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    #1

    Smart switches and plugs

    Randy's Echo Dot/Alexa thread got me thinking about the brand of smart switches recommended these days. Our home we sold in August had several that we controlled by app with a schedule or Alexa made things very convenient and provided lights on and off when gone from the house. We have some Belkin Wemo smart plugs that we didn't leave behind but the switches had to stay.

    Having said all of that, who uses these devices and what brand are you using?

    Thanks.
    Tags: None
    #2
    Smart Switches – Kasa Smart
    https://www.kasasmart.com/us/products/smart-switches
    Control Your Lights whenever You Are


    I trust this brand here.

    Comment

      #3
      Originally posted by FCoDxDart View Post
      https://www.kasasmart.com/us/products/smart-switches

      I trust this brand here.
      I was looking at those. Am I correct that they are connected with TP-Link? That is the router we use.

      Comment

        #4
        So I work in commercial and residential lighting and lighting controls. There are multiple brands available out there but the best of the best will always be Lutron. Specifically Lutron's residential control system called "Caseta". Lutron literally created the first dimmer in 1961 (https://www.casetawireless.com/us/en) If you need any more in depth info, just let me know.

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          #5
          I have WEMO switches. Think about 5 of them I put in. Yes, like controlling from the app and able to put them on "away" mode if we are on vacation. App turns the lights on and off and different times each evening to make it look like someone is home. Plus allows me to put the front porch on a timed schedule to go on/off at specific times.

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by Abu_dude View Post
            So I work in commercial and residential lighting and lighting controls. There are multiple brands available out there but the best of the best will always be Lutron. Specifically Lutron's residential control system called "Caseta". Lutron literally created the first dimmer in 1961 (https://www.casetawireless.com/us/en) If you need any more in depth info, just let me know.
            I will investigate, thanks.


            Originally posted by rladner View Post
            I have WEMO switches. Think about 5 of them I put in. Yes, like controlling from the app and able to put them on "away" mode if we are on vacation. App turns the lights on and off and different times each evening to make it look like someone is home. Plus allows me to put the front porch on a timed schedule to go on/off at specific times.
            Yeh, in the old house it was great to not have to turn on and off many of the lights we used. Had one on our living room floor plug circuit that we could tell Alexa to turn off when we went to bed or any other time.

            Comment

              #7
              I have a Leviton for the light on my flag to come on and off with the sun. No issues.
              Last edited by Gunnyart; 10-27-2022, 09:42 AM.

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                #8
                We use Tuya Smart plugs throughout the house. Great, user friendly app. We even have our smoke-carbon monoxide alarms monitored through it.

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                  #9
                  I use the Kasa for lamps and my outdoor led light bulbs. I program them to come on from sun down to sun up. I also use for our chicken coop to turn on the lights before sunrise so the chickens get the 13-14 hours of sunlight they need to continue laying eggs.


                  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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                    #10
                    Originally posted by Bill M View Post
                    I was looking at those. Am I correct that they are connected with TP-Link? That is the router we use.

                    I have these and yes they use TP-Link. Very easy to install and set up.


                    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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                      #11
                      Originally posted by Bill M View Post
                      I was looking at those. Am I correct that they are connected with TP-Link? That is the router we use.
                      That is correct.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Abu_dude View Post
                        So I work in commercial and residential lighting and lighting controls. There are multiple brands available out there but the best of the best will always be Lutron. Specifically Lutron's residential control system called "Caseta". Lutron literally created the first dimmer in 1961 (https://www.casetawireless.com/us/en) If you need any more in depth info, just let me know.
                        I don't know the difference between quality with Google and Amazon or GE. What makes the Lutron so different? Honest question.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Lost10mm View Post
                          I don't know the difference between quality with Google and Amazon or GE. What makes the Lutron so different? Honest question.
                          In all honesty not much other than the name in the commercial market. I think they're vastly overpriced. A single lutron switch can be $50+ where as every other is that price for 4. Kasa is made by TP-Link and fairly trusted brand in comparison to all the other brands are are blantant knockoffs that might possibly contain software to snoop the network.

                          I've had my tp-link/kasa switches for 4 years now and have never had an issue.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Another thing to look for when trying to find a good brand is making sure apple approves it for homekit. If apple doesn't approve it for homekit, thats a red flag for me.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Lutron

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