Smart bulb vs smart switch5/3/2023 ![]() These can be used to dim the light and turn it on or off remotely just the same as with a smart bulb, but they place the controller within the switch instead of the bulb. Both of these solutions are simple but are also hard on the eyes and do not prevent someone from accidentally shutting off the power.Īnother option is to opt to get smart switches instead of bulbs. The note would say something like "do not use!" and the tape obviously makes it difficult to use. A popular way to achieve this is to place a sticky note or a piece of tape over the rocker of the switch. As smart bulbs require a constant source of power, one option to ensure it continues to get it is to simply make sure the physical switch never turns off. This solution is very commonly used and is often referred to as "taping the switch". ![]() The first option is to ensure the switch is always at 100% brightness and in the "on" position. While the more difficult solutions might seem out of reach, if you are allowed to chose them (rentals often mean those options are off the table), I recommend you do. They vary in difficulty and practically, ranging from easy but annoying to use all the way to complicated to install but convenient to use. There are, however, a few options when it comes to dimmer switches that are already installed. Do not use smart bulbs with dimmers! What to do with existing dimmer switches?Īs we saw, smart bulbs will rarely work properly with regular dimmers designed for use with incandescent bulbs. In some cases, it can make the bulb behave erratically, and in some more serious cases, the fluctuation in power can permanently damage the smart bulb. The fact is, there is no situation where it is practical to use a smart bulb with a regular dimmer. If you think about it, that makes a lot of sense as it would be pretty difficult for the bulb to turn its self back on if it had no power connected. The problem with smart bulbs is that they all have small computers in them that are performing complex functions such as dimming LEDs and communicating with a controller.Īs a result, all smart bulbs require a constant source of power to function correctly. This works very well with regular incandescent bulbs that act as a resistive load, using its resistance to create visible light (and a lot of heat). The effect is that less power is available to the bulb and so it will appear less bright. ![]() They do this by "chopping" up the AC waveform in a specific way, depending on the set brightness. The reason is that dimmers normally work by changing the power available to the bulb. Summary Can you use smart bulbs with dimmer switches?.Can you use a switch to control smart bulbs?.Do dimmer switches work with any bulbs?.What to do with existing dimmer switches?.Can you use smart bulbs with dimmer switches?.
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