Plug-In Dimmers
Plug-in dimmers are perfect for any growing smart home network. These devices connect with a standard wall outlet. You can then connect lamps that you want to integrate into your smart home network. By doing this, you can control the connected lights remotely. This means turning the lights on and off and adjusting the brightness to set the perfect mood. You do not even need to be on-site to do this. Smart plug-in dimmer modules let you control the lights from anywhere using an app on your phone. You can integrate these devices in with the rest of your smart home network so that all your smart devices are controllable from one convenient location.
If you have a security system from Alarm Grid, then it is likely you will be able to set up a complete Z-Wave network for all your smart devices. Many alarm control panels also function as perfectly capable Z-Wave controllers, so setting up a complete Z-Wave network is super easy, Plenty of plug-in lamp dimmer modules connect across a Z-Wave network, which is perfect for use with alarm systems. Many wireless systems will even allow users to control their Z-Wave devices right from the panel itself. This is very convenient for when you need to control your plug-in dimmers while you are on-site.
Of course, the real benefit from using smart plug-in dimmers is the fact that you can control these devices remotely from your phone. Z-Wave devices can be controlled in this manner using an interactive service platform like Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0. Most alarm monitoring plans from Alarm Grid grid include access to one of these platforms, so you will easily be able to start building a complete Z-Wave network, including smart plug-in lamp dimmer modules. You will just want to make sure that your monitoring plan includes home automation service. This means getting a Silver Plan or higher from us.
A great thing about Z-Wave plug-in dimmers is that they act as repeaters for other Z-Wave devices. This can be very important if you are trying to establish a strong Z-Wave mesh network. Simply plugging-in a lamp dimmer module can make it easier for other devices that are further away from your Z-Wave hub to communicate with with the rest of the network. In fact, we usually recommend plug-in dimmers as the go-to devices for anyone who is looking for a module to simply serve as a Z-Wave repeater. Plus you get the benefit of a fully functional lamp dimmer module when needed.
Not all smart plug-in dimmers operate across Z-Wave. Apple users might be interested in getting plug-in dimmers that work across Apple HomeKit. This is perfect for iOS users who want to be able to control their devices right from their iPhones and iPads. Of course, you can already do this using Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com, as they both offer mobiles apps for iOS devices. But if you already have a strong HomeKit network in place, or if you want the benefits that HomeKit has to offer, then compatible plug-in dimmers may be exactly what you need. In order to connect with HomeKit, the plug-in dimmer will first need to connect with your local WIFI on the same network as your HomeKit Hub. You will then be able to open Apple HomeKit on your iOS device and use it to pair the dimmer with your HomeKit network.