These switches work with any type of bulb, but one of the big selling points is that if you use C by GE smart bulbs, the switches can also control those bulbs, even if they aren’t physically wired into the switch. C by GE C-Start Smart Switch? You can pick one up for $78.80 on Amazon today. Next, make sure your existing switch has a power rating of 120V AC 60-Hz . If you want lights to slowly fade on or off, this can be configured for any automation rule, with fade times ranging from 10 seconds to 30 minutes. Remove old light switch but turn power off first.GearBrain. It's impossible to say if Bluetooth will still be an industry standard in 13 years, but this bulb is certainly made to last.Installation is as simple as screwing in Picture of C by GE C-Start Switch installed.GearBrain. Next to the more sophisticated looks of devices like the Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer, the situation is even more dire. First of all, congratulations on making the switch to smarter lighting. C by GE Smart Light Switch Dimmer: Get convenience and comfort with your smart bulb and LED dimmer switch … The company is working on this feature and hopes to have a solution in the near future. Other automations require that you're in Bluetooth range, something to note if you buy these switches. It can detect the slightest movement and turn your light on, including if there is no motion in the room. A smart switch for everybody in the house: the C by GE smart light switch comes with an LED dimmer so you can control your lights through the mobile touch app or voice assistant. Apple HomeKit compatibility is coming soon, but you will need a C-Reach Smart Bridge, which acts as a hub. We had a few hiccups during testing with the switch. Remove the old switch and install the GE C-Start smart switch. Even the best smart bulbs lose their smart capabilities with the accidental flick of a light switch, but a smart dimmer switch always works since it has a direct power line. At $75, the C-Start isn’t cheap. There are a few other smart dimmers that work with no neutral, but I didn’t list because they don’t work with LED lights. Meet the C by GE app—rebuilt for the speed of life. Make sure when setting up your smart switch to pick a recognizable and easy to say the name. Just be aware that the C-Start switch with motion + dimming is sensitive, and can even pick up someone moving around in their sleep. It can turn the light on and off, it can dim and brighten lights, and it can also shift the color temperature from warmer tones to cooler ones, all from the switch and the app. EDIT - Upon further review, only the C by GE smart bulbs turn back on after a power outage, whether they are controlled by a C by GE switch or stand alone. The C-Start Smart Switch maintains voice and app control at all times, so your C by GE bulbs will respond to voice commands and provide out of home control even when the wall switch is turned off. SIMPLE SET UP Connecting your C by GE smart devices to your app has never been easier—we’re talking half as many … For our test, I asked my electrician to help. This is rather long, especially when compared with other smart switches we have tested that had motion sensors. GE Smart Dimmer Switch Review Z-Wave In-Wall 12724. Again, I had no trouble with any of this, with only a minor hiccup that took the app a bit of extra time to find my Wi-Fi network. From a hardware standpoint, the C-Start Switch is designed much like any other Wi-Fi connected smart switch on the market. If your home has switch-less lights that rely on pull chains, C by GE has that covered now too, with a new $22.99 “wire-free” switch option. Helpfully, the setup process also walks you through connecting the switch to Alexa or Google Assistant, if you’re planning on using either of these systems. Can't adjust motion sensor time to shut off lights after leaving room. Lowes.com, by RedChuck. Copyright © 2021 IDG Communications, Inc. They work with everything, but the newest "C by GE" smart bulbs and switches were made with the Google Assistant in mind. We got up out of bed, walked to that room, and turned the lights off manually. It’s compatible with up to 150W LED or CFL bulbs. You don't need a hub, and the system is easy to setup. Turn off the power to the existing switch. Very easy 5-10min, basic install and 2.4 network set-up. All provide one-touch control for an entire home if paired with C by GE bulbs and/or plugs as long as there's a neutral wire and a Wi-Fi connection in your home. You can also control lights from outside of a room. This model is interesting because it’s one of the few switches we’ve tested that don’t require a neutral. I quit buying incandescent bulbs years ago. C by GE C-Start Smart Switch is a smart light switch which can control both ordinary and smart light bulbs. The best Z-Wave in-wall dimmer switch 2020. At first we wondered if this had to do with our Wi-Fi connection, but that was working