FAQ

WHAT IS SMART LIGHTING?

In the realm of technology, the term "SMART" stands for "self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology." It encompasses the capabilities that enable lighting fixtures in your home to expand their functionality. At its core, smart lighting systems offer the convenience of remote control, often through a smartphone or computer app. To facilitate this, smart lighting relies on wireless transmissions to send and receive signals. It can connect directly to your smart home hub through built-in Wi-Fi radios or utilize Bluetooth connectivity.

Some smart lighting options go beyond remote control and incorporate motion and lighting sensors. These sensors automatically activate or deactivate the lights based on factors like detected light levels or the presence of people and movement within a specific area. By including these simple features, smart lighting helps reduce wasted energy that results from accidentally leaving lights on when no one is present in the home.

WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES THE INSTALLATION OF SMART LIGHTING OFFER?

Enhanced Security and Safety - Bid farewell to returning to a dark home by leveraging smart lighting. You can program your lights to turn on randomly while you're away, creating the impression of an occupied house and discouraging potential wrongdoers. Additionally, the inclusion of motion sensors in smart lighting systems enables outdoor lights to activate at night without the need for complex wiring. This feature enhances safety by providing illumination in outdoor areas when motion is detected

Enhanced Convenience - Enjoy the convenience of smart lighting features that simplify your daily routines. If you have a habit of falling asleep with the bedside light on, smart lighting can automatically shut it off for you. Moreover, with a single command or scheduled setting, you can effortlessly turn off all lights at night and have them automatically turn back on in the morning. Additionally, motion sensors integrated into smart lighting systems detect your presence when you enter a room, automatically illuminating the lights, and then turn them off when you leave. These convenient features eliminate the need for manual light control, providing seamless and effortless lighting experiences tailored to your needs.

Promotion of Health and Well-being - Smart lighting systems offer health and wellness benefits that can enhance your daily routines. Instead of waking up to a sudden alarm, waking up to a gradually increasing light can be a more gentle and effective way to start your day. This approach aims to provide a smoother transition from sleep to wakefulness.

By synchronizing your lights to emulate the natural colours of the sun throughout the day, smart lighting can help regulate your body's circadian rhythm. This synchronization has been shown to promote a sense of energy and alertness when needed, as well as support relaxation and winding down when it's time to rest.

In addition to their functional benefits, colour-changing bulbs in smart lighting systems can add a touch of fun to parties and events. However, they also serve practical purposes, such as using different colours as visual notifications for various events or reminders.

Overall, these health and wellness features of smart lighting contribute to improved sleep quality, a more energized state when necessary, and a smoother transition between different phases of your day.

GETTING STARTED WITH SMART LIGHTING

1) Selecting a Digital Assistant - Smart devices are designed to simplify our lives, and one of the most convenient ways to centralize control of your smart-home ecosystem is by utilizing a digital assistant like Amazon Echo or Google Home. These voice-activated devices serve as the command center for various smart devices, including smart lighting. By programming them, you can seamlessly communicate with and control a diverse range of smart-lighting features, such as adjusting brightness, dimming, turning lights on or off, all through simple voice commands.

2) Begin with Smart Lightbulbs - If you're looking to explore smart-home options, starting with smart lightbulbs is a simple and accessible entry point. By replacing a traditional lightbulb with a smart bulb like our Brilliant Smart Biorhythm globe, you can easily integrate it into your existing light fixture. Connect the smart bulb to your Wi-Fi network and begin experimenting with controlling the light using the accompanying app. This allows you to experience the convenience and flexibility of features like adjusting brightness without the need for a dimmer switch. By trying out these functionalities, you can then determine if further investment in smart-home options aligns with your preferences and needs.

3) Upgrade to Smart Light Switches - Transforming your entire home into a smart environment can be achieved by switching to smart outlets or switches, like the Mercator Ikku Smart Powerpoint or the Brilliant Smart Gang Wall Switch. With these smart switches installed, you gain the ability to remotely control all your lighting fixtures, including those with regular bulbs. This means you can conveniently control your lights from anywhere using a compatible app, regardless of the type of bulb installed.

Once you've experienced the benefits and convenience of smart switches tailored to your lifestyle, you may want to consider taking it a step further by installing smart light fixtures. These fixtures come equipped with built-in smart technology and can be effortlessly controlled using voice commands or a dedicated app.

By transitioning to smart light switches and fixtures gradually, you can create a comprehensive smart lighting system throughout your home. This empowers you to enjoy the convenience, flexibility, and control that smart technology offers, ultimately enhancing your overall smart-home experience

4) Unleash Your Creativity with Smart Lighting Controls - The possibilities become almost limitless when you synchronize smart lights with other smart devices using free web-based services. Imagine scenarios like automatically turning on the porch light when someone rings your smart doorbell, flashing a red light as an alert if your thermostat detects carbon monoxide, or having your bedroom light switch on when your fitness tracker indicates that you're awake. Home automation offers countless ways to simplify your life, all it takes is a willingness to explore the capabilities.

Starting small with smart lighting is a breeze, and it opens the door to a world of automation. Try incorporating this technology into your home to create a personalized automated lighting routine that perfectly suits your needs.

DO YOU NEED AN ELECTRICIAN TO INSTALL SMART LIGHTS

The installation of smart lights typically does not require the expertise of an electrician. Most smart light systems are designed to be user-friendly and can be installed by homeowners themselves. They are often designed to fit into standard light fixtures and can be easily replaced with traditional light bulbs.

However, it's important to note that the complexity of the installation may vary depending on the specific smart light system and the existing electrical setup in your home. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about working with electricity, it is always recommended to consult a qualified electrician for assistance. They can ensure that the installation is done safely and in compliance with electrical codes.

In summary, while an electrician is not always necessary for installing smart lights, it is advisable to assess your comfort level and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure a safe and proper installation.