legrand makes some. That's all I can recall. There may be more I don't know about but I know options are a bit limited in Australia.
Question. If my light switch is running just a HomeKit ceiling fan, do I really need a switch?
if your home gets struck by lightning
will appliance safe from it?
bcause the main smart switch roasted first?
Shane, I have a question about these switches? Ive noticed with my LED lights (Dining Room Chandelier) the lights flicker with a switch I purchase specifically for the LED's. How do these Lutron switches work with LED bulbs? Thanks
You may have trouble with certain bulbs. I think I did too when I first installed them. The do work with many LED bulbs tho. They have a compatibility checker online: www.lutron.com/en-US/pages/ledcompatibilitytool/compatibility.aspx
Thanks for the info Shane!
Hi @Shane, please help. I only have a single gang box and I want to replace my dumb light + ceiling fan combo switch with a combination light fan combo HomeKit switch. I cannot find any, only separate controls. Do you possibly know of any? Thanks!
Unfortunately I don't know of any combo fan/light controls that are homekit compatible.
Shane iam new at this, smart house thing, now i want to automate all garage lights about 13 bulb, and id like to turn on/off all lights at the same time, in your experience , what would u recomend
If they are all controlled by a wall switch, I would recommend a smart switch.
Cant go wrong with lutron caseta. Little pricy, but you can always go little by little, one room every month or depending on your budget. I have them through all my house and works awesome.
I completely agree.
Where did you get that v-neck grey shirt?
Great video! Do you mean that if i only buy the switch it works like a smart home or i need the bulbs?
Thanks Tom. You do not need special bulbs. The switches work with regular light bulbs.
@@ShaneCreates one more question do i need to have wifi or if the service is out for a while it won’t work ?
Hey, Shane! Tyler back again on an old video. 😂 My wife and I are about to move into a new-build townhome. We did our walk-through last week, and a lot of our switches are 3 gang switches: one for an outlet, one for a fan, and one for light. So my question is...
As I (eventually) embark upon switching some switches to Lutron, what do I do about the third switch for an outlet? Should I just add a dumb-switch like you mentioned in the video? Wasn't sure if there was some way to make it smart and it actually be beneficial. (We have some switches like this in our apartment, and they pretty much always stay on.)
Hey Tyler. One thing that I've done in a number of places like this is to wire the extra switch (the one for the outlet) so that it's always hot. This mean the outlet will always work like any other outlet. Then you can either cover that extra switch up or add a smart button of some sort over top of it. For example I've used Lutron Pico Remotes in a few places like this to control Shades or other things.
@@ShaneCreates Gotcha. So it sounds like there’s a way to leave the wires connected and turned on but hide behind a wall plate (or pico remote?)?
Huh ok this video kind of got me to pause in my plans. I'm building a new home and trying to plan out my smart home setup. I was actually hoping to remove switches nearly all together from the home. Just not even have them, and replace them with something like a few centrally located iPads or something. Big beef I have with switches is it seems inevitably especially here you end up with one light being controlled by like 20 switches and it is just so confusing when "up or down" really loses all meaning on the switch. Are there smart switches that are more of a push button and show the current state of the switch through some LED or LCD or something? So you can glance at the switch and know if it is "on" or "off"?
Yea many of the smart switches have little led lights on them. For example Lutron caseta and Aqara switches both do and I’m sure many others as well. Often the leds are a little tough to see tho especially in a bright room.
Does the lutron system connect back to HomeKit or WiFi after a power outage or brief disconnection from WiFi. My leviton drop off every once and a while and need to be reconnected.
I've used Lutron for years and I've never had to reconnect or do any troubleshooting with the Lutron hub or devices.
That’s great to know on my next set up. Thanks!
Shane, I will want to get into a smart home things with HomeKit but the more I watch videos sometimes the more confused I feel.
So a smart switch is a good idea to control when people turn the wall switch off. So does the smart switch continue to pass power to the device connected to it even if someone turns it off at the wall so your automation will continue??
Yes, that's correct. The switch's state will remain accurate and accessible in the smart home platform. So yes, your automations will still work.
@@ShaneCreates Thanks for confirming.
Hey shane, do you know any smart switches that work with ~220v ? Looks like caseta and aqara smart switches only work with ~110v :(
Aqara make smart switches for Europe that are in that voltage range.
If you have a 3 gang switch in bedroom for light fan and an outlet do you get the dimmer deluxe kit?
If you want to replace all the switches, I'd get two dimmers and one fan controller (if going with Lutron).
@@ShaneCreates got it. Thanks Shane.
Hey shane: I loved yoru video, ites what I was trying to understand / find. I wanted to ask, kwoudl the switches be great for older fans? that dont have the remote but they have control speed by strings. These switches would work with it?? jjIm going to use switches and then rest of lamps using phillips hue lights "no hub"
You need to have an existing wall switch that controls the fan in order to be able to use these fan switches.