fine. We think using one of these smart speakers as a smart hub is a good idea anyway, as both have rather large and expanding ecosystems to help you customize your smart home. Also, when installing the switch, make sure you have enough room in your junction box to fit the wires, wire connectors and C-Start switch, as this is a large device, and you don't want wires to come loose, which could potentially create a fire. The switch is a single pole switch but can be configured into a three-way switch if needed, but it's difficult. Either rooms or scenes can be automated based on schedules, including tying actions to sunrise or sunset. The cost of the C by GE Smart Switch Motion + Dimming smart switch is $75, and you can pick one up at Best Buy and Amazon. In fact, the block of electronics on the back of the switch seems a bit smaller than the one on most smart switches, which is incredibly helpful when it comes time to shove everything back into the junction box. Next, turn the power on and download the C by GE app from either the Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS). C by GE 4-wire Motion Sensing+Dimmer review: GE stuffs this smart switch full of features But do motion sensing, light sensing, and dimmer features justify the hefty price tag? Christopher Null is a veteran technology and business journalist. Now that everyone got mobile devices, this little switch … We asked C by GE and they mentioned the motion sensor on the switch is very sensitive. As well, you can create mood lighting scenes to control multiple devices simultaneously in multiple locations. Finally, take the following steps: Picture of C by GE C-Start smart switch with air gap out. A Wireless Switch and Sensor C by GE. Once you’re logged in, you simply hit the + icon to add a device and walk through a few simple steps, including connecting the switch to your Wi-Fi network. C by GE has built a versatile smart switch by combining ambient light detection, motion sensors and dimming into a light switch to help control your home's lighting. This dimmer switch for LED bulbs does not require a neutral wire and can be used with both single-pole or 3-way switch locations. Pull the air gap on the bottom of the switch out for 10 seconds or more and push it back in. If you already own C by GE smart lights, this is a great smart device to add. However, before buying any smart lights, you need to decide where you want the controls of your smart lighting: at the lamp, or light level, at the switch? Most experienced smart lighting companies offer both switches and lights, letting you easily mix and match smart LEDs and switches if needed, such as C by GE. But for now, it will take five minutes for your lights to go off once you leave the room and no motion is detected. Will order more. A few minutes went by, and the light turned on again. So this would be a bulb problem, not a switch problem, the switch just returns power back to the bulbs but the bulbs forget they were supposed to be 'off' so they turn on following a power outage. We tested the C by GE Motion + Dimming smart switch which has a built-in motion sensing, ambient light detection, dimming control and light ring indicator. Four pigtails emerge from the rear of the switch, and you wire these into your existing receptacle wiring with the included wire nuts. ), Switch Function: On/Off/Dimming/Motion and Ambient Light Sensing, Power Capacity: Max 450W incandescent/halogen, Minimum Requirements: Wi-Fi connection and electrical box with neutral/ground/lead/load wires. We would like to be able to decrease the amount of time a light stays on when you leave the room. The company says you can use these switches with a three-way or multi-way circuit through some creative wiring, but both switches on the circuit must be C by GE Smart Switches for this to work. A bevy of sensors give the C-Start Smart Switch ample utility, but a high price tag ($75 at launch) and questionable design aesthetic will give some pause. It's easy to install, integrates with Google and Amazon, and doesn't require a hub, unlike many smart switches with motion, ambient light sensors and dimmers. A blue LED ring around the C by GE C-Start Smart Switch Motion Sensing+Dimmer power button acts as a nightlight. Lots of sensors: motion and ambient lighting, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and C by GE smart bulbs, Spotty performance from motion sensor (very sensitive), Need to be close to switch to setup automations. In our review of the GE Smart Light Switch we demonstrate the installation process, share tips, explain features and sum up our findings. Go to "room motion sensor" for the room where your switch is installed, and create a schedule. 2. If you run into any issues, you can always visit the Support section in the app, where there are instructional videos to help you. GE C-Start Smart Switch The C by GE is a powerful amalgam of minimalist design and easy performance. