If you have basic knowledge and skills related to home electrical work you are capable of installing smart switches in your home. These are devices which replace the standard light switches in the home with switches which are connected to a home WiFi network. This allows you to control those switches using smart phones and tablets, potentially from anywhere in the world where an Internet connection is available.
It's important to install the correct switch in the correct location. For example, most electronic light switches require a connection to the home's neutral wire. Some devices are specifically made so that they don't requite that neutral wire. In this case, I bought a KASA switch which does require a neutral wire connection.
Also, it's important to match the switch with the wiring configuration for either a "Single Pole" or "Three-way" application. A three-way switch is used in places where two light switches are connected to one fixture and you can control the fixture from either switch. And that's what I'm ultimately installing in this video. This three-way switch requires a neutral wire and ground wire in addition to the three wires which were already installed on the older non-smart switch in that location.
I chose the KASA smart switch products because they were readily available at the places where I normally shop and the prices were very attractive. The KASA app allows me to turn lights on and off remotely, of course. It also allows me to schedule individual switches and/or groups of switches to turn on and off at pre-programmed times, including times which automatically adjust in relation to sunrise and sunset changes.
In an upcoming video I'll have a more in depth look at how the app works.
17 авг 2024
