I made the jump to a "Smart Home" a little over a month ago after Alexa joined our family. After talking to some friends, doing some research and assesing my needs I settled on TP-Link because of the variety of Smart products they offered, no requirements for a Hub, the lower cost and the ability to control everything from one simple app on my Smart phone and Amazon"s Alexa.
I have not been disappointed. After a very short learning curve, I surprisingly found the installation and set-up of all the TP-Link Smart devices extremely easy and intuitive. I have installed several different Smart devices including three different bulbs (LB-100, 120 & 130) depending on the area, as well as, Smart Switches (HB-200) and Smart Plugs. All of it has installed, programed and worked with few problems.
The only criticism I have is the Kasa App. I have found it to be a bit bugy at times, but since I use it primarily for programming and setting up new devices and scenes, rather than operationally, it has not been an issue since Alexa handels most of that work. So far, in the six weeks my Smart Home has been in operation I have only had one problem where Alexa and the Kasa app lost communication with most of (but not all) of my TP-Link devices. But after a bit of head scratching I was able to restore communication.
So here's a tip to remember: I first tried rebooting the devices by cycling the power breaker, but that didn't work. Probably due to multiple devices signaling simultaneously and overloading Kasa. But, powering each device down for a few seconds then back up, and testing it before moving on ro the next one worked without a problem.
I also recommend using a different control application. I only have experience with Amazon Alexa, but it also interfaces with Google Home among others. I have found that controlling scenes from Kasa not to be reluable for some reason, while issuing the scene commands to Alexa works 90% of the time, with repeating the command becoming necessary about 10% of the time. But even with an occasional repeated command being necessary, TP-Link devices respond extremely well through Alexa's control. Plus Alexa is able to easily "group" multiple devices so you can control areas with a single command, or program macro activities that Alexa can perform with a single command. Capabilities Kasa does not have.
This is another deficiency of the Kasa app. Without the ability to group devices or run macro routines, it relies on programmed scenes which are very limiting for operational control. So another controlling app like Alexa or Home is essential to the TP-Link Smart Home system.
For me, because I have Alexa for operational control, both at home and away, these short comings in the Kasa app are non-issues. But if I didnt have this capability I think I would look to a different Hub controlled platform for my Smart Home lighting and device control.
HS-200 Smart Switch:
I am a retired electrician, so I found the installation easy. Most DIY homeowners with a basic knowledge of electricity and components should also have few problems with the installation.
I found this Smart Switch easy to control and the installation is about the same as replacing a standard light switch. But, a big drawback is not have a dimming capability. To me this should be a no-brainer and i cant understand why this featire is lacking. Because that would makevthis a 5 star product.
So before you procede there are a couple of precautions that should be noted.
First, you must three wires plus the ground (usually bare or green), and one must be the neutral (usually white) third wire, or the switch simply will not work. This can be an issue in some older homes (and even in some newer ones too).
The neutral wire is the "common" wire that runs throughout the house and is common to all circuits. It completes the loop in the circuit from the electrical box to the receptacle. The "hot" (or "line") wire (usually black) carries the electrical load for that circuit only (usually 15-20 amps max). And finally, the "load" wire (usually black, red, or it could even be white) completes the hot side of the circuit between the switch and the receptacle. To save time and money some electricians when wiring homes "old school" would complete the light circuit by running the neutral to the light receptacle and then run a 2 conductor (plus ground) to the switch. So even though you may have a white and black wire at the switch, the white wire is not a neutral, but the load wire that that completes the hot circuit when the switch is turned on (closed). So if you don't have 3 wires, one of them being the white neutral, you are out of luck using a Smart Switch. You can control the light however, by using Smart bulbs and then grouping them in the controling app (like Alexa).
Another caution is wire management. Standard light switches don't take up much room, so the original installing electrician had lots of room in the box to stuff extra wire. This is a luxury you don't have since the Smart Switch is much deeper and takes up most of the box. The new switch also uses leads that are wire nutted to the circuit wires and not terminated on the switch itself. Because of this, it may be necessay to shorten the wires to make room in the box for the extra electronics and wire nuts.
My advice is to open your intended switch boxes to survey your electrical wiring BEFORE you order the switches, so there are no surprises when it comes time to install.
One last safety precaution. Be sure to turn off the circuit at the electrical panel (breaker box). Also don't assume that all switches in a multi-switch box are on the same circuit. It is often the case that multiple circuits are in the box. This is especially true when a switch is controling a plug. So check all wires in the box with a meter to insure nothing is hot.
