Smart wall plates1/30/2024 ![]() BEST OVERALL: GHome Smart Light Switch In-Wall Alexa Google Home.An upside is that, while many of these switches are compatible with smart home systems, there are plenty that operate via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.Īhead, learn what to look for while shopping for the best smart light switch, and find out why these picks are among the top performers in home lighting. Turn the power back on and test the switch.Smart light switches are a way of configuring a home’s lighting to respond to verbal commands, program light timers, or notify users via smartphone alerts of problems in the lighting system.Attach the wall plate-some smart switches don't include a wall plate-you might need to buy it separately.(It should come with screws, but you can repurpose the ones from the old switch too.) Fasten the switch in place with the correct screws.You can replace or extend the box with one from the hardware store, but old boxes aren't easy to remove without damaging the drywall. Know that smart switches are bulkier than normal light switches-don't try to force them into a box that's too small.Starting with the excess wires, push the new switch into the electrical box until it rests on the mounting holes.After attaching the wires, give them a little tug to make sure they're secure-you don't want them popping out as you push the wires and switch back into the gang box.If you're installing a lot of switches that don't come with connectors, then 2-conductor and 3-conductor lever nuts will make an easy, solid, safe connection.Many switches come with connectors like wire nuts and lever nuts to make the process easier. ![]() The switch may use slots, screws, or multicolored wires to attach to your wiring setup.Attach the wires to their corresponding spots on the smart switch-the majority of switches will have labels on the switch, but you can also find a diagram in the user manual.Installing the smart light switch is essentially the reverse of removing the old switch: Quick tip: If you see only one bundle of wires coming from a single side of the switch box (even if one wire is white), you don't have a neutral wire. Traveler wire: If you see a red wire coming off the opposite side of the switch from the hot wires, it's probably part of a three-way setup, so your smart light switch might not be compatible.Ground wire: The ground wire is usually a green wire or plain copper wire that attaches to another screw on the metal part of the switch.It's neutral because it doesn't connect to the switch and carries the current back to the breaker to complete the circuit. Neutral wire: The neutral wire is usually a gray or white wire-often two wires with a wire nut in the back of the gang box.The top screw (closest to the switch's on position) is the load wire, which comes down from the light fixture-it's often a black wire but can be red.The bottom screw (closest to the switch's off position) is the line wire, which comes up from the circuit breaker.Turning the switch on connects the two wires to allow an electrical current to flow up to the light fixture. Hot wires: One side of the outlet will have two screws holding two black wires.Gently pull out the existing switch so you can look at the wiring.
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