GE Zigbee Smart Switch In-Wall Lighting Control, Neutral Wire Required, Works Directly with Alexa Plus, Echo Show (2nd Gen), White & Light Almond, 45856GE

I wanted an in-wall Zigbee device to act as a repeater and also control a fan, and this fit the bill (in-wall Z-Wave devices are much easier to find, but I already have plenty of Z-Wave repeaters, and some aren't rated for motor loads). Installation was pretty similar to most other devices like this: you need a neutral wire in the box (old houses might not), and you have to identify the line (always hot) versus load (switched) wire, which your existing "dumb" switch likely won't, so you'll have to test.Beyond that, installation was pretty simple. It *could* be easier: some newer switches are doing away with the need to distinguish load vs. line, like GE's new Z-Wave switches. Some devices also don't need a neutral, but those are usually either dimmers, Lutron (possible to be integrated with some smart home systems with the right hardware), or incandescent-load-only). Some are also a bit thinner/smaller than these (again like GE's new Z-Wave devices), but this is a typical size for a smart switch of this era. Perhaps some of these features will come to a future hardware revision of this switch if GE/Jasco ever refreshes it (and speaking of Jasco, you can often find the "plain" Jasco switch for less than the GE-branded variety). You'll also need GE's "add on switches" if you need three-way switching (some other brands allow re-use of an existing "dumb" switch).As an aside, there is an LED on the bottom of the switch, which by default turns on when the switch is off. I found this a bit bright in a dark bathroom at night, so I disabled it per the instructions in the manual (tap up three times and down once quickly--don't tap up too many times or you'll reset the switch and have to re-pair it).If I had to criticize this switch, I'd say it's becoming dated compared to fancier Z-Wave competitors that are doing things like making the device smaller (easier to fit into the box), easier to wire (line vs. load detection), adding "scene" capabilities (multi-taps up or down), the ability to disable the relay (for use with smart bulbs), or compatibility with existing "dumb" multi-way switches. It's also a bit pricey compared to similar switches, though they're mostly Z-Wave and Zigbee ones (aside from the apparently identical Jasco) seem hard to find. All things considered, this is not a bad switch (all of the above is apparent when you buy it) and one of very few options if you want Zigbee.

Since I've heard ZigBee is more energy efficient and can be put in smaller packages than Z-Wave, I was hoping these switches might be a little smaller than the GE Z-Wave Plus switches. No such luck, I was installing both at the same time and they are exactly the same size - the only thing smaller about the ZigBee version is the box!The Z-Wave Plus version supports double tapping, which is a nice feature. Unfortunately the ZigBee version doesn't, even though it costs more. I'm keeping my switches since I wanted a couple of ZigBee switches mixed in to act as repeaters for my window/door sensors, but if it weren't for that I would have picked the Z-Wave Plus switches for everything - they're cheaper and have better functionality. The one benefit the ZigBee switch has over the Z-Wave (other than as a repeater) is that it can also monitor the energy usage through the switch.I'm using them with SmartThings and have so far had equal performance from both the ZigBee and Z-Wave Plus switches.

Love these things when Amazon Deals ships the right part. I have ordered several from Deals and usually they are the Z Wave version. Luckily Amazon takes care of the return shipping and refund.As far as the switch itself, it is easy to install if you have swapped light switches before. physically the switch is a little larger than a regular switch so if you are in a tight box or want to install two in a double gang box it may take a little effort. There are screw and push in connections so wiring to the switch is pretty easy.You do need to hook an additional neutral to the switch because it is powered from the home's AC power but a short jumper is included. You have to find it in the box, it is in the package with the beige replacement paddle switch. Easy to miss if you are not paying attention.Easy to pair to my Zigbee system, so easy they would join the network between the time I turned on the Zigbee and walked back to my security touchscreen.

These are easy to use and pair with my Samsung SmartThings. The only issue that I have with them is that there is a delay when you press either the the top or bottom of the physical switch to turn off / on the light. I personally don't care but when my kids or some people use the switch, they press and keep pressing on the button because the light does not turn off immediately like a regular switch, I have to explain to them that they need to press and let go. this happened with everyone that used the switch. At one point they pressed it so many times that they reset the switch and had to re pair it to the hub. Other than that they are pretty straight forward to install and join to your home automation hub.

Reviewer used with Cox Communications Home Life Security and home automation.Works great, be sure to read instructions on the installation, or hire an electrician to install. I have installed and switched many of light fixtures and switches in my life, but the extra step in this one caught me off guard. The instructions could be a little clearer, so pay attention.I use it with Cox Home Life for an outdoor Patio Flood light that we always seem to leave on. Now I can turn that light off from anywhere using the HomeLife app, or the touch pad in my home. Bonus, the switch still works like a switch!I think I will have to addd one to every room of my house, thanks to the kids ability to walk through the house and turn on every light. I am turning into my father 🤔

Switch works as advertised, and seems to pair and work with whatever Zigbee controller I throw at it. It gets fewer stars for two reasons:One, it does not support any form of Zigbee security, at least the device as received. Maybe in the future GE will release new firmware that does, but the shipped firmware does not. I had to buy a TI CC2531 developer dongle, and write a host side app to control it and read the switch's capabilities in order to learn this. This means that the switch is vulnerable to drive-by hacking.Two, it's energy inefficient. It generates heat, and the plate where it's mounted lights up on a FLIR camera. In the picture, the center switch is the GE Zigbee, and the other two are non-smart paddle switches.

It works great with my Smart Things hub and amazon echo. A couple of things I'd change: 1. it is hard to fit into a standard power box because of the large tabs sticking out the sides