Kasa Matter Smart Light Switch: Voice Control w/Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant | UL Certified | Timer & Schedule | Easy Guided Install | Neutral Wire Required | Single Pole | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | KS205

An Easy way to control multiple devices on a single circuit.
I made the jump to a “Smart Home” a little over a month ago after Alexa joined our family. After talking to some friends, doing some research and assesing my needs I settled on TP-Link because of the variety of Smart products they offered, no requirements for a Hub, the lower cost and the ability to control everything from one simple app on my Smart phone and Amazon”s Alexa. I have not been disappointed. After a very short learning curve, I surprisingly found the installation and set-up of all the TP-Link Smart devices extremely easy and intuitive. I have installed several different Smart devices including three different bulbs (LB-100, 120 & 130) depending on the area, as well as, Smart Switches (HB-200) and Smart Plugs. All of it has installed, programed and worked with few problems. The only criticism I have is the Kasa App. I have found it to be a bit bugy at times, but since I use it primarily for programming and setting up new devices and scenes, rather than operationally, it has not been an issue since Alexa handels most of that work. So far, in the six weeks my Smart Home has been in operation I have only had one problem where Alexa and the Kasa app lost communication with most of (but not all) of my TP-Link devices. But after a bit of head scratching I was able to restore communication. So here’s a tip to remember: I first tried rebooting the devices by cycling the power breaker, but that didn’t work. Probably due to multiple devices signaling simultaneously and overloading Kasa. But, powering each device down for a few seconds then back up, and testing it before moving on ro the next one worked without a problem. I also recommend using a different control application. I only have experience with Amazon Alexa, but it also interfaces with Google Home among others. I have found that controlling scenes from Kasa not to be reluable for some reason, while issuing the scene commands to Alexa works 90% of the time, with repeating the command becoming necessary about 10% of the time. But even with an occasional repeated command being necessary, TP-Link devices respond extremely well through Alexa’s control. Plus Alexa is able to easily “group” multiple devices so you can control areas with a single command, or program macro activities that Alexa can perform with a single command. Capabilities Kasa does not have. This is another deficiency of the Kasa app. Without the ability to group devices or run macro routines, it relies on programmed scenes which are very limiting for operational control. So another controlling app like Alexa or Home is essential to the TP-Link Smart Home system. For me, because I have Alexa for operational control, both at home and away, these short comings in the Kasa app are non-issues. But if I didnt have this capability I think I would look to a different Hub controlled platform for my Smart Home lighting and device control.HS-200 Smart Switch: I am a retired electrician, so I found the installation easy. Most DIY homeowners with a basic knowledge of electricity and components should also have few problems with the installation. I found this Smart Switch easy to control and the installation is about the same as replacing a standard light switch. But, a big drawback is not have a dimming capability. To me this should be a no-brainer and i cant understand why this featire is lacking. Because that would makevthis a 5 star product. So before you procede there are a couple of precautions that should be noted. First, you must three wires plus the ground (usually bare or green), and one must be the neutral (usually white) third wire, or the switch simply will not work. This can be an issue in some older homes (and even in some newer ones too). The neutral wire is the “common” wire that runs throughout the house and is common to all circuits. It completes the loop in the circuit from the electrical box to the receptacle. The “hot” (or “line”) wire (usually black) carries the electrical load for that circuit only (usually 15-20 amps max). And finally, the “load” wire (usually black, red, or it could even be white) completes the hot side of the circuit between the switch and the receptacle. To save time and money some electricians when wiring homes “old school” would complete the light circuit by running the neutral to the light receptacle and then run a 2 conductor (plus ground) to the switch. So even though you may have a white and black wire at the switch, the white wire is not a neutral, but the load wire that that completes the hot circuit when the switch is turned on (closed). So if you don’t have 3 wires, one of them being the white neutral, you are out of luck using a Smart Switch. You can control the light however, by using Smart bulbs and then grouping them in the controling app (like Alexa). Another caution is wire management. Standard light switches don’t take up much room, so the original installing electrician had lots of room in the box to stuff extra wire. This is a luxury you don’t have since the Smart Switch is much deeper and takes up most of the box. The new switch also uses leads that are wire nutted to the circuit wires and not terminated on the switch itself. Because of this, it may be necessay to shorten the wires to make room in the box for the extra electronics and wire nuts. My advice is to open your intended switch boxes to survey your electrical wiring BEFORE you order the switches, so there are no surprises when it comes time to install. One last safety precaution. Be sure to turn off the circuit at the electrical panel (breaker box). Also don’t assume that all switches in a multi-switch box are on the same circuit. It is often the case that multiple circuits are in the box. This is especially true when a switch is controling a plug. So check all wires in the box with a meter to insure nothing is hot. Finally, when wire nutting multiple wires it is VERY EASY to leave a wire loose. This can be very dangerous, as loose wires can work themselves free and cause arking and sparking that can damage connected equipment, and worse, start a fire. This is a common cause of electrical fires, and you might not know there is a problem until it’s too late. So to ensure all wire nut connections are tight and secure, tug on each wire at the nut with needle nose pliers. If you can’t pull it loose it should be good to go. Also make sure there are no bare wires poking out of the nuts. The switches use stranded wire so it’s easy to have some stray strands loose outside the nut. So that’s about it. The install is pretty easy most of the time, but if you don’t think you’re experienced enough to do the job safely, put this phase of the job in the hands of a professional. It should be an easy job for any professional electrician, and should not be terribly expensive. Consider it cheep insurance!

