Installing smart switches in my 1978-built home has been quite an adventure! While the process wasn’t without its hurdles, I’m thrilled with the results and wanted to share my experience in case it helps others.
The wiring in my house was anything but consistent. Some boxes were too shallow, and the wiring was either too long, too short, or just a mess. With the help of my dad, we had to replace a couple of boxes and do a lot of rewiring to make everything safe and functional. It was definitely more work than I anticipated, but seeing the smart switches in action made it all worthwhile.
I’ve been using GE 45637 and 3-way 45638 switches, and they’ve worked well for the most part. However, I did run into a couple of faulty 3-way switches. The aux switch seemed to be the culprit each time, and I had to return them to Lowe’s. Surprisingly, the cashier mentioned they often see these come back, so it’s a common issue. Thankfully, replacing them was hassle-free.
One thing I wish the SmartThings app had was the ability to add text labels to lights. With so many lights set up, it’s easy to get confused when manually turning them on or off. Icons help, but text labels would make it even simpler.
If anyone is struggling with inconsistent wiring or faulty switches, don’t lose hope! Take your time, plan for extra work, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from forums or professionals. It’s all part of the learning curve, and the end result is worth it!
Thanks to everyone in the community for sharing their experiences and tips. Here’s to many more successful smart home projects!