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Topic: Smart switches

User: Hv&Lv

Asked on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 7:06 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 7:06 pm EDT

Question: What are your favorite go-to wall light switches? I see Lutron has one that is for no neutral but requires a bridge of some sort?All I need is to be able to turn office lights on or off from a phone. No dimming. Employees leave lights on in the upstairs offices and the owner wants to see whether they are on or not, and be able to turn the lights off with his phone from home.

Okay, let's break down some good options for smart wall switches that can handle your requirements: on/off control, remote access via phone, and potentially no-neutral solutions since you mentioned Lutron. I'll include notes about their pros, cons, and any bridge/hub requirements.

Key Considerations for Your Situation



Neutral Wire Availability

This is the big one. Many older homes
don't have a neutral wire in the switch box. You'll need to carefully check if your office building does. If you don't have a neutral, your options are more limited and you'll likely need a hub/bridge.

Reliability

For a business application, reliability is paramount. You don't want the switches to constantly drop off the network or require frequent resets.

Ease of Use (for the Owner)

The app needs to be intuitive for the owner to use regularly.


Cost

Smart switches vary in price. Consider the upfront cost versus the long-term benefit of reduced energy bills and convenience.

Security

Choose a reputable brand with good security practices to protect your network.

Here are my favorite Go-To Wall Light Switches



1. Lutron Caseta Smart Switches (No Neutral Required, but REQUIRES Lutron Smart Hub)



Pros



Rock Solid Reliability

Lutron is known for its extremely reliable and robust performance. They use a proprietary Clear Connect RF technology that is much less prone to interference than Wi-Fi.


No Neutral Option

They are a great pick for older homes or commercial buildings without neutral wires in the switch boxes.

Easy Integration

Works with a wide variety of smart home platforms including Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT.


Simple App

The Lutron app is user-friendly and intuitive for everyday use.

On/Off is very easy
Long Lifespan

Lutron products are known to last a long time.

Cons



Requires the Lutron Smart Bridge

This is a separate hub that connects to your router. This adds to the upfront cost. However, once you have the bridge, you can easily add more Lutron devices.

Price

Lutron Caseta switches tend to be more expensive than some other brands.


Appearance

The aesthetic of Lutron Caseta switches isn't universally loved; they have a distinct look.

Verdict

For reliability and no-neutral compatibility, Lutron Caseta is an excellent choice
if you're willing to invest in the Lutron Smart Bridge. Their reputation for reliability is worth the extra cost in a business environment.

2. TP-Link Kasa Smart Switches (Wi-Fi, usually requires neutral but now has some models that don't)



Pros



Direct Wi-Fi Connection

Kasa switches connect directly to your Wi-Fi network; no hub is
typically needed (but double-check the specific model).

Affordable

Kasa switches are generally more budget-friendly than Lutron or some other brands.

User-Friendly App

The Kasa app is well-designed and easy to use for scheduling, remote control, and monitoring.


Neutral Wire and No-Neutral Options

They offer both types. Make sure you buy the appropriate one.

Cons



Wi-Fi Dependency

Relies on the stability of your Wi-Fi network. If the Wi-Fi is unreliable, the switches will be too.

Reliability

While generally good, Kasa isn't quite as rock-solid as Lutron in terms of long-term reliability and resistance to interference.


Security

While TP-Link has improved, they have had some past security concerns, so keep firmware updated.

Verdict

Kasa is a good, cost-effective option if you have a strong and reliable Wi-Fi network and don't want to deal with a hub. The no-neutral options make it more versatile, but
always double-check the wiring requirements before purchasing.

3. Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Switches (Wi-Fi, Usually Requires Neutral, but has a no-neutral option)



Pros



Direct Wi-Fi Connection

Like Kasa, they connect directly to your Wi-Fi.


Aesthetically Pleasing

Decora-style switches have a clean, modern look that many people prefer.

Integration

Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT.


No Neutral option
: Newer models have a no neutral option. Cons



Wi-Fi Dependency

Same as Kasa - relies on Wi-Fi stability.

Reliability

While generally reliable, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues.


Cost

Typically a bit more expensive than Kasa.

Verdict

Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi switches are a good choice if you want a visually appealing switch and have a reliable Wi-Fi network. The no-neutral option is a plus, but be sure to verify compatibility with your wiring.

Important Steps to Take Before Buying


Determine if Neutral Wires are Present

Carefully open the switch boxes in the offices and look for a bundle of white wires connected together. This is the neutral wire. If you don't see it, you'll need to choose a no-neutral switch.
If you're not comfortable working with electrical wiring, hire a qualified electrician to inspect the wiring for you.2.

Check Wi-Fi Strength

Ensure that the Wi-Fi signal is strong and reliable in the areas where you plan to install the switches. If not, consider adding a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network.3.

Start Small

Buy one or two switches to test before committing to outfitting the entire office. This allows you to verify compatibility and assess performance.

Recommendation for Your Specific Situation

Given the need for reliability in a business environment and the potential uncertainty about neutral wires, I would lean towards

Lutron Caseta
despite the higher cost and the need for a Smart Bridge. The rock-solid performance and no-neutral option provide peace of mind.

If you are sure you have neutral wires and a very strong Wi-Fi network, TP-Link Kasa or Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi switches are a viable alternative.
If the owner is tech-savvy

Kasa or Leviton are fine*

If the owner is not tech-savvy

Lutron Caseta, hands down. The less the owner has to mess with it, the better, and Lutron's reliability minimizes that.

Remember to hire a qualified electrician if you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring.
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