The UK LED lighting retail industry is expected to grow at 1.6% annually, reaching a value of £2.7 billion by 2027, the popularity of these energy-saving devices is on the up. These handy smart lighting solutions let users customise settings remotely, including:
As with any new device, homeowners may have concerns about the safety of smart light bulbs. Thankfully, products you can buy from reputable retailers help to allay concerns about electronics, heat management and durability.
Our CEDIA-trained integrators can help you choose the best brands that offer safe Wi-Fi functionality and fire protection.
The three main areas of concern for smart light bulb safety are electronics, heat, and data security. As smart home devices are connected to the home network, there’s the additional concern of access from hackers. Our guide will ensure you choose the right bulbs with safety at the forefront.
Homeowners may worry about their bulbs overheating, or compatibility with older light fixtures. As with any electrical device, there’s also the risk of voltage fluctuations leading to surges.
When choosing a product, ensure you look for the IEC 62471 standard. This assures photobiological safety for smart LEDs. Our CEDIA-trained integrators can help you choose an approved brand, such as Philips Hue.
Fire risks are naturally a concern for any home. Smart LED light bulbs work using a ‘heat sink’ on the base, which keeps the bulb from reaching dangerous temperatures.
Where durability is concerned, smart bulbs last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Typically, the lifespan of smart light bulbs is around 15,000 to 50,000 hours, compared to 750 to 2,000 hours.
A smart light bulb works by connecting to your smartphone app via Bluetooth or an internet connection. While this enables remote control, it does technically pose the same concerns as any other home automation device: hackers.
As with any smart gadgets, you can protect yourself from cyber security risks. Make sure you update your firmware regularly and use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication.
All IoT devices, from smart speakers to Amazon Alexa, will connect to your Wi-Fi network. Always follow these guidelines to stay safe.
From dimming to saving energy with smart switches, these helpful home devices offer convenience and customisability. You can make smarter buying decisions by:
Don’t forget, our integrators are on hand to help you choose the best products. For any more questions on choosing the right products, visit our smart lighting FAQs.