Finally, when wire nutting multiple wires it is VERY EASY to leave a wire loose. This can be very dangerous, as loose wires can work themselves free and cause arking and sparking that can damage connected equipment, and worse, start a fire. This is a common cause of electrical fires, and you might not know there is a problem until it's too late. So to ensure all wire nut connections are tight and secure, tug on each wire at the nut with needle nose pliers. If you can't pull it loose it should be good to go. Also make sure there are no bare wires poking out of the nuts. The switches use stranded wire so it's easy to have some stray strands loose outside the nut.
So that's about it. The install is pretty easy most of the time, but if you don't think you're experienced enough to do the job safely, put this phase of the job in the hands of a professional. It should be an easy job for any professional electrician, and should not be terribly expensive. Consider it cheep insurance!
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This item: Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200, Single Pole, Needs Neutral Wire, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Light Switch Works with Alexa and Google Home, UL Certified, No Hub Required , White, HS200
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From the brand
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Leading Smart Home Brand
Launched in 2015, Kasa Smart quickly became a leading smart home brand giving convenience, fun, and security to over 7 million delighted users and has garnered praises from PCMag, Wirecutter, and more. Users can control their lights, appliances, and view security camera footage from anywhere, anytime. Kasa offers terrific synergy between devices for enhanced automation.
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From the manufacturer
Away Mode
Set your smart light switch to turn connected fixtures on and off at random intervals to give the appearance you're home even while you're away.
Schedule
Set schedules to automatically turn on/off your smart switches according to your daily routine and preferences.
Group
Combine your smart switch with other Kasa Smart devices for seamless control with a single tap on Kasa app.
Set Scenes
Customize your lighting for any occasion. Control multiple devices for the perfect ambience.
Products related to HS200
 HS200 |  HS200P3 |  HS220 |  KS200M |  HS210 | |
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Customer Reviews
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61,538
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61,538
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31,891
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3,660
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18,281
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Price
| $12.99 | $33.99 | $16.99 | $19.99 | $15.99 |
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Unit Configuration
| 1 Pack | 3 Pack | 1 Pack | 1 Pack | 1 Pack |
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Dimmer Switch
| ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
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3-Way Switch
| ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
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Motion & Light Detection
| ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
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Neutral Wire Required
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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Maximum Load
| 600W Incandescent | 600W Incandescent | 300W Incandescent | 600W Incandescent | 600W Incandescent |
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Compatible Devices
| Alexa, Google Assistant & more | Alexa, Google Assistant & more | Alexa, Google Assistant & more | Alexa, Google Assistant & more | Alexa, Google Assistant & more |
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Illuminated Switch Locator
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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Schedule & Timer
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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Group Control
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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Wi-Fi Frequencies Supported
| 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
Videos
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(MUST WATCH) Kasa Smart Light Switch Review!
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Kasa Smart Light Switch Overview
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TP-Link Kasa Smart Switch - Quick Review/Install/Demo
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TP link Smart Light Switch (HS200) Review
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How I made my kitchen smart! Watch the lights in action!
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Easily Connect Your Kasa Smart Devices To The App
🌟 Joost Nusselder
Very easy to upgrade just takes time to do it right
I recently completed my project of automating the house’s lights. I used a mix of all Kasa switches, single poles, 3 ways, dimmers and even a 3 way dimmer. It was an investment even though these are somewhat cheap in a 3 pack, I needed up automating 31 light switches in my house (no joke). I bought a few at a time and took 5-6 months of the project a little at a time. Now I can control all the lights with Kasa and Alexa. I grouped them and created routines activated by voice, time (sunset/sunrise) and even event-based (turn on a light in the bathroom-it turns off automatically 10 mins later). The features of automating the home is essential now that I have the right devices!These Kasa switches are reliable and good quality. If you are confident to do your own work but not sure how to wire these (like the 3 way switches), the Kasa app shows you step-by-step how to do it. Very Nice!! I noticed right away the wires were tinned to give them a solid connection when wire nutting the switches. The setup was easy in the app being these are wifi, and they are very easy to operate. They come with a single gang cover plate, but in most cases I had 2-3 switches in a box so I bought other covers to have the same look and feel. I also got a cover to cover switches that should not be turned off like my yard floodlights or driveway camera. But I can still oowercycke them easy with the Kasa app or Alexa.Take your time to do the project. If there is any doubt on electrical-seek a professional. I’m a capable DIYer so I did mine on my own. The biggest problem with these was pulling out the neutral and ground wires which were never used for the old switches.The other biggest issue I had was how the builder’s electrician for the house building, was lazy about how things were chained together.If you tackle this project, invest an extra $20 ina voltage detector and a line tracer (the orange thing in my pics) this helps you trace which switch is powere by what breaker so you can shut them off. In some cases, I had 2 feeds into a box which powered one light or another, so it helps to spend the extra few $ to have a simple tool to be safe. Wire nutting is also important. Be sure your connections are secure!
