A smart switch controls the lighting circuit or fittings it is designed for; a smart bulb adds connected features at the lamp. Choose around how everyone in the home will operate the lights, including without an app.
In this guide
Decide what you want to control
Start with the job: turning a whole room on, dimming a group, changing a single lamp’s colour or setting a schedule. Smart bulbs can suit individual compatible fittings. A smart switch can suit control of a group, subject to the switch and lighting specifications.
Our lighting design guide helps you map rooms and activities first. For wider integration, our smart home automation service can help plan the controls together.
Compare everyday operation
| Question | Smart switch | Smart bulb |
|---|---|---|
| What is controlled? | The compatible circuit or lighting group. | The individual connected lamp or a configured group. |
| Installation? | Fixed-wiring work needs an electrician. | Depends on the lamp and fitting; follow the product instructions. |
| Manual operation? | Check the physical switch behaviour. | Check what happens when the ordinary wall switch is off. |
| Feature choice? | Depends on the switch, dimmer and system. | May include dimming or colour features, depending on model. |
What happens when the wall switch is off?
A smart bulb normally needs power to respond to connected commands. If an ordinary wall switch disconnects that power, app or voice control may be unavailable. Plan a clear manual control arrangement that makes sense to children, visitors and anyone who prefers a switch.
Ask what happens after a power interruption and whether the lights can still be operated if the network is unavailable. These behaviours vary by product and configuration.
Confirm compatibility before buying
Check lamp base, fitting suitability, dimming requirements and any hub or network needs. For a smart switch, the electrician also needs to assess the wiring and the lighting load. Confirm compatibility for every fitting in the group.
If the aim is to correct flickering, start with our flickering LED checklist and arrange a fault assessment. Connected controls are not a substitute for repairing a faulty installation.
Write a control brief
- Rooms, fittings and groups you want controlled.
- Tasks: dimming, schedules, scenes or individual colour changes.
- The physical controls you want people to use.
- Existing smart-home equipment and network details.
- Who will own accounts and manage future settings.
For a kitchen renovation, coordinate the controls with the task and general lighting plan. For a colour change alone, compare warm and cool white lighting before choosing extra features.
Questions about Smart lighting choices
Can a smart bulb work with any dimmer?
Check the bulb and dimmer specifications together. Some connected bulbs need an ordinary supply arrangement or their own compatible controls.
Can I install a smart wall switch myself?
Have fixed-wiring switch work assessed and installed by an electrician. The product must suit the wiring and connected lighting.
Tell us which lights you want to control and how you want the switches to work. We can help choose a practical control arrangement before you buy the equipment.