The following articles provide specific tips to help you set up your smart home.
Home automation systems use a number of communications protocols to allow different accessories speak a common language. This allows products from different brands work together to make your life easier. We review the different protocols including Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, powerline, Insteon, X10, and more.
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A common wire provides a constant flow of power so your smart thermostat can maintain a Wi-Fi connection. The electricity also powers the display screen. Most smart thermostats require a C-Wire, but we'll help you with some options in case you don't have one.
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Smart switches require a constant flow of power so that their radios can communicate with relays and hubs. A neutral wire connected to the switch completes the circuit and keeps electricity flowing to the switch. This article explains how to identify a neutral wire. We'll also give you some options in case your home is wired without neutral wires to your light switches.
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If you are going to take our advice, then you should know what we consider to be a perfect smart home. We want to help you do-it-yourself, but we don't think you should spend every waking hour configuring, adjusting, and troubleshooting. Here is our take on what a home automation system should do for you.
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