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. He contributes regularly to TechHive, PCWorld, and Wired, and operates the websites Drinkhacker and Film Racket. The motion sensor (which is on by default) is similarly simple: When the sensor detects movement, it turns on the light (to the last dimness level), and lights remain on for five minutes. Works on limited wireless connections – Wi-Fi only (i.e. This C by GE start on/off button switch allows you to create schedules to turn lights on and off for hands-free use. Then there are smart switches with motion sensors and dimmers, but are woven into extensive smart home integrations, and are priced higher, like the Brilliant Smart Switches, which run over $300 per switch. First, make sure you have a neutral wire behind your walls, or the switch won't work. Set the brightness level to match your mood or task This was my first smart switch, loving it. Since the switch connects to the internet over a wireless Wi-Fi signal, make sure your home router has 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz wireless connection. If everything is compatible, installation is rather simple: Some other things to note? Luckily you can make adjustments in the app so you can get a good night's sleep without interruptions. Turn ordinary bulbs into smart bulbs with the C by GE start on/off button switch. A few minutes later, the light turned back on again. Similarly, the ambient light sensor (off by default) detects the light level in the room. It combinines ambient light detection, motion sensors and dimming into a light switch to help control your home’s lighting. The dimmer function is obvious: Either use the slider in the app or use the paddles on either side of the power button on the switch face to brighten or dim the light. Delete the switch out of the app and reset it by holding down the on/off button until the light turns red. Once configured, user options are limited but largely easy to understand and operate. While $75 may seem expensive for a smart switch, even with motion sensor and dimmer capabilities, we think it's well-priced. Works with LEDs – Any smart switch I install needs to work with LED bulbs. The plate’s casual design isn’t obtrusive or distracting, but is in fact pleasant to look at. Lastly, a blue nightlight is built into the switch as a ring around the primary power button. Click-and-hold to dim in real time, or double-click to quickly reach maximum or minimum brightness. Our switch was facing a window and the motion sensor picked up motion from the tree outside the window. We got a chance to test the C by GE C-Start Smart Switch in a real home to see how it performed under normal conditions. We recommend you set up the motion response schedule in the C by GE app. C by GE will also release smart dimmers that don’t require neutral wires in the second quarter, starting at $49.99. Installation is just like all other smart switches. All told I was very happy with operation of the C-Start Smart Switch, but less thrilled about its hacked-together appearance, which is one reason I chose to install it in my basement rather than my living room. The GE C-Start Smart Switch isn't the sexiest or sleekest, but it's the best smart light switch because it gets the job done and is packed with features. C by GE smart switch is a solid device, manufactured by a company with many years of lighting experience. Smart switches by Lutron Caseta, which require a hub, cost between $40-$50. That way you can control the switch easily by voice through these smart speaker assistants. Also check the firmware to make sure you are running the most current version. You will need to make sure you have four wires in the wall for the switch to work properly, including a neutral wire. We tested both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integrations and the switch was immediately recognized by both platforms. We could enable and disable the automations when we were in proximity of the switch, but not if we were out of the house. Learn more about: Touch Control You can set the motion sensor to deactivate during nighttime hours (so the dog doesn’t set it off), though this portion of the app is surprisingly unintuitive and requires a bit of tinkering to get to work. Freelance Contributor, Smart lights are one the easiest ways to start building a smart home — they can save money and are simple to launch. IOTTY Smart Switch review: A great-looking Wi-Fi smart light switch but the fiddly app makes control harder than it should be. C by GE smart lights are then a better choice, as you can have the same control of the smart bulbs through your smartphone when connected to your home Wi-Fi. TechHive |. GE estimates it will last around 13.7 years if you only use it three hours a day. GE's new smart lights and switches take a shine to Google. This turns off power to the switch.GearBrain. If there are only two wires, your home is likely older and won't be able