What smart lighting actually means

Smart lighting lets you control lights from your phone, by voice, on a schedule or automatically based on things like sunset or movement. You can set scenes, dim lights without getting up and check whether you left the porch light on while you're out.

There are three main ways to get there, and they suit different homes.

Option one: smart globes

Smart globes screw or clip into existing fittings and connect over wifi or a wireless protocol to an app. They're easy and portable, and many can change colour.

The catch is that the wall switch has to stay on. If someone flicks it off, the globe disappears from the app. They also suit fittings that take standard globes, which rules out many integrated LED downlights.

Option two: smart switches and dimmers

A smart switch replaces your existing wall switch and controls the circuit, so it works with whatever lights are already there. People can still use the wall switch normally, and you get app and voice control on top. For whole rooms of downlights this is often the neatest approach.

Smart switches must be installed by a licensed electrician. Many need a neutral wire at the switch location, which some older homes don't have. We check this before recommending a model.

Option three: a whole-home system

Larger systems connect every switch, scene and sensor through a central controller. They're more involved and usually make most sense in a new build or major renovation, where wiring can be planned from the start.

Wifi, hubs and ecosystems

Smart lights connect in a few ways. Some talk directly to your wifi. Others use a hub that connects to your router. Before buying, check that everything works with the app or voice assistant you already use, whether that's Google, Alexa or Apple Home. Sticking with one ecosystem saves headaches.

A strong wifi signal throughout the house matters, especially in double-storey homes or where the router sits at one end of a long single-level home.

Useful things to set up

Lights that come on at sunset and go off at a set time.
A goodnight scene that turns everything off from bed.
Holiday mode, switching lights at random times while you're away.
Outdoor lights on a schedule, or linked to a sensor.
Dimmed hallway lighting for night-time trips.

Dimming compatibility

Smart dimmers have the same compatibility rules as ordinary ones. The LED lights need to be dimmable and work with the dimmer. Mismatches lead to flickering and humming.

Starting small

You don't need to do the whole house at once. Many people start with the living area and outdoor lights, then add rooms over time. Choosing a system that can grow avoids starting again later.

Think about everyone who lives in the house, too. Smart lighting should make life easier for the whole household, including grandparents, babysitters and guests who won't have the app. The wall switches should always work in a way that makes sense without a phone in hand.

Getting it working properly

We set up smart lighting, smart switches and the apps that run them as part of our smart home work, so it's not left half-configured. If you're updating fittings at the same time, see our indoor lighting page, and for patio and garden control, our outdoor lighting page. In a new build, our new home electrical work can plan smart switching from day one.

Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. Tell us which app or voice assistant you use and send a photo of the switches you'd like to replace.

Smart lighting setup basics