Best Buy Lutron
Forward Phase - Also known as leading edge, incandescent, MLV, or triac-based dimming. The vast majority of dimmers installed today are this type. This is a line-voltage dimming method.Reverse Phase - Also known as trailing edge, ELV, or FET-based dimming. Luminaries with electronic supplies are best controlled with these types of dimmers.3-Wire - A line-voltage dimming method where power is delivered over a dedicated Switched Hot wire, and the phase control dimming signal is sent over a separate line-voltage Dimmed Hot wire.0-10V - A low-voltage dimming protocol defined in IEC standard 60929-E2. Luminaries that use this standard provide a voltage, which the control forces to 10V for high end and 1V for low end. All fixtures on the same 0-10V link must go to the same light level.PWM - A low-voltage dimming protocol defined in IEC standard 60929-E3. It uses the duty-cycle of a signal to communicate light level to a fixture. All fixtures on the same PWM link must go to the same level.DMX - A low-voltage dimming protocol, formally called USITT DMX512-A. It provides high-speed individual control of up to 512 fixtures over a digital link.EcoSystem - A digital protocol developed by Lutron and based of the DALI standard (IEC60929-E4). It provides individual fixture control for up to 64 fixtures over a digital link.Switched - Fixtures designated as Switched are unable to be adequately dimmed with Lutron dimmers.
best buy lutron
Physically, smart switches may look or function the same as a standard light switch and use a similar installation process. The difference is that smart switches connect wirelessly to your home network, whether through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, radio frequency (RF), or other proprietary standards. This connectivity unlocks all the features that come with turning the switch on or off from wherever you want, whenever you want. This capability also means smart switches can require more upkeep than traditional ones. "General maintenance is important," says Landeen, pointing to electrical considerations as well as network issues. "These aren't the old simple toggle switches from before. These switches are programmable and highly engineered, so they need to be treated with care.""}},"@type": "Question","name": "Why do smart switches need a neutral wire?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "Neutral wiring (usually white in color) completes the circuit of your home's electrical system by bringing electrical currents back to the power source. It keeps the power flowing at all times, and that's what smart switches need. Even when the switch is turned off, a typical smart switch needs some amount of power to stay connected to your network and know when to turn back on. Some smart switches function without a neutral wire, but there is often extra technology (like a specific smart hub) at play to bypass the requirement, making them generally more expensive and limited in options.","@type": "Question","name": "How much energy do smart switches use?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "In order to stay powered enough at all times to perform its functions when needed, smart switches connected to Wi-Fi typically use 1-2 watts of power while idle. If connected to a dedicated wireless home automation network like Z-Wave or Zigbee, a smart switch might use more like 0.5 watts. For perspective, 2 watts amounts to 17.52 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per year, while the average U.S. residence uses over 10,000 kWh annually.","@type": "Question","name": "What the difference between a smart switch and a smart bulb?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "A smart bulb is an internet-connected light bulb, often with color-changing effects, that you can fit into lighting fixtures like lamps and control through an app or voice commands. While smart bulbs are best for controlling individual fixtures, smart light switches could be the better option if you want to control and dim non-smart lights attached to a light switch in your home.Both smart lighting products involve some app or smart home setup, but switches also require wiring and assistance from an electrician. On the other hand, you can set up a smart bulb in minutes without wiring; just screw in the bulb and set up the connection in the companion app."]}]}] .icon-garden-review-1fill:#b1dede.icon-garden-review-2fill:none;stroke:#01727a;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round > buttonbuttonThe Spruce The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook NewslettersClose search formOpen search formSearch DecorRoom Design
Decorating
Design Styles
Small Spaces
Feng Shui
See all
GardenPlants A to Z
Houseplants
Landscaping
Pests & Problems
Wild Birds
In the Weeds With Plant People
The Spruce Gardening Review Board
See all
Home ImprovementSkills & Specialties
Painting
Kitchen
Bathroom
Interior Remodel
Exteriors
Outdoor Building
Home Services
Green Improvements
The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board
See all
CleaningCleaning
Organizing
Laundry
Pest Control
The Spruce Cleaning Review Board
See all
CelebrationsEvents & Parties
Etiquette & Advice
Birthdays
Graduations
See all
What to BuyHow We Test Products
Bedding
Furniture
Vacuums
Best Gifts
Cleaning Products
See all
NewsHome Trends
Brands & Collections
Sales & Deals
House Tours
Perspectives
"One Thing" Video Series
In the Weeds With Plant People
See all
About UsEditorial Policy
Product Testing
Diversity & Inclusion
Gardening Review Board
Home Improvement Review Board
Cleaning Review Board
See all
Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.Subscribe The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook About UsNewsletterPress and MediaContact UsEditorial GuidelinesWhat to BuyHome Improvement ReviewsSmart Home & TechThe Best Smart Switches for a High-Tech Home The Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Dimmer Starter Kit is our top choice
A smart bulb is an internet-connected light bulb, often with color-changing effects, that you can fit into lighting fixtures like lamps and control through an app or voice commands. While smart bulbs are best for controlling individual fixtures, smart light switches could be the better option if you want to control and dim non-smart lights attached to a light switch in your home. 041b061a72