Smart lighting
Updated
Bulbs or switches, neutral wires, 3-way circuits, dimmer flicker and lights after a power outage: choose lighting that the whole household can use.
Smart bulbs are easy to install and great for color and lamps, but they stop working when someone turns off the wall switch. Smart switches control any bulb on the circuit and keep the wall switch working, but they need the right wiring, often including a neutral wire.
Any work inside a switch box means turning off the breaker first and following local code; hire a licensed electrician if you are unsure what you see.
Calculators 1
Kits 2
KitSmart lighting kit under $100Three tunable white bulbs, two smart plugs and a wireless remote cover a living room and bedroom for under $100, with no rewiring, no hub and…KitLiving room smart kit: lighting, TV power and one-touch scenesSmart bulbs, plugs, a power strip and a button for scenes: a plug-in shopping list for a living room, with realistic prices, renter-friendly…
Guides 14
GuideHow to choose smart bulbsBase size, lumens, color temperature, Wi-Fi, Zigbee or Thread: the short checklist that decides which smart bulb works in your lamp, your fixture…GuideSmart switch without a neutral wireNo neutral wire in your switch box? Learn how to spot one, which switches work without it, what flicker to expect with LEDs and when smart bulbs…GuideSmart dimmer with LED bulbs: fixing flicker and buzzLED bulbs flickering, buzzing or glowing on a smart dimmer is usually a mismatch of bulb, dimmer load or dimmer type. Work through the checks in…GuideSmart 3-way switch: how it works and what to buyTwo switches control one light? A smart 3-way setup needs a main switch plus a companion, a wireless remote or smart bulbs. Learn how the wiring…GuideHow to install a smart light switch safelyA smart switch swap takes about 30 minutes when the box is simple. Follow the shutoff, test and labeling steps below, and know the signs that mean…GuideWhy smart bulbs turn on after a power outageSmart bulbs often come back on, or reset, when power returns. Learn why it happens, where to find the power-on setting, and how to avoid a bright…GuideSmart lighting without rewiringRenting or avoiding wall work? Smart bulbs, plug-in lamps, adhesive remotes and LED strips give you voice control and schedules without touching a…GuideSmart under-cabinet lighting for the kitchenPlug-in bars, LED strips with a 24 V driver or hardwired fixtures: how to choose under-cabinet lights, size the power supply, add motion sensing…GuideBathroom fan humidity sensor switch: types, sizing, wiringA humidity-sensing fan or wall switch turns the bathroom fan on when the air gets damp and off when it dries. Learn the types, the cfm you need…GuideSunrise wake-up lighting: how to set it up with smart bulbsA sunrise routine brightens your bedroom lights gradually before your alarm. Learn which smart bulbs, color temperatures and shade settings make…GuideLighting for video calls at homePut a soft light in front of your face, not behind it. Here is how to place it, choose a color temperature, avoid glare and save a scene that…GuideSmart bulbs for recessed lights: sizes, fixtures and optionsRecessed cans take BR30, BR20 or PAR bulbs, or an LED retrofit module. Learn which smart bulb shape fits, why the can matters, and when a smart…GuideLumens and color temperature by room for smart bulbsPick smart bulbs by lumens, not watts, and by Kelvin for warm or cool light. Use this room-by-room guide to size your lighting, from kitchens to…GuideWhich smart lighting to choose for your living roomMost living rooms use lamps, one ceiling fixture and a TV. The right smart lighting depends on what you already own, whether you rent, and what…
Comparisons 3
ComparisonSmart bulbs vs smart switches: cost, wiring and useSmart bulbs are plug-and-play and give color; smart switches keep the wall switch working and control any bulb. See the cost per room, wiring…ComparisonWi-Fi smart bulbs vs hub-based bulbs (Zigbee and Thread)Wi-Fi bulbs need no hub but each one joins your router. Zigbee and Thread bulbs form their own mesh. See which fits the number of bulbs, your…ComparisonSmart dimmer or smart switch: choosing for each lightA smart dimmer adjusts brightness; a smart switch only turns a load on and off. The right one depends on your bulbs, the fixture and the room.…