@@ShaneCreates Thats what I have, that was an obvious one. ;jBut I didnt know if these switches will contreol and old fan speed. jThats why I asked my question. I still dont know where I need to start, especially a house that was built int the 1950s, but my mother did say that we have 1 black neutral wire in all outlets.
So what would you sugggest I start at?
@@ShaneCreates Hey, im still over whelmed with what I need or whre to start really.. Should I go with the 2nd cheaper alternative? as shown here
@@ShaneCreates any resjponse? im still completely lost on what I need to start out with.
@@ShaneCreates / Actually got the lutron switches in my home now, working on rest of the house and they have single pole maestro switches. So if anyone has a home like me, with those chain operations that the switch basically controlsl both. You can install maestro and link which power goes to the fan, and which to the link then you should be good to go. I( got 4 or 5 switches on the way! Then converting to honeywell smart thermastat, and ring smart door bell. so I appreciate your video and time for a response. :)
It’s it safe to upgrade an older model mobile home to the smart switch/plug
I only need a single bulb main light in my spare bedroom and I have a Nanoleaf essentials for that is it cool to just always have the wall switch on ?
Sure! As long as the switch stays on, you’ll have no issues.
@@ShaneCreates thank you man I know it’s silly but I guess I was just worried it would run up my electricity bill
I use a lot of Hue’s because these dim and can change color. I removed the old switches, hot wired it and put aqara wireless there. Best of both worlds!
So your smart switches work fine with smart bulbs? I’ve found that the two generally don’t play well together but maybe that has changed.
Works great, and also here in the Netherlands our wall boxes are smaller than in the US, so it’s not always easy to fit a smart switch.
Until your network goes down one day and you have no physical control of your lights.
Hi, with the Lutron can you make it where once you leave the house with your iphone it will automatically turn out lights? Thanks
Dan Baker yep! Since it’s exposed to HomeKit, automations like that are pretty easy to setup.
@@ShaneCreates The one nice thing that the Lutron app has it the ability to select certain lights in your home, select a time frame and then have the lights randomly turn on and off, so it gives a better appearance that someone is home. Other than actually adding Lutron devices to the system, going on vacation is the only time I use the Lutron app.
Jeffrey Mayes great tip, thanks for sharing! I always forget about little feature.
Is it possible to change out a basement stairs light switch with a homekit switch that can turn off different homekit basement lights that are NOT on the same existing switch?
So do you still want the switch to turn on/off the lights that it's wired to? If so, you can create an automation in homekit, when switch light turns on, turn on other homekit lights.
Does this work with any hub? I bought the samsung smart things hub, hoping this could be compatible
Which smart switches do you have or plan to use? I believe Lutron Caseta works with Smart Things. Compatibility will depend on the switch you use.
Hi I have 3 tone wall light. Am I able to switch from warm light to white light in the app?
Not sure what a 3 tone wall light is, but no. Smart switches generally just have the ability to turn the lights on and off, and dim if you get one with dimming capabilities. You usually need smart bulbs rather than switches to change the color or temperatures.
what about when you want to add color to your bulbs? How will the switch adjust the color?
The switch can’t change color. You’ll have to use smart bulbs for that. I usually recommend either smart bulbs or smart switches, not both, for each light fixture.
The biggest problem I’ve had is finding smart switches that come in the light almond color. Luton has them, but as you said, they’re expensive. Would prefer Legrand, but they only have the light almond switches that are compatible with Google Assistant for some reason. If you want HomeKit, they only offer white...
Ohh yea that would be a tough one to find. I haven't seen many alternative colors available.
Tanan Baboo - You can get Leviton HomeKit light switches which come in White, but then buy a new face plate in either Black, Brown, Gray, Ivory, Light Almond, or White using the following link: www.amazon.com/Leviton-DDKIT-T-Decora-Digital-Dimmer/dp/B06Y5KN17V/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=leviton+homekit+light+switch+almond&qid=1595869801&s=hi&sr=1-12
Yes, it is an additional expense for each light switch but at least you cn get it in different colors. I don't know of any other manufacturer that offers smart switches in any other color than White.
Here is the link for the non-dimmer version of the light switch in different colors?
www.amazon.com/Leviton-VPKIT-MST-Change-Switch-Matching/dp/B002L6GGSG/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=leviton+color+change+kit&qid=1595870155&s=hi&sr=1-8
Hi, I know this is off topic but do you know a scale (that you can weight yourself) that works with homekit and siri....watch....? If so, which do you recommend? Thanks
No I don’t know of a product like that. Sorry..
Dan, if you find one let us know because I am looking for one as well. I weight myself every morning and then have to manually enter it into my iPhone. What a pain. It would be so nice for the scale to sync to my phone and enter the data for me.
