Category: Outlets & Accessories

  • GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control and Appliance Module Review

    GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control and Appliance Module Review

    Today we had a chance to review the GE Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control and Appliance Module to see how it stacks up to its counterparts of Z-Wave energy switches and it did well. Recently we reviewed the Aeon Labs Z-Wave Smart Energy Switch which had an amazing durable design and a very low price, so going into reviewing another Z-Wave energy switch we had a little skepticism, still this switch did not disappoint! Unlike many of its competitors, this switch contains 2 outlets which can help justify the price when you don’t have to purchase two switches. For us the design is a little bulky but it’s still built not to block your lower outlet. The three prong plug is rated to handle up to 600 watts which is enough to handle your average table lamp but is much less that of the Aeon Labs Z-Wave Smart Energy Switch which can handle 1875W at 15A, you won’t be switching on or off any AC units or heaters.

    [quick_offer id=1447]

    As with any Z-Wave certified device, this will easily connect with your Z-Wave controllers like ADT Pulse, Nexia Home Intelligence, SmartThings Home and Wink controller by the push of just an “Add Device” and the built-in button. Although this is a very popular device with lots of positive reviews from customers who have made the purchase, one thing that is noted is this switch does not give you the option to dim your lighting, even though it is target toward the lighting market. Also, like many Z-Wave devices, this can act as a repeater to grow your mesh network. If you have another Z-Wave device that is out of reach of your hub, this switch will repeat the signal from the hub so you can control your device that was out of distance. All together this is a great device with many very satisfied customers with an average user rating of 4.5/5 and it will make a great addition to your smart home.

    [wpsm_specification]

    [review]

  • Aeon Labs Z-Wave Smart Energy Switch Review

    Aeon Labs Z-Wave Smart Energy Switch Review

    We had the opportunity to check out the buzz behind the Aeon Labs Z-Wave Smart Energy Switch and really figured out why so many customers love this product. The short version is, it’s simple, durable and does what is expected. This device gives you the ability to add Z-Wave wireless control to any plug-in appliance within 100 feet of your controller whether the Smartthings Hub, Wink Hub, Mi Casa Verde VeraLite or the Revolv home automation hub to name a few.
    [quick_offer id=1450]

    Along with supporting up to 1875W, 15A devices, the Aeon Labs Z-Wave Smart Energy Switch also serves as a repeater for your other Z-Wave devices. Why is this relevant and what does it mean? When a signal is transmitted from your console/hub, each signal only has so much strength to make it the distance necessary to your intended target. Let’s say you have a front porch light that is too far from your console/hub to receive a strong signal. Place this energy switch somewhere between the intended porch light and your hub and you have a repeater that will repeat, create a mesh network and strengthen the signal so it makes it to your porch. Many Z-Wave devices offer this ability; just make sure it’s an option before making the purchase if this is your intent.

    Amazon User Reviews:

    [wpsm_specification]

    The hardware itself is built to last, with a similar construction to that of heavy duty extension cord used on construction sites. Solid to the touch, the cables are thick but soft and the two ends are heavy duty, you should have no problems with wear and tear. The rest of the device is one solid build aside from the button on the side that illuminates when the switch is on. Setup is also a breeze, dependent on your hub you generally just need to search for a device from your controller then press the blue button on the switch to finish the setup. That’s it!

    [review]