Could someone point me in the direction of their favorite smart switch setup and why? I’ve now read too many reviews and am now a bit confused. My shop is already wired and about 75 feet from the house. I’d like the ability to turn the outer lights on/off without walking out there and maybe program start/stop times as well. I have a Wi-Fi mesh system reaching to the shop. This is for non dimming lights with neutral.
First time for a smart switch
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Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
If you’ve got a good WiFi signal to the shop, just use a Leviton WiFi switch there. I’ve got both z-wave switches that talk to a Samsung SmartThings hub and Leviton WiFi. The Leviton works just as well for programmed and manual on/off operations, and the interface is simple.
I installed this one a few months ago in my shop so I could have light while walking back to the house. One word of caution: all of the smart switches I looked at will need the neural wire, and some need the ground wire also. A lot of switches only have the hot passing through the switch box. Pop the switch cover and see if you have both wires available.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGW8N7R/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGW8N7R/?tag=atomicindus08-20
beemerphile
Well-known member
I am a fan of the Lutron Caseta line. The Pico remotes are great problem solvers when a 3-way control needs to be come a 4-way control or it needs to be controlled from a different location, or a location that isn't wired.
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I've had mediocre results with TP-Link routers, but the Kasa smart plugs have been really good. No experience with the hardwired switches, but if it uses the same design and same app as the plugs - I think the switches will do exactly what the OP needs.
aandpdan
Well-known member
I'm using a Kasa HS200 smart switch, no hub needed. It's limited to about 5 amps but I'm using LED bulbs so not an issue.
It's just on-off. They do make a version that will dim too. My run is about 60 feet. Works great, even when it's -10 out.
My neighbor also has the same, about 80 feet but with a stong signal. He's had no issues.
It's just on-off. They do make a version that will dim too. My run is about 60 feet. Works great, even when it's -10 out.
My neighbor also has the same, about 80 feet but with a stong signal. He's had no issues.
Do those need a hub or anything like that? I have a Lutron Caseta switch in my house, and wanted to install one in my shop as well, but it needs to talk to a bridge/hub, and the one in the house won't reach so I was going to have to buy another bridge for the shop.
Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
No, the Leviton WiFi doesn’t require a hub. That’s why I bought it. My shop is far enough from my house that it woould have required another hub if I stayed with the z-wave devices. I actually have one switch, and two of the WiFi controlled outlets that I use to control plug-in lights. The switch is this one:
DW15S-1BZ
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi 15A Universal LED/Incandescent Switch. Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, No Hub Required.
Costco Feit electric ones... Cheap and reliable and good app with useful functions on the phone too...
the plugin switch are on sale now like $10 or something close to thatfor pack of 3... the 3 way dimmer/regular switch are $30 normal price..
just used that count down function last night on the window fan.
the plugin switch are on sale now like $10 or something close to thatfor pack of 3... the 3 way dimmer/regular switch are $30 normal price..
just used that count down function last night on the window fan.
No, the Leviton WiFi doesn’t require a hub. That’s why I bought it. My shop is far enough from my house that it woould have required another hub if I stayed with the z-wave devices. I actually have one switch, and two of the WiFi controlled outlets that I use to control plug-in lights. The switch is this one:
DW15S-1BZ
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi 15A Universal LED/Incandescent Switch. Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, No Hub Required.www.leviton.com
I assume I can put the lights on a schedule with the app too? - come on at sunset and shut off and sunrise or something like that?
I kinda wish I would've gone this route originally rather than the Lutron stuff..
Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
Metal-Marc
Well-known member
Another vote for SmartThings and Leviton.
ltusler
Well-known member
Do the Leviton devices communicate outside the local network for any reason?
JOE.G
Well-known member
Is there a app for the i phone?
Can I set times and turn on/off from my phone?
Do I need to be on the network it is connected to or can I do it when away from home?
Thanks
Can I set times and turn on/off from my phone?
Do I need to be on the network it is connected to or can I do it when away from home?
Thanks
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Can do it away from home. I'm at work and just turned them off and on and had wife check
JOE.G
Well-known member
Thanks, now I need to ind one in Black.
I use these:
It's old school, but works for what I need. It sends a radio signal through the power lines. Given the distance to the workshop, a WiFi based system proved unreliable.
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It's old school, but works for what I need. It sends a radio signal through the power lines. Given the distance to the workshop, a WiFi based system proved unreliable.