@@Polkster13 Hi, I got a Renpho scale that has an app that keeps track of your weight and gives a lot of other information. RENPHO Bluetooth Body Fat Scale on amazon.it looks nice also..it does sync with apple health
@@danbaker5755 Hey Dan, I was able to find a SIRI Shortcut that allows me to just say "Log My Weight" and SIRI asks me how much I weighed and I tell her and she logs it into my Health app for me. Works great and I don't have to worry about fat fingering in a wrong number. For now, I am going to do that but will keep this scale in mind for a possible future purchase. I have to get my light switches changed out first.
Do these smart switches work with smart bulbs though? Can you use the buttons to toggle homekit accessories but keep power to the bulbs?
In my experience smart bulbs and smart switches don't play well together. I always choose one or the other for a particular light. Not sure I understand the second question...are you referring to buttons on the switch itself?
@@ShaneCreates Thanks for the response! Yeah, the buttons on the switch. It was more of an addition to my previous question. Would be great if there was a better solution to controlling smart bulbs without having a philips hue dimmer beside your "dumb" switch...
I have two Legrand light switches. They work great. I did have an issues with one dropping out of HomeKit. Then a hard time syncing back up. I had to remove the switch from HomeKit, and then link back to HomeKit. Issue I have is I do not have a HomePod and only Alexa in the living room. Legrand smart switch for HomeKit does not work with Alexa. I try to build my smart home to work with both Alexa and HomeKit until I purchase a HomePod. I use AppleTV for my HomeKit hub.
Steve Hinrichs thanks for sharing!
Shane Whatley I also have a Leviton switch, but it is not HomeKit computable. I was able to use HOOBs and ShartThings hub to bring that into HomeKit. Now I have SmartThings linked to HomeKit. I am able to bring in a lot more devices.
@@SteveHinrichs Awesome, thanks for sharing! Hoobs is great!
Can you do a review on the inovelli and zooz switches please?
Wait, so how does the fan switch work on a fan that you have to pull a string to change speeds?
What if I want to use the physical switches to power them on & off (I’d love to have the option)...for instance: I turn my lights off from the physical switch then again after lets say 8 hrs I switch them back on, do i lose the connection between the bulb and the hue bridge and I have to reset homekit/hue app for all bulbs again ? or it will reconnect automatically back again and life is still smooth ?
Are you asking about using smart bulbs WITH smart switches? Generally smart bulbs and smart switches don't play well together. When using smart bulbs, yes, if you flip the switch off you will loose connectivity to that bulb while the switch is off. But it should reconnect fine once switched back on.
Shane Whatley thanks for replying back... no I meant normal power switches, e.g. turn off philips hue bulb via switch then on, would the bulb and the bridge reconnect again and HomeKit is still responding? Thanks
From my experience with hue bulbs, yes it will reconnect to HomeKit automatically when the switch is turned back on. It will just be unresponsive until the switch is turned back on.
Shane Whatley one last question I promise:)… how many bulb i can connect to one hue bridge ? I read somewhere the limit is 50 bulbs is it true/less/more? …thanks bro
Are there any wall switches that can double as HomeKit switches for other HomeKit accessories?
Like a wireless homekit button/switch? You can pair any wired HomeKit switch with other HomeKit accessories to be controlled together. If you just want a separate wireless button, there are a few. The only one I can think of that looks like a regular switch is the Wemo Stage.
@@ShaneCreates thanks for the info on the wemo, I was also wondering if I were to buy a smart switch with a fan button if I could just say program the fan switch to control my smart plug attached to my regular fan opposed to a ceiling fan I don’t have. Thanks for the info and keep putting out the great content!
@@goobot1 thanks for the support! There is a difference between wired switches and wireless. A wired (fan or light) switch will always control whatever it’s wired to. A wireless switch/button can be programmed to control any HomeKit accessory.
I like the Eve light switch but I don’t think I have a neutral wire. What type of smart switch can I get that does not require neutral wire? I want to be able to us Apple home kit and turn off lights without changing bulbs
Lutron Caseta Dimmers don't require a Neutral. Also you can get Aqara switches that don't require a neutral.
@@ShaneCreates stupid question. If I install the eve switch can I setup to turn on 2 porch lights on my garage when I arrive home using home kit? I think I can based on videos I have watched that is first thing I would like to do with smart home using HomeKit
I have outsides lights. That’s not on sensors. Can I still use a smart switch. And have them on a timer ?
I'm not sure if I understand. Are you asking about outdoor lights controlled by a regular wall switch? If so, yes you can replace it with a smart switch. I have my outdoor lights (front porch, garage, etc) and I have them set up with automations to come on and off at certain times.
@@ShaneCreates ok thank you. This can be done even tho the lights themselves do not have sensors on them ?