Home automation refers to the use of smart devices and technologies to control various aspects of your home, such as lighting, temperature, security systems, entertainment systems, and more, typically through a centralised system or remotely via smartphones or computers.

With smart home devices and lighting solutions becoming increasingly common, Indian homes are witnessing a revolution of their own. You can now buy various smart hubs and use them in tandem with your modular switches and sockets to automate things like playing music, charging devices, switching on fans and air conditioning etc.

Advantages of home automation

Apart from adding a wow factor to your home and impressing your guests, there are several other advantages which are hard to miss once you start implementing smart home solutions.

1. Convenience: You can control various devices and systems in your home with ease, whether you're at home or away.
2. Energy efficiency: Smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances can help you save energy and reduce utility bills.
3. Security: Automated security systems can provide enhanced protection for your home, including surveillance cameras, smart locks, and motion sensors.
4. Comfort: You can customise settings for lighting, temperature, and other factors to suit your preferences and create a more comfortable living environment.
5. Peace of mind: Remote monitoring and control of your home allow you to check on things while you're away and receive alerts for potential issues.

Despite all these advantages, home automation companies still face an uphill task in a country like India. Partly due to the downsides that come with a budding technology.

Downsides to implementing home automation

1. Cost: Initial investment in smart devices and systems can be expensive, although prices have been decreasing as the technology becomes more widespread. So, in a price sensitive market like India, home automation may take more time to become mainstream.
2. Compatibility issues: Not all smart devices are compatible with each other or with existing home systems, which can lead to interoperability challenges. Moreover, most homes have older electrical switch and socket setups, which may not support the fixture requirements of smart home devices. For example, you may not be able to fix a USB type socket in an older electrical setup where switches are fixed on mica plates. In turn, first needing an electrical setup upgrade.
3. Complexity: Setting up and configuring home automation systems may require technical expertise and troubleshooting skills. Which means you need access to electricians who can install home automation devices properly.
4. Reliability: Dependence on technology means that occasional malfunctions or connectivity issues can occur, potentially disrupting home automation functions.

How to start with a home automation system in India?

For basic automations, you can purchase off-the-shelf products and use them in your home. Many smart devices are designed for easy DIY installation and require minimal changes to your home.

A beginner's home automation setup can be done by following the steps below:

1. Assess your needs: Identify which areas of your home you want to automate and prioritise them based on importance and budget.
2. Choose a smart home platform: Select a centralised system or platform to control your smart devices. Popular options include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
3. Research compatible devices: Look for smart devices that are compatible with your chosen platform and meet your requirements. Common smart devices include smart light bulbs, air-conditioners, thermostats, security cameras, door locks, and voice assistants.
4. Purchase and install smart devices: Acquire the selected smart devices and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and setup.
5. Configure automation routines: Use your chosen smart home platform to create automation routines and schedules for controlling your devices. For example, you can set up routines to turn off lights at bedtime, adjust the air-conditioning switch on and off based on your schedule, or receive alerts for unusual activity through the security setup.

Setting up advanced home automation 

As you become more familiar with home automation and your needs evolve, you can consider making further modifications and additions to your setup:

1. Expand your device ecosystem: Add new smart devices to enhance the functionality and coverage of your home automation system. For example, you might add smart sensors for monitoring environmental conditions or smart plugs for controlling non-smart appliances.
2. Experiment with advanced features: Explore advanced features and integrations offered by your smart home platform, such as voice commands, geofencing, and third-party app integrations.
3. Customise automation rules: Fine-tune automation rules and routines to better suit your lifestyle and preferences. You can adjust settings for timing, triggers, and device interactions to optimise efficiency and convenience.
4. Monitor and maintain your system: Regularly check your smart devices and automation routines for proper operation and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Keep your devices updated with the latest firmware and software releases to ensure optimal performance and security.

Readily available home automation devices you can buy now! 

As mentioned earlier in this article, there are smart home devices that require minimal changes to your home to automate things. You can buy these online or from a local electrical shop:

1. Smart plugs: These devices plug into existing electrical outlets and allow you to control the power to connected devices remotely via smartphone apps or voice commands.
2. Smart light bulbs: Replace traditional light bulbs with smart bulbs that can be dimmed, colour-adjusted, and controlled wirelessly using your smartphone or voice commands.
3. Smart thermostats: Replace your existing thermostat with a smart thermostat that can learn your heating and cooling preferences, adjust settings automatically, and be controlled remotely.
4. Smart doorbell cameras: Install a smart doorbell camera that provides real-time video surveillance of your doorstep and allows you to communicate with visitors remotely via smartphone.
5. Smart door locks: Upgrade your existing door locks with smart locks that can be locked and unlocked remotely using a smartphone app or keypad entry code.

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About EARTH LEAKAGE CIRCUIT BREAKER (ELCB)

Smart homes made smarter with Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) Modular Fittings 

A smart home should also look the part. That's where Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) home wiring accessories step in. Upgrade your home's electrical setup with modern and stylish switches and sockets to complement your home automation system. Our modular plate designs allow easy installation in both vertical and horizontal layouts and feature new socket types to support your smart devices and connectivity needs.

Check out Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) wiring accessories now.