For the outdoor one, there is a button right on top that you press to turn it on and off. Connect the smart switch to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network to control and schedule plug-in landscape lights, seasonal dcor and other outdoor devices. When it comes time to trigger your device, with the Indoor Smart Switch you toggled it on and off. Rather than repeat myself, check out my guide on How To Set Up the GE Smart Switch with Samsung SmartThings and Amazon Echo. Now that you have it mounted, it’s time to get it set up. The instructions recommend that it hang, but I don’t see any reason why it can’t be horizontal like I have it. To keep it up there, I used the mounting screw it comes with and some sticky outdoor mounting tape. It’s right behind the actual wire that comes out. The only thing I didn’t like about it is where the mounting hole is. Simply take it out of the box, mount it where you want, and plug it in. Read More: Understanding Home Automation Protocols ![]() This outlet is controllable via Z-Wave, so I’ll have to use my Samsung SmartThings hub to control it. I’ve finally found one I liked, the GE Z-Wave Outdoor Smart Switch. This is a pretty good case for automation, but I was having a hard time finding a good outdoor outlet. In order to turn them on and off, I have to reach up and take a plug in and out. ![]() For others, look elsewhere for standalone smart plugs.My backyard has a bunch of string lights that surround it. I'd recommend this Switch to anyone already using Z-Wave home integration - it really is a steal for such customers. /rebates/2fpd2fEnbrighten-Enbrighten-Wi-Fi-Plug-in-Outdoor-Switch-2-Outlet-Black2f1003202048&252fpd252fEnbrighten-Enbrighten-Wi-Fi-Plug-in-Outdoor-Switch-2-Outlet-Black252f100320204826tc3dbing-&idlowes&nameLowe27s&ra1. For anyone in a relatively dry climate, the button's unsealed edges will probably not pose much of a problem, but for people who live in rainy areas, this Switch just isn't a reliable option. Its baffling lack of a fully rainproof casing is a serious problem. The biggest problem with this Smart Switch is its physical design. For those without a Z-Wave hub, though, this plug is not a good entry point into connected home living. So anyone using Piper or SmartThings can get a deal on the type of product that will cost 50 bucks or more from other developers. Overall, the GE Z-Wave Plug-In Outdoor Smart Switch is a good product - if you already have a Z-Wave gateway. Touches like the scheduling functions and minimal-delay remote control made this Outdoor Switch's performance impressive, despite its basic features. But using the Piper app with the GE Outdoor Smart Switch, unreceived commands would resend during the first minute of a scheduled action until the Switch responded. With other connected outlets, like the iDevices Switches, a scheduled command would be sent at the moment the clock hit the given time, and if that first command didn't reach the device, then too bad - your scheduled command didn't work. ![]() The smart switch provides ultimate flexibility to create custom scenes, schedule events and control indoor lights at any time from everywhere. One small touch I appreciated was the way scheduled functions worked. The switch features 1 grounded smart outlet for remote operation, 1 grounded always-on outlet and a manual/program button on the front of the module. But the SmartThings app had connectivity problems and buttons that sometimes just didn't do what they were supposed to. Again, using the Piper app stunned me, because the Switch responded in only a second or two from miles away. The GE Switch's performance stood up to scrutiny, but really its performance is contingent upon the app you're using. Overall, in terms of design, the GE Z-Wave Plug-In Outdoor Smart Switch is about as clunky as its name.įor its price, the GE Outdoor Smart Switch offers fair features, even if it doesn't bring much new to the table. But sure enough, despite being mostly moisture resistant, the button isn't watertight. I was a little baffled when I read it for the first time, because the Switch looks pretty solid. And the answer is right there in the user manual: don't put it in the rain. The question is whether this thing can stand up to the elements. Of course, looking ugly isn't the end of the world for an Outdoor Smart Switch. The bulky rubber block also looks out of place, hanging off the Switch when something is plugged in. When you do plug something into the GE Smart Switch, this rubber block simply dangles from a thin rubber strap - a surprisingly delicate connector for an outdoor switch. Another awkward design flaw is the rubber block that covers the outlet while nothing is plugged in. ![]() If your fingers are very small, you might not have a problem with this, but it seems like an odd design decision. The button on the front is small and difficult to completely press, so much of the time I had to wiggle my finger around the button to find the right angle to push.
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