Lighting Control Basics for Home Automation

By Matthew Biswas

Do your eyes roll when you hear terms like Smart home technology?  Or are you a true believer?  As it turns out controlling electrical devices via low-voltage technology can be easier to implement and use than many of us thought.

The Lutron Caseta system uses the internet and Radio Frequency to instantly modernize an existing house without rewiring.  The benefits are many and the effort and costs are reasonable.

Whether the end user is a Gen Z tech whiz or a set in their ways Baby Boomer, systems like this will enhance their comfort and security. Clients can set their lights to automatically adjust based on the time of day.  This ensures lights are on when they need them and off when they don’t. For those with irregular schedules, controlling lights remotely and/or automatically makes it appear as if someone is home even when they’re not. Providing an extra layer of comfort and security.  Ideal for people who live alone, travel a great deal or those homes full of activity and nobody is sure when someone is home.

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to install these systems. The smart hub simply connects to the local router with a Cat5 connection and a standard 110-volt receptacle. The onerous part is downloading the app, setting up a profile, password, client information, etc.  Once that is done you are ready to start installing.

A variety of dimmers are available and most don’t require a neutral, so it’s a quick in and out. Also, switches and dimmers for specific needs such as electronic low voltage, and fan control, are available.

Pairing the dimmers, the Lutron app and the remotes can be a little tedious, but once you get the hang of it, the process goes smoothly.

The app has lots of choices for rooms and light styles, almost guaranteeing that users will be able to quickly and easily learn to use it to “smarten up” their homes.

Once you’ve connected the hub, downloaded the app, installed the dimmers and remotes then linked the dimmers to the app – you’re ready to hand over the system.  Simply type in the client’s email address and press send.  The client can start using and customizing the system to their own needs. 

Put your saw, hammer and three wire away

The single greatest advantage must be the ability to make any switch a three-way (or four-way) without running wires. The Caseta remote has a no-mess wall adaptor that makes it look like an installed switch.

This feature has been a lifesaver for: Seniors and others with reduced mobility, old homes where someone has “tinkered” and the original knob and tube three-way no longer works, and some condominiums where a three-way switch can light up long dark hallways or allow overhead light to be turned off without getting out of bed.  

The plug-in Lamp Dimmer adaptor can serve a similar purpose.  Simply plug a lamp into the adaptor, sync the remote and/or the app and presto – up to two lamps can be turned on and off as you enter and leave the room.

Want to take it up a notch? Integrated motion sensors can compliment and or eliminate the need for wall-mounted switches altogether.  Ideal for kids’ bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms and other places your hands are always occupied.

Integrate with other smart products

Lutron says its system Integrates with many home automation products including. Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, Apple Watch, etc.  Climate control they’ve got that too as Ecobee, Lutron and other thermostats all can be part of the package. Don’t forget ceiling fans, Caseta integrates with many. Home security is another part of the mix – your Ring doorbell camera and other security tools can be added. Sonos entertainment systems also link with Caseta – crazy huh!

Automatic blinds and shade by Lutron can be a real game changer.  Serena is a line of automatic blinds and shades from Lutron that are app driven and can have a choice of power options including battery, low voltage and 110 volts.  Ideal for retrofit projects.

Growth opportunities

The home automation bandwagon can be good business too.  If a customer needs a dimmer installed, you can ask “Would you like a “smart dimmer”? It’s doubtful they won’t be interested in the capabilities.  The scalability of the systems allows customers to start slow. A few dimmers can be added, then the bridge, then a few more as the homeowner gets more familiar and comfortable with the system. 

Holiday lighting, Halloween inflatables, fountains, and accent lighting can be levelled up with the Outdoor smart plug. The Lutron device plugs into a GFCI outlet, syncs with the app and can now be controlled remotely or to the schedule the client sets up. 

Doing a rewire or a brand new rough-in?  Consider advising the client to LVT for each window to allow for the Serena Smart Shade & Blinds.  This small “extra” could be a real win-win for the electrician and the client.

Possible new business opportunities can come from these systems too. Lutron’s Caseta website has a “Find a Pro” tab.  Allowing customers to search for a local electrician to help with the home automation projects. This could be one more way for new customers to find you. 

The Smart home trend is only going to get bigger. As most appliances are now part of the “Internet Of Things”, smart homes will become the standard.  Until then, you can use systems like Caseta to build your business, make your clients’ homes safe and convenient, modern and possibly increase in value.