Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Smart Dimmer Review

Smart plugs have evolved significantly since their introduction, moving from bulky, expensive devices to smaller, more affordable, and feature-rich options. This review focuses on the Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Smart Dimmer Switch, a device designed to enhance smart home automation. The Enbrighten Smart Dimmer functions as a smart plug, allowing wireless control of appliances, devices, or lamps connected to it via a smartphone, tablet, computer, or voice commands. Its operation, however, is contingent on being paired with a compatible Zigbee 3.0 hub or gateway, such as the Samsung SmartThings (3rd Gen) hub or the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), which incorporates Zigbee technology. A key design feature of the Enbrighten plug is its compact and sleek form factor, which ensures it only occupies a single wall outlet while providing two functional outlets on its sides. This design maximizes utility by effectively converting one standard outlet into two smart outlets. Additionally, the device includes a manual on/off program button for direct control. Beyond its primary function as a smart plug, the Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Smart Dimmer also acts as a range extender for Zigbee networks. When integrated into a Zigbee hub, it can amplify the wireless signal up to an additional 150 feet, thereby expanding the coverage and reliability of the home's Zigbee wireless network. Another significant capability of this smart dimmer is its energy-saving potential. By enabling users to dim lights from zero to 100 percent, it helps reduce energy consumption and can prolong the lifespan of light bulbs. The device supports the creation of customized lighting scenes that can automatically adjust brightness levels throughout the day, whether residents are home or away. Setup requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and involves scanning a QR code or entering a code to add the device to a Zigbee 3.0 hub, a process described as intuitive and quick, typically taking only a few minutes. For smart home integrations, the Enbrighten Smart Dimmer's compatibility with Zigbee 3.0 hubs makes it versatile. Amazon's newer Echo devices, including the 4th Gen Echo, Echo Plus (1st & 2nd Gen), Echo Show (2nd Gen), and Echo Studio, all serve as Zigbee hubs, allowing seamless control of Enbrighten devices. Jasco, the parent company of Enbrighten, offers a comprehensive range of smart home devices that operate across various wireless protocols, including Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth, catering to diverse smart home systems. The Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Dimmer Switch is priced at $37.99 and is available through the Jasco website and Amazon. Testing of the Enbrighten Dimmer Switch involved pairing it with a Zigbee hub and assessing its performance in different locations and distances within a test house. The device consistently performed as expected, responding to both app and voice commands without any connectivity issues, even at extended ranges. When evaluating smart plugs, key considerations include design (size, number of outlets), manual control options, energy monitoring capabilities, and compatibility with existing smart home systems. The Enbrighten line addresses these concerns by offering well-designed products that support various wireless protocols, making them suitable for different smart home setups. The Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Smart Dimmer is particularly suited for users with existing Zigbee hubs. Without a compatible Zigbee 3.0 hub, remote control features are unavailable, limiting integration with voice platforms like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, as well as other smart home systems for creating scenes or scheduling. The device's ability to act as a range extender and its energy monitoring feature are notable advantages. Smart plugs have advanced considerably, offering improved design, increased functionality, and enhanced integration into customized connected lifestyles, particularly useful for renters who cannot install permanent smart switches. The Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Dimmer Switch can effectively simulate a smart switch for lamps, provided a compatible Zigbee 3.0 hub is present. The primary drawbacks include its price, reliance on Zigbee 3.0 hubs, and the necessity of a hub for voice control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. #SmartHome #SmartPlug #Zigbee #DimmerSwitch #HomeAutomation #ProductReview #EnergyMonitor #RangeExtender #Jasco #SmartHome #SmartPlug #Zigbee #DimmerSwitch #HomeAutomation #ProductReview #EnergyMonitor #RangeExtender #Jasco