Fixington

Install Smart Lighting

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Smart lighting is a modern way to control the lights in your home using your smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant. It can add convenience, save energy, and boost security by allowing you to adjust lighting schedules, brightness, and colour without needing to be near the switch.

You might consider installing smart lighting if you want to:

  • Reduce your electricity bills through better energy management.
  • Create mood lighting or automate lighting scenes for different activities.
  • Improve home security with timed or remote-controlled lights.
  • Make your home more accessible if mobility is an issue.

Installing smart lighting typically involves upgrading your existing lighting system with smart bulbs, switches, or sensors. An electrician specialising in smart home installations can make sure the system is safe, compatible with your current setup, and complies with UK electrical safety standards.

🔧 What the job involves

A qualified electrician will assess your current lighting and wiring, then install the smart lighting devices you have chosen. This may include:

  • Replacing traditional light switches with smart switches that connect to your Wi-Fi or a dedicated hub.
  • Installing smart bulbs or fittings that can be controlled wirelessly.
  • Setting up motion sensors or dimmers to automate lighting based on presence or time of day.
  • Connecting all devices to a central app or hub so you can control them remotely.
  • Testing the system to ensure everything works correctly and safely.

Unlike simple plug-in smart bulbs, a professional installation can integrate smart controls more seamlessly into your home’s wiring, offering better reliability, safety, and aesthetics.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician who specialises in smart lighting. Discuss your goals, current setup, and any preferences.
  2. Survey and quote: The electrician will visit your home to inspect wiring and lighting points. They will provide a detailed quote covering devices, labour, and any extra work.
  3. Agreement: Review and agree on the quote and schedule the installation date.
  4. Installation day: The electrician will install the smart lighting components, make any necessary wiring adjustments, and integrate everything with your chosen system.
  5. Demonstration: They will show you how to use your new smart lighting, including apps or voice commands.
  6. Completion and paperwork: The electrician will clean the work area and provide any relevant certification or safety reports, such as Part P compliance certificates if applicable.
  7. Aftercare: Keep any manuals and contact the electrician if you have questions or issues.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Typically £40–£60 per hour for a qualified electrician.
  • Smart devices:
    • Smart bulbs: £10–£40 each.
    • Smart switches: £50–£100 each.
    • Hubs/controllers: £50–£150 depending on complexity.
  • Additional parts: Wiring, back boxes, connectors—usually a small additional cost.
  • Installation extras: Upgrading wiring or fixing any faults will cost more.
  • Disposal: Minimal costs if any, as old bulbs and switches can usually be recycled.
  • Certification: If Part P certification is needed, this might be included or cost £20–£50 extra.

Example: Installing 5 smart switches in place of standard switches might cost around £400–£700 all in (devices + labour).

📊 What affects the price

  • The number and type of smart devices required.
  • The condition and complexity of existing wiring.
  • Compliance with Building Regulations, including Part P, which covers electrical safety in domestic dwellings.
  • Need for new wiring, back boxes, or other electrical upgrades.
  • Access to wiring points (e.g., ceiling, loft, flush-mounted boxes).
  • Location within the UK (labour costs vary regionally).
  • Time sensitivity (emergency or out-of-hours work usually costs more).
  • Integration with other smart home systems (e.g., voice assistants, home hubs).

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Basic swap (few smart bulbs or switches): 1–3 hours.
  • Moderate installation (several smart switches, motion sensors): Half a day.
  • Complex setups (entire house lighting system with hubs and multiple zones): 1–2 days.

The exact time depends on how much wiring needs to be adjusted and the number of devices installed.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Smart bulbs and some plug-in smart lighting products can be installed by most people with basic DIY skills if the fittings and wiring are in good condition. However:

  • Installing or replacing smart light switches typically involves working with your home’s mains electricity (230V supply), which can be dangerous if you’re not qualified.
  • UK Building Regulations, specifically Part P, require that fixed electrical work in homes be carried out safely and in some cases certified by a competent person.
  • Improper installation can cause fire hazards or system malfunction.

Because of these safety and regulatory reasons, it’s usually best to hire a Gas Safe registered or Part P-certified electrician for smart lighting installations involving wiring upgrades or smart switches.

💰 Typical UK price range

For installing smart lighting professionally in a typical three-bedroom house, expect to pay between £300 and £1,200 depending on the scale and complexity of the system.

This estimate includes parts and labour but excludes VAT (currently 20%), which will usually be added to the invoice.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Decide which rooms you'd like to automate and how you want to control your lights (smartphone app, voice control, automation).
  • Check your Wi-Fi signal strength, as smart lighting often relies on a stable wireless connection.
  • If you’re replacing switches, note they come in different types (single, double pole), so your electrician can order the correct parts.
  • Consider future-proofing: discuss with your electrician about expanding your smart home ecosystem.
  • Keep all paperwork, including installation certificates, warranties on smart devices, and user manuals in a safe place.
  • Test your new lighting system thoroughly, and understand how to reset or troubleshoot devices.
  • Regularly update your smart device apps and hub firmware to maintain security and performance.

By preparing well and choosing a qualified professional, your smart lighting installation can enhance your home’s comfort, efficiency, and safety.