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024
Color: WhiteSize: 1 PackVerified Purchase
KASA is the best smart switch one can buy
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024
I have 24 of their switches (3-way, these single pole switches, and their vacancy sensors switches. They perform flawlessly, easy to set up, and their app to control them is extremely easy and has an incredible amount of features. The color of the rocker is a bright white, other competitor’s switches have somewhat of a yellowish hue to them when compared to a bright white wall plate *reference my 2nd photo. The switches have a backlit LED on their rocker that can be disabled in the app if one chooses (as seen in the first photo; the far right switch is a GÉ fan controller switch). They have a sunrise and sunset feature at is perfect for porch, lights or exterior illumination. They also have a vacation setting that randomly turns on and off lights when you’re not home, and of course they can be programmed to one’s preferred settings (on/off), and the amount of programs seem limitless. The KASA app can group switches (upstairs, downstairs, exterior, etc) so through either the app or Alexa, the user can turn on/ off all those switches in a group. Setup couldn’t be easier, and they automatically are set up and integrate with Alexa.Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Frank
Apagador inteligente Tp Link
Reviewed in Mexico on November 29, 2023Color: WhiteSize: 3 PackVerified Purchase
Alfredo Reyna Vera
Buen producto, buena calidad
Reviewed in Mexico on July 24, 2024Color: WhiteSize: 1 PackVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
BestOverall, Newer version got slimmer
Reviewed in Canada on April 7, 2024Color: WhiteSize: 1 PackVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in Canada on April 7, 2024
I've personally compared this to couple of other brands: Sinopé, Leviton and Globe,
But the TP link are so far the best for me. Surprisingly, Leviton came last contender
Tp-Link hs200 and hs220
Pro
Great tactile feel when you press the switch
Good Price point, this won't ruin you
Wifi is very stable and very few/almost never any dropped connections (check your router if you do have connections issues with those!
The newest version is now slimmer
Cons:
WiFi only (if you install a ton of those, this may cause your router to not like you)
Globe light Switches and light dimmers
Pro:
WiFi connectivity good
Price.... that's it
Cons:
Bad tactile feel (feels like cheap plastic)
Wifi only
Dimmer is more difficult to set precisely
Depending on your lights, dimmer could be still on without you noticing
The slide switch at the bottom makes elderly people this this is an off switch for the light, when really it disconnect everything from the network too, making you automation useless 😒
Globe suite could use a ergonomic rework...
And the list goes on
Sinope Zigbee smart switch (3way)
Pro:
Best of the best ! (But...)
Great, great build quality, best way to add 3way switch without always needs of a 3rd wire conductor, (believe me, huge plus)
Good tactile feel
Extremely reliable
Zigbee!!!! Your router will love you (less strain on the Wifi signal)
Cons:
As all things Zigbee, high price
Leviton smart dimmer (Wifi version)
Pro:
Medium to Ok tactile feel (will feel like a normal, "dumb" dimmer switch)
... that's it
Cons:
Wifi signal drops everyday since new, no matter the network configuration and regardless of how good of a router you have, nor how far it is from it
The reset to default sequence can easily be confused with normal operation of other brands dimmers, which forces you to go back to the app every single time
Price point still way to high for a Wifi device, and can cost you up to 5 to 7 time more that a good TP link switch 👍
All in all, TP link come on top, can't wait to try their matter version
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Miguel Angel Jimenez Perez
Los mas accesibles y economicos para controlar las luces de tu casa
Reviewed in Mexico on December 1, 2020Color: WhiteSize: 3 PackVerified Purchase
Duko
Excelente producto
Reviewed in Mexico on April 22, 2024Color: WhiteSize: 1 PackVerified Purchase
