The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

The Sylvania SA 155 is an easy-to-use one-touch countdown timer offering 30 or 60 minute preset countdowns which can be adjusted to anytime in between. Adjusting this time is done by using the arrow buttons after pushing the desired preset time. A manual On/Off button is available for instant On or Off operation of the load. The digital display will confirm the status of the load showing “On” or “Off”. When a countdown time is activated the display will show that time and continue to show the remaining time left to be tracked or checked by the user. This device offers to the minute digital accuracy keeping the correct countdown time, every time. The installation and wiring is as simple as replacing the existing switch; the only possible difference is the need of a neutral wire. A memory saver feature retains last setting after power outages. This device is perfect for lights, fans, whirlpools, and other high wattage appliances up to 20-amps. Read more

This X10 Wall Switch can replace any standard wall switch in your home to add remote control of lights, fans, and other appliances to your existing X10 home automation system. The switch responds to on/off commands but can also transmit its own X10 address when operated locally. This is great for status or for simply controlling other devices that are sharing the same address elsewhere in the home.

Slim Design

Similar dimmers are up to 50 percent deeper than X10 Wall Switch. With its slim design, installation is easy, even in small junction boxes.

Easy to Install and Set Up

This switch wires in like a standard wall switch with an additional connection to a neutral wire. To set the X10 address, press & hold the Set button until it beeps and then send the X10 address from any X10-compatible transmitter.

Built with a Quieter Relay

Because X10 Wall Switch is built with a much quieter relay than most remote-control switches, it has a click that is 80 percent quieter than traditional relay switches. This allows you to control lights and other non-dimmable devices without waking up the baby, annoying other family members, or sending your cat fleeing across the room. The click of the internal relay is barely audible.

Generates Less Heat

Unlike other switches, X10 Wall Switch uses a relay to control the load. Other switches use components that absorb about two volts of power and dissipate the heat through the front of the switch. By using a relay, the switch runs cooler and full voltage gets to the load. Read more

The Kidswitch is a glow-in-the dark extension that will help toddlers to safely control lights. This product can be used on both toggle and decora style lighting controls (for decora style, an adapter is needed and sold separately). Use the Kidswitch with any single or multi-gang switch plate. Kidwitch allows toddlers to activate lighting by providing a handle which extends 12-inches below the switch, where they can safely reach it. A screwdriver is the only tool needed for the installation of this device. You will remove the existing switch plate screws, and replace them with the Kidswitch screw set. This is used for attaching the Kidswitch to your lighting control. To operate the light after installation, the child will simply push up, or pull down on the moon shaped handle.

Switching On and Off in-wall lighting controls, without a parents assistance, will help your child become more confident by providing a little bit of self-reliance. The kidswitch puts control in your kid’s hands, freeing parents of this repetitive task. Your toddler will no longer have to climb on unsafe objects, risking serious injury, just to turn On or Off a light. The glow-in-the-dark kidswitch is perfect for children who still have a fear of dark rooms. The illumination will allow your child to locate the lighting control while also providing a nightlight for when the child should be sleeping, in case they wake during the night. Read more

Pass & Seymour’s new line of Passive Infrared (PIR) Wall Switch Sensors create energy efficient lighting by sensing when light is or is not needed and switching the connected load accordingly. Acting as an occupancy sensor this device will sense when someone enters the room by detecting heat through the PIR sensor, then turning on the light. It, on the other hand, will switch the lights off once it has not detected motion for the programmed amount of time. The user-defined shut-off time can be programmed anywhere between 30 seconds and 30 minutes. These sensors have coverage of 1,050 square feet.

Not only does the WSP250 act as an occupancy/vacancy sensor, it also will control your lighting based on ambient light levels. The built in photo cell will read ambient light levels and will increase or decrease your lighting based on how it was programmed to react. This great feature ensures you are never using more light than you need. The result of these technologies in one device can be upward of 60% savings on energy costs. Energy management is important for everyone. Automatically save time, energy, and money with PIR wall switches. Read more

Energy-saving compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and LED bulbs are quickly becoming standard in most homes. However, standard dimmers may not deliver the most reliable performance with CFL and LED bulbs. Lamps may “drop out” or turn off before the dimmer has reached the lowest setting. Voltage fluctuations within low light levels can also cause dimmers to turn the lamps off.
This new Diva Dimmer Switch eliminates all the usual issues one might encounter when using a standard switch to dim a CFL or LED bulb. Its integrated HED technology features advanced dimming circuitry that makes it compatible with most high-efficiency light bulbs. With this dimmer switch installed, you’ll be able to adjust light levels just as you would with a regular light bulb. For added convenience, traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs also work seamlessly with this dimmer switch. Because performance can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, you can use the adjustment dial to set the bottom of the dimming range according to each bulb.

Lights can be turned on and off in an instant by tapping the paddle. The discreet slider gives you the most precise control over how bright or dim you’d like the lights to be. You can even program the light to default to a preferred lighting level when the paddle is used.

This product is also available in ivory and light almond, each sold separately. Read more