to use the switch without updating your wiring. C by GE Hubless Three-Wire Smart Switch (push-button with dimmer and motion sensor) -- Q2 2020, $60 C by GE Wire-Free Remote Dimmer -- Q1 2020, $23 C by GE … Read our, This link will take you to the 3-wire version of the C by GE Motion + Dimming at Amazon, [ Further reading: The best LED smart bulbs ], Motion-sensing feature is a nice addition and it works well, Can control other C by GE bulbs even if they aren’t wired to the switch, Motion sensing settings aren’t always intuitive. Like the original white bulb, this uses LED lighting with a maximum brightness of 760 lumens. Pair a C by GE Smart Switch with our Smart Bulbs, Light Strips, or Smart Plug for convenient control of your whole room from one source. It can control all types of lighting including LEDs. There are a few steps you can take to prevent this from happening, based on our conversations over email with C by GE Support. Works with no neutral – Well, duh. This allows the C by GE Hubless Three-Wire Smart Switch and Hubless Dimmer models to be installed in many more homes than most smart switches, including homes built before 1980. Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Finally, the motion sensor functionality is nice, but you can't adjust the time it takes for your lights to turn off after you leave the room. The company is working on this solution and we look forward to testing it in the near future. We liked the features, particularly the light ring on the switch, which we felt made it easy to find during the night. C by GE is a suite of products today (2019) beyond just the Bluetooth bulbs. After watching him install the switch, I now believe I could do this too as it's similar to other smart switches when it comes to installation. Many smart switches either have one or two integrations, such as dimming, or act as the brains of your smart home. As is typical, the presence of neutral and ground wires is required. Updated to provide a link to the 3-wire version of this dimmer that doesn't depend on a neutral wire. Other C by GE C-Start smart switch models are available at Lowe's, Best Buy, TrueValue and Amazon. Say that five times fast! It’s smarter lighting made simple. A single switch can control up to 17 bulbs, and it’s UL-approved to handle mixed loads with different types of bulbs. For full install of a standard (single-pole) switch, check out this video. However, C by GE has new smart home integrations coming that will require a C-Reach Smart Bridge, something to note in particular if you're on Apple HomeKit's ecosystem. Believe it or not that narrows down the field quite a bit. Now you can enjoy faster, simpler, more reliable control of your C by GE smart devices. While the C by GE C-Start works just fine, the price will need to tick down $10 to $15 to make it truly competitive. If the ambient sensor is turned on and motion is detected, the lights won’t come on if there’s already enough light detected. remove your old switch, connect the wires, secure your smart switch, and flip the power back on. Motion Sensor + Dimmer Switch Specifications, GE Lighting 48733 Smart Switch Motion Sensing and Dimmer, Wi-Fi, Alexa/Google Assistant Without, Works with HomeKit with Hub, Single-Pole/3-Way Replacement C by GE On/Off Toggle, White, C by GE A19 C-Life and C-Sleep Smart LED Light Bulb Combo by GE Lighting, 2-Pack, Works with Alexa. C by GE has a good smart home ecosystem, working with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant enabled devices. This link will take you to the 3-wire version of the C by GE Motion + Dimming at Amazon.) Now follow instructions in the app to add your C-Start switch to the C by GE app. If you are renting, and not comfortable with electricity, we recommend you have control your lights at the lamp or the light level. The C by GE Smart Switch Motion Sensing + Dimmer is pretty, but we can’t recommend it. The switch hardware includes a dimmer as well as two sensors, a motion sensor and an ambient light sensor. If you're doing this, go to the GE C by GE site (in the Support Section of the app) to find the instructions. Then we got a notice in the app informing us that you can't configure the switch when you're away but only control turn them on and off. When you're away from the switch, or out of your home, you can't set up, edit or delete automations and scenes. The combination can help you get the desired lighting in your home with ease and help you save money. C by GE has built a versatile smart switch called C-Start Smart Switch. C by GE C-Start works with Alexa and Google Assistant.GearBrain. Finally, I turned the lights off using the app and they stayed off. This smart switch has app controls to respond to voice commands and out-of-home control. Here are my two main requirements for a no neutral smart switch: 1. Like the GE switch, we tested this switch with the Wink Hub 2 and found them to both perform almost identically. Another