SMART SWITCHES BUYING GUIDE: THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE INSTALLING IN YOUR HOME
So, you have decided to buy smart switches for your home, but how do you figure out which is the right device? In this smart touch switch buying guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to look for when choosing the best smart switches in India. Since we’re in India, our advice will be tailored to typical home wiring, space constraints, and usage patterns here. This includes everything from design and installation to Wi-Fi vs hub systems, app features, and compatibility with Alexa or Google Home.
Design & Aesthetics for Smart Touch Switches
A switch to a wall is what a watch is to a hand. Besides being functional, they are also an important part of the design makeup. So, aesthetics is a big part of the decision-making process and should never be ignored. No material offers the same level of finish as a tempered glass panel, which is safe and adds an element of class to the ambience. The edges of the switch if framed with glistening metal both adds to the classy look as well as ensures a good look from the side view.
Other elements to consider are the choice of colours for the glass as well as the metal frame. Complementary or contrasting choices are a personal preference, both add to the look just like between the watch bezel and the strap. The thinner the switch, the more it looks flush with the wall and more elegant.
When browsing online, search for terms like “tempered glass smart switches India” or “designer smart touch switches” to find options that fit your interior style.
Module Type
The starting point while buying touch switches for home is to select a device that suits the needs of the room, so what do you want to control? Geyser? AC? Fan? Lights? Curtains? And how many do you need to control? Once you know that, then all you need to do is find a module that meets your need. In India, we have more switches than we actually use so it might be a good idea to get rid of the unwanted ones, or find the modules that compress multiple functions into a smaller area, for e.g. having 2 or 3 dimmers in the same space as 1 dimmer.
It is not always that you can whip out your phone to open a smart app to control your switches, you will need to think about where on the wall you want your touch switches for home to be installed. Often you will have to think ahead if there is to be a 2-way switch needed. Another flexibility to consider is those offered by touch keypads. These are not actually connected to your devices like lights but still are placed in the wall where power is available and the keys on it can control one or multiple devices in your home. So ‘All Off’ key might switch all the lights and ac’s in a room.
Example: In a bedroom, a 4-module smart switch could control bedside lamps, ceiling lights, AC, and curtains—all from one sleek panel.
Safety Certification
While the Smart Touch Switches are electronic products, they are directly connected to your AC electrical systems. It is therefore essential that the safety level of these products conform to the highest global standards. IEC 62368 is a new global standard that was introduced in Dec 2020 to supersede all existing standards for safety. It is based on sound engineering principles, research and field data. It addresses all hazards that are likely to influence the operation of the device and evaluates all the internal safeguards that are built into the device to tackle such hazards. An important aspect is that, the 62368 standard applies not only to the end-user product but also to components and subsystems within it. It is the gold standard of performance testing for safety and IEC 62368 has been incorporated by almost every single country/geography for their own certifications, as seen in the figure below. In fact, countries such as US, Singapore, and other developed countries have made such certifications as a mandatory items for such products.
So when you buy your next Smart Touch Switch, check to see if it has the 62368 Certification! You and your family constantly interact with the switch. You need to be sure that it is safe !
Installation Fit – Wi-Fi Smart Switches vs Hub-Based Systems
The smart touch switch has to be connected to the internet. If you choose a wifi enabled switch then it will communicate to your home router and connect to the internet. This is especially convenient when you have finished your wiring and still want to have a Smart Touch Switch that can be controlled remotely.
However, that is not your only option. If you are renovating your home or building a new home and have the option to consider wiring during that activity then it is best to also consider a wired touch switch which connects to a hub. The hub is then connected to your wifi router to allow you access to all the switches remotely. The advantage of this is that instead of multiple switches connecting to your router, only 1 hub will be connecting to it putting less load on the router. Since these days the number of internet connected devices like phones, TVs and more are multiplying this will be advantageous as routers will have their own natural limits on the number of devices that they will connect with.
Cloud Technology & Smart Apps
Smart switches for home need to be controllable from anywhere; that is why the cloud technology that underpins it must be fast, reliable and secure. The device must be available at any point in time and respond to commands quickly. This requires that the touch switch provider also provide you with access to cloud infrastructure that can be reached through its smart apps.
As you are aware not all Apps are the same. So, it is important that you experience the app that connects to your switches. Does it provide only a listing of devices or does it provide a visually appealing image of the room, such as a 360 degree view of the room so that you can use it to easily locate the switch. This type of visual interface does have a better feel than looking at an endless list of lights to choose from.
Tip: Download the app (if available) before buying to test interface speed and usability. Search for “best smart switch apps India” for reviews and comparisons.
Integration With Voice Assistants Home Platforms
It is important that the smart switch integrates with the other voice platforms like Alexa and Google Home which are the 2 most widely used voice assistants in India. Each of these platforms has its own apps and different ways of controlling devices which means that users don’t have to depend on mobile apps to control switches.
When searching, try “Alexa-compatible smart switches India” or “Google Home touch switches” to filter compatible models.
In Summary: Smart touch switches don’t just add convenience—they can elevate the look and feel of your home while making it safer and more efficient. A well-chosen switch blends with your wall design, responds instantly via app or voice, and protects your appliances from India’s frequent voltage fluctuations.
When deciding, look beyond just the design. Consider safety certifications, ease of installation, app usability, and compatibility with other devices in your home. Compare options on these factors to ensure you’re investing in something that lasts. The right smart switch should make your space more comfortable, more stylish, and better protected—while keeping control literally at your fingertips.
Explore our curated collection of best Wi-Fi smart switches in India or book a free consultation to get personalised recommendations for your home.