Llego en tiempo, facil de instalar y sobre todo se sincroniza genial con Alexa

From now on, I’m only buying Kasa products because integration to Alexa was the easiest process I’ve ever had!We’ve been using Alexa in our home for almost a decade, she answers the doorbell, unlocks all our doors, manages our lights etc. Usually we don’t look forward to these integrations because you have to download a separate app, hook to wifi, get the product into ‘searchable mode’ (this could mean pressing buttons, watching for light patterns & colours then acting accordingly) for its own app, add the product, name the product then…have Alexa search for the product, sometimes multiple times! Pain in the you know what!These light switches came with actual instructions!! Good ones! Installation was so easy and only took about 30 minutes to remove the old wall switches, install Kasa switches & we were up and running! BY the way, we were replacing 2 switches on the same switch plate but these new switches came with an individual switch plate attached, no worries, just pop it off!It literally took less than 1 minute and Alexa was controlling both switches!! It might have taken 2 minutes but we had the Kasa app installed already, from our first Kasa purchase we decided to dump all our other products & switch only to Kasa! We can create scenes & routines, control with timers and you don’t have to touch it ever again but if you want to, control your object with the switch and Alexa automatically knows you did & sets the on/off accordingly in her app!The switches are good quality, very sturdy, have never lost connection, have night lights so they can be seen in the dark & have made our lives so much easier! My wife has RA and this gives her the ability to use any product in our home with her voice rather than sore fingers!The app is so simple to use and is connected within seconds to your Alexa. You won’t be sorry for your purchase & in fact, you’ll probably be dumping all your other brands & becoming Kasa ONLY in your home too!

The Kasa Matter Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch by TP-Link is a game-changer in home automation. This smart switch has transformed the way I interact with my home, making it more convenient and energy-efficient.The installation process was straightforward, and the switch seamlessly integrated with my existing home network. The Wi-Fi connectivity is robust, ensuring reliable performance without any lag or disconnection issues.One of the standout features of this switch is its compatibility with the Matter smart home standard. This ensures that the switch can work with a wide range of smart devices, making it a versatile addition to any smart home ecosystem.The Kasa app is user-friendly and allows for easy control and customization of the light switch. Whether it’s setting schedules, adjusting brightness, or even controlling the switch remotely, the app handles it all with ease.In terms of design, the switch sports a sleek and modern look that blends well with different interior styles. The build quality is excellent, promising durability and longevity.In conclusion, the Kasa Matter Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch by TP-Link is a fantastic investment for those looking to upgrade their home automation. It offers great functionality, ease of use, and compatibility, all of which contribute to a superior user experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make their home smarter!