0

I have a lot of these lights in my house (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms)

They look like LEDs but it also looks like the only way to change them is by soldering. is this true?

I really want to upgrade them to smart lights (Zigbee or Alexa integrated). But I haven't found any options (maybe just using bad keywords for search). Does anyone know of a smart light option that supports this [pictured] configuration?

enter image description here

Improve this question
1
  • Imagine those solder connections just for the light itself. Should be wire disconnects(screws,wire nuts) in grey housing or behind plate. Disconnect power first.
    – crip659
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 15:25

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4

Option 1 - Replace Fixtures

Loosen the two screws in the slots. Rotate the fixture so that the screws end up in the larger holes at the ends of the slots. Pull the fixture down. You should find wires from the fixture connected to either individual wires or a cable coming from the electric supply. There may be multiple cables/wire sets - supply, switch, feed to other fixtures. Take pictures before disconnecting anything. Generally speaking, there will be 3 connections (hot, neutral, ground) to remove/replace in order to replace the fixture.

Advantages: Individual fixture control, multi-color control (with some LEDs).

Option 2 - Replace Switches

Similar to above (easier, because you don't need to climb up to the ceiling), but at the switch instead of the fixture.

Advantages: 1 switch might control several fixtures, no need to figure out the right size for each fixture (both physically and amount of light), safer as switch can always manually override "smart" controls.

Improve this answer
7
  • 1
    didnt even think to replace switches!
    – owen gerig
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 15:37
  • 1
    If all you need is remote control (and not truly special fixtures), switches are a lot easier. Plus if the smarts fail, you can always put in a standard switch as a very inexpensive temporary fix.
    – manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 15:39
  • 1
    Smart switches are $50+ each, but can control an (almost) unlimited number of fixtures. Smart fixtures can are likely also $50+ each. In order to control 2 fixtures in one room, you have to replace both. Not only is it easier to replace one switch, it's far more cost effective.
    – FreeMan
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 16:59
  • Replacing the switches will work IF and here's the big IF....the switches were either not connected via switch leg OR if wired via a switch leg, that /3 + ground was run as is required in recent code. Smart switches usually require a neutral to operate and if that's not available, they won't work.
    – George Anderson
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 16:59
  • 2
    @manassehkatz-Moving2Codidact Could be a modern house, but maybe not, we just don't know. I recently supervised an upgrade of an old parsonage on our church property, 1930 era house and we replaced all the light fixtures with LED like the one the OP posted. And depending upon what NEC code is adopted in the OP's jurisdiction bootlegging a neutral onto a ground may or may not be allowed. I'm gunna get snipped for this, but frankly, it's a pretty safe thing to do, even if not code legal in their area.
    – George Anderson
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 18:39
1

The "way to change them" is to replace the whole fixture.

If you want a "smart" fixture replace them with a "smart" fixture or a "dumb" fixture with "smart" bulbs in "dumb" sockets.

Improve this answer
4
  • However, the "dumb" sockets will probably be a Building Code violation. Generally, installation of Edison sockets in newer homes is not permitted because of energy/grid load regulations.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 16:51
  • 1
    @Harper-ReinstateMonica Are you saying Edison (screw) sockets are not permitted in new build? Do you have a link/reference?
    – P2000
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 17:26
  • @Harper-ReinstateMonica Is that really "generally"? I thought it was just a California thing. Or has that "virus" spread to the rest of the country?
    – manassehkatz-Moving 2 Codidact
    Commented Apr 28, 2021 at 17:54
  • I'd like to hear about this as well. It doesn't appear to have made it to Canada yet. It wouldn't hurt to add the option of smart switches to this answer since they're probably the best cost effect although it reduces control options.
    – K H
    Commented Apr 29, 2021 at 4:22

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.