
1/2
Samotech SM315 and SM317 review: Perfect for old floor lamps and stylish filament lamps
The British manufacturer Samotech has introduced two new dimmer switches, the SM315 and SM317, designed to be integrated directly into the cables of table and floor lamps. These devices offer a solution for smartifying existing lamps, particularly older models or those using non-smart filament bulbs. The SM315 is a manual dimmer, while the SM317 is a foot-operated version, both priced at £19.99 and available on the Samotech website.
The installation process involves cutting the lamp's existing cable, exposing the two wires, and clamping them into the dimmer switch. While conceptually simple, the practical installation can be somewhat intricate due to the device's compact design and numerous small screws. A notable challenge during assembly is the presence of two small, unfixed buttons on the back for resetting and setting the minimum dimming level, which can easily fall out if not handled with care.
Pairing the Samotech switches with a Philips Hue Bridge is straightforward. Users press the reset button on the switch twice to activate pairing mode, after which the device appears in the Hue app as a dimmable light. It is important to note that, as with many third-party ZigBee devices, HomeKit support is not provided. Once integrated into the ZigBee network, the lamp can be controlled via the Hue app, allowing for inclusion in scenes or control through smart assistants like Alexa. Additionally, the physical switch itself provides direct control; the SM315 allows for on/off toggling and dimming via a knob, with an adjustable minimum dimming level setting.
The SM315 and SM317 are designed to handle a minimum load of 10 watts and a maximum load of 100 watts. Testing with a 4-watt filament LED did not reveal any issues, suggesting some flexibility with the minimum load specification. These dimmers present an effective way to upgrade traditional lighting fixtures or integrate visually appealing filament lamps into a smart home ecosystem. However, a significant drawback identified during review is a perceptible buzzing sound emitted by the ZigBee switch, even when the lamp is switched off. This noise, audible from approximately 50 centimeters, could be a concern depending on the intended placement and use of the lamp, particularly in quiet environments. This audible characteristic should be considered by potential users when deciding on the suitability of these dimmers for their specific applications.
#Samotech #SmartLighting #ZigBee #DimmerSwitch #HomeAutomation #PhilipsHue #SmartHome #ProductReview #FloorLamps #Samotech #SmartLighting #ZigBee #DimmerSwitch #HomeAutomation #PhilipsHue #SmartHome #ProductReview #FloorLamps
0 comment in total
No comments yetYou may also like
































