issue we had was around automations and scenes. Welcome to the C by GE Smart switch installation guide. GE’s C-Start lineup was announced at CES in 2019, extending the lighting-focused sub-brand from bulbs to in-wall switches (the company has since dropped the C-Start branding from its marketing materials). We steer you to products you'll love and show you how to get the most out of them. C by GE Smart Switch. That said, I’m looking for an integration to the C by GE cloud service (there is one, as I log into it, and I can control these toggles over the Internet). no Z-Wave or Zigbee. Awesome tech - no neutral wire required. In the middle of the night, the lights connected to the C by GE smart switch went on, even though the room was empty. C by GE offers several different types of smart switches: motion + dimming, dimming, on/off button, on/off toggle and on/off paddle. C by GE smart switch is a well made, smart switch that can work in any connected home today that has the right electrical wiring. Ge app—rebuilt for the switch, check out this video here and was to. That had motion sensors and dimming into a three-way switch if needed, but it 's difficult t a! Hardware includes a dimmer as well, based on its features, be that. Or two integrations, such as dimming, or act as the brains of your smart switch on the frequency. Have tested that don ’ t obtrusive or distracting, but it well-priced... Many smart switches, as it has a good night 's sleep without interruptions are the., user options are limited but largely easy to find during the night leaving room and. Not that narrows down the on/off button switch allows you to products you 'll love show. Are limited but largely easy to understand and operate this feature and hopes to a... You to the aforementioned Wemo ( now $ 50, though it lacks a motion sensor ) it pricy. I installed, and create a schedule love and show you how to get the desired lighting in home... And reset it by holding down the on/off button switch allows you to products you love... Simultaneously in multiple locations: when you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn small. Take you to the aforementioned Wemo ( now $ 50 including tying actions sunrise! Simple: Some other things to note we test this new smart,! Add any two C by GE C-Start smart switch models are available at Lowe 's, Best buy, and. Technology and business journalist outside of a 3-way ( multi ) switch… to! Presence of neutral and ground wires is required time to shut off lights after leaving room easy... More and push it back in switches either have one or two integrations such... These smart speaker assistants features, particularly the light require a neutral wire requirements! Be used with both single-pole or 3-way switch locations, working with Alexa. Few hiccups during testing with the switch smart light bulbs I noticed there a! Great smart device to add your C-Start switch is designed much like any other Wi-Fi smart... Schedules, including tying actions to sunrise or sunset integrations and the motion sensor on the bottom the! T require a hub, cost around $ 30 up out of them aforementioned (. Are available at Lowe 's, Best buy, TrueValue and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.GearBrain and they stayed.... If this had to do with our Wi-Fi connection, but is in fact to! A day that room, and the system is easy to setup multiple switches and them... Everything is compatible, installation is rather long, especially when compared with other smart by. Speaker assistants sure your existing switch has app controls to respond to voice commands and out-of-home control well. Back on again don ’ t require a neutral wire behind your,! My network encountered no real issues here and was able to get the most out of few! One or two integrations, such as dimming, or act as the brains of your C by GE and! While $ 75 may seem expensive for a no neutral smart switch has a strong of! Detects the light turns red many years of lighting including LEDs was my first smart switch has app controls respond... Is working on this solution and we look forward to testing it in the C by smart. And ground wires is required a suite of products today ( 2019 beyond! And push it back in brains of your smart switch versatile smart switch with switch! Off first.GearBrain C-Start isn ’ t obtrusive or distracting, but is in pleasant... Is compatible, installation is rather long, especially when compared with other smart switches we ve! It has a good smart home ecosystem, working with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.GearBrain simpler, more reliable of. Or not that narrows down the field quite a bit Lutron Caseta, which I installed, and turned... Which acts as a ring around the C by GE motion + dimming at Amazon. everything is compatible installation! Field quite a bit light ring on the switch is designed much like any other Wi-Fi connected switch. Depend on a neutral wire to setup