What is smart lighting? Here’s what you need to know.
Smarter lights mean smarter security. Here’s how smart lighting works to enhance your home’s safety.
Smarter lights mean smarter security. Here’s how smart lighting works to enhance your home’s safety.
Thinking about automating your home? Smart lights are an excellent entry point into smart home systems. They’re a low-effort, budget-friendly DIY upgrade, and you can even voice-control your lights. But how exactly does smart lighting work? What types are available, and do they all operate the same way? Let’s shed some light on these key questions.
Smart lights are lighting fixtures that connect to your Wi-Fi network, enabling seamless control and integration with other smart devices in your home. Unlike traditional lights, smart lighting solutions typically use LED technology and feature a low-powered Wi-Fi chip for connectivity.
Generally speaking, traditional lights can only be turned on and off with a switch, but smart lights offer much more flexibility. You can control them using your smartphone, computer, or via voice commands with smart home platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
They also offer features like energy efficiency, customizable colors, and lighting that syncs with music or TV screens. Plus, you can remotely turn them on and off. For instance, you could control your living room lights from your bedroom — without leaving your bed.
Smart lights come in many different forms. You could start with smart security lighting, such as floodlights for your backyard or garage, or security cameras with integrated spotlights, like those from Arlo. There are also smart bulbs that fit most standard sockets, as well as light strips for your furniture or smart LED strip lighting for your TV.
Smart lights fit into standard lighting fixture sockets and connect wirelessly to a central controller, such as a dedicated smart hub, a remote control, or a smartphone app. Through this software, you can turn the lights on and off remotely, or set schedules for automation. Most smart light systems simply connect to your Wi-Fi network, and then you pair them to a smartphone app.
Not all smart lights rely exclusively on a hub or smartphone app for functionality. Some come with built-in daylight or motion sensors, enabling them to turn on and off automatically based on light levels or detected movement. For example, the Arlo Essential 2nd Gen Outdoor Wireless Camera features an integrated spotlight that activates when its motion sensor detects movement, staying on until no further motion is detected.
Yes, there are several types of smart lights that can enhance your home’s security. For instance, imagine you’re preparing for an extended vacation. You can schedule your smart lights to turn on at night, giving the illusion that there are people and deterring potential intruders.
Arlo security cameras and floodlights serve as smart security lights as well. For example, the Arlo Wireless Floodlight combines a 2K security camera with a powerful 2000 Lumen LED floodlight. When motion is detected, the camera automatically activates the floodlight and sends a notification to your smartphone. With an Arlo Secure subscription, it also begins recording the video event, storing footage for up to 60 days.
Smart lights are highly energy-efficient, particularly when compared to incandescent bulbs and other types of bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs—commonly used in smart bulbs—consume up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lighting. All Arlo security cameras and floodlights feature LED lights for energy-efficient security.
Yes, smart lights do consume a small amount of electricity even when turned off. This is because the light switch for the smart fixture needs to remain on, allowing the bulb to stay in standby mode to power the Wi-Fi chip and respond to signals. However, the power consumption in this mode will be minimal.
Smart lights won’t slow down your Wi-Fi network by themselves, but they do contribute to the total number of connected devices. According to technology website Lifewire, most modern routers can handle around 250 devices. If you approach this limit, you could improve your Wi-Fi signal by upgrading your router. (Though, unless you install 250 smart bulbs, you’re probably safe.)
Before buying smart lights, always consider compatibility with your smart home platform. Choose smart LED bulbs that work seamlessly with systems like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. For example, Arlo floodlights and security cameras with integrated spotlights are compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings.
Ready to install smart lighting? Stop living in the shadows and protect your home with Arlo smart security cameras and floodlights. Featuring motion detection, crystal-clear video, and automated lighting, Arlo smart devices will brighten your life, day or night. See more at your front door — and protect your peace of mind — with Arlo today.
