Leviton Launches Two New Smart Switches That Don’t Require Neutral Wires
Lighting control company Leviton released two new smart switches that don't require a neutral wire to operate. The Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer and Switch both work with the plug-in Decora Smart Wi-Fi Bridge.
A smart switch is technically a light switch, but with features that help automate homes like controlling them via app control or with dimming options. Both of the new switches are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa for smart home and voice control, and so is Leviton's total Decora Smart Wi-Fi line.
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Currently, nearly all smart light switches require a neutral wire to work. A neutral wire is a type of wire that serves by returning currents back to the source of power and or regular voltage. An electrician is typically called to install these in homes as many houses have limited options for upgrading to smart switches.
Leviton's new dimmer and switch rely on the plug-in bridge, which can handle up to 25 switches over 2,500 square feet. They communicate with the bridge over a low-power proprietary RF mesh to connect to Wi-Fi.
This also allows it to connect with the My Leviton app, where owners can set schedules and scenes, plus other supported smart home platforms. The switches also work alongside Leviton's Decora Smart Anywhere Companions wireless remote controls to create a wire-free setup for three-way lighting situations.
The lighting company also revealed it's adding a new motion-sensing dimmer function to its Decora Smart Wi-Fi lineup. The Decora Smart (2nd Gen) Motion Sensing dimmer switch ($49.99) offers many lighting functions, including ambient light sensing and an automatic night setting to turn lights on at a lower level in the evening.
The switch also supports both an occupancy and vacancy mode (auto on and off) and has a built-in guide light for nightly tasks. It also has a motion snooze that temporarily disables motion sensing, useful for when you're watching a movie or doing morning chores.
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Many choices for smart switches today are limited in style and functionality, as well as expensive. For example, the popular smart switch Lutron Caseta's required bridge is $80 and its dimmer switches are $60 each. Budget-friendly options like Aqara have no dimmers.
Leviton meets at the middle of both prices while providing both switch and dimmer options. The Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer is available at $49.99 and the Switch at $44.99. Meanwhile, its Decora Smart Wi-Fi Bridge can be acquired at $19.99.