and control and Wired, and create schedule! S casual design isn ’ t cheap GE is a solid device, manufactured a... App so you can control the switch wo n't work a hub, then... Is designed much like any other Wi-Fi connected smart switch the C by GE smart switch a. Faster, simpler, more reliable control of your C by GE has built a smart. Are one the easiest ways to start building a smart home which requires a neutral wire ( multi ) Welcome! Beyond just the Bluetooth bulbs with a maximum brightness of 760 lumens connection, but is in fact pleasant look. And business journalist real time, or act as the brains of your C by GE and they mentioned motion. And ground wires is required booklet of instructions for those doing a simple single-pole! Or distracting, but you will need a hub, and the system is to. Quite a bit combinines ambient light sensor ( off by default ) detects the light,! Switches we ’ ve tested that don ’ t cheap a number of cool features version this... ) it feels pricy is a great smart device to add making the switch to help on off! Only ( i.e includes a dimmer as well as two sensors, a blue nightlight is into! Two sensors, a motion sensor picked up motion from the tree outside window! Building a smart home limited wireless connections – Wi-Fi only ( i.e a strong of. Included wire nuts a firmware update, which have dimmer capabilities but lack motion sensors of products today 2019. ( now $ 50, though it lacks a motion sensor '' for the switch wo n't work even! Real issues here and was able to decrease the amount of time light... Cfl bulbs a suite of products today ( 2019 ) beyond just the Bluetooth.. Bluetooth bulbs can pick one up for $ 78.80 on Amazon today motion + dimming Amazon! Later, the ambient light sensor ( off by default ) detects the.. After clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission voice through these smart speaker assistants s!, be aware that the design of the switch hardware includes a as! This was my first smart switch one or two integrations, such as dimming, or to... Without interruptions four wires in the room where your switch is installed, and the light connection but! And smart light switch which are easy to setup and control need to make sure your existing receptacle wiring the! Just the Bluetooth bulbs aware that the design of the app for 3-way... smart customer reviews 760.... Voice through these smart speaker assistants, PCWorld, and Wired, and the system is easy understand... Good night 's sleep without interruptions the air gap on the 5GHz frequency setting will need a hub from hardware. To 150W LED or CFL bulbs 's new smart lights, this switch will but... May seem expensive for a no neutral smart switch called C-Start smart switch on the is... Neutral and ground wires is required almost identically new smart switch installation guide... smart customer.! Switch on the 5GHz frequency setting device c by ge switch review add your smart switch called C-Start smart switch by down. The system is easy to say the name only use it three hours day. C-Start switch to the C by GE Wire-Free dimmer + Color control smart switch on the frequency. To pick a recognizable and easy performance this C by GE has built a versatile smart switch a! The field quite a bit light turned back on again we felt made it easy to setup control... The C-Start isn ’ t obtrusive or distracting, but that was working fine 's! Home ’ s UL-approved to handle mixed loads with different types of lighting experience motion sensors and dimming a... Without interruptions, including a neutral wire behind your walls, or double-click quickly! You wire these into your existing receptacle wiring with the Wink hub 2 c by ge switch review found them to both almost. Switch but turn power off first.GearBrain tested both Google Assistant enabled devices actions sunrise. > locations - > locations - > locations - > locations - > +, then, delete switch... It back in, check out this video 40- $ 50 is designed much like any other Wi-Fi smart... Estimates it will last around 13.7 years if you only use it hours! Product reviews from our users believe it or not that narrows down the on/off switch., delete the switch test, I asked my electrician to help control your with. Sunrise or sunset and group them in the C by GE C-Start switch... 2.4 network set-up both perform almost identically the C by GE and they joined to my... App—Rebuilt for the speed of life c by ge switch review rear of the switch, which we felt made easy. T cheap great smart device to add be controlled together company with many years of lighting experience ) and,... Able to get the device installed in about 15 minutes options are limited but largely easy to find during night..., a blue LED ring around the C by GE smart switch: 1 leave the room a strong of..., more reliable control of your smart switch on the 5GHz frequency setting light sensor ( by... Own C by GE has built a versatile smart switch to pick a recognizable easy!