Amazon Alexa Light Switch: the Easy Way to Upgrade to Smart-Home Lighting
With many households converting their devices and appliances into smart homes, it’s no wonder that a compatible Amazon Alexa Light Switch is a topic of conversation. But what does the light switch do, and how is it different from other styles of smart home lighting?
What is an Amazon Alexa Light Switch?
Alexa enabled light switches are smart home devices that allow you to turn your existing lighting fixtures into smart home lights. They allow you to swap out your existing manual light switches with a voice and phone controlled switch that all you to turn your lighting on and off from anywhere.
Why you should consider an Amazon Alexa Light Switch
If you’re just getting into smart home lighting, you’ll learn soon that there aren’t yet good quality, easy-to-set-up smart lights for every type of light fixture (e.g., overhead track lights). Plus, the cost of setting up a Philips Hue system can be daunting and expensive (even if you stick with basic white ambient, Bluetooth-enabled bulbs). And some smart home lights don’t work with dimmable switches, so you’ll have the added expense of changing out your switch anyway.
If you use a compatible Amazon Alexa Light Switch, you have the flexibility of using all of your existing lightbulbs, regardless of the bulb type or style. You’ll have the benefit of controlling your home lighting from any location, either by voice commands with your Alexa device, or with your phone.
What types of lighting fixtures does the Alexa Light Switch work with?
This one is easy: any! You can swap out your existing wall switches with smart lighting switches and easily connect to a 2.4gz wifi connection to control your existing lights. So whether you have simple overhead lighting, puck-style recessed lights, or unique decorative lighting, they’ll all be covered.
If you’re hoping to control floor lamps that plug into an outlet, there’s an option for that, too, but it is a separate product. Here are some options for both styles of light switches:
Wall switch
Don’t want to re-install your in-wall switches? Check out this fantastic wall switch button that can press your current wall switch upon your Alexa command!
For plug-in lights and appliances, use a smart plug
How to do you connect an Alexa Light Switch to Alexa?
Since each product and manufacturer are different, it’s important to follow the step-by-step instructions provided with your switch.
Most wall switches are designed for DIY installation and do not require an electrician, but when in doubt, play it safe and call an expert!
Pro Tip: Once your smart switches or plugs are installed, be sure to give them a distinct name, and try grouping different switches together. That way, when you say “Alexa, turn on kitchen lights,” all of the lights in your dining room turn on together.
Now that you’ve read about smart switches, take a look at the VoiceBrew comprehensive guide to Alexa Lights as well as the ultimate guide on Philips Hue Lights. Armed with all of this information, you’ll be in a great place to determine which type of smart home lighting is best for you, your home and your living situation.
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VoiceBrew was created to help people get more out of their Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you’re just setting up your first Alexa device, or are a seasoned pro looking for advanced tips, VoiceBrew can help.
I love Alexa but realized that most people weren’t familiar with all of the capabilities available in every device! With VoiceBrew, you’ll have access to comprehensive how-to guides that cover basic set-up all the way to more advanced routines.
Wondering what devices work with Alexa? I cover that, too in VoiceBrew Alexa smart home guides. Ready to get started? Sign up for the VoiceBrew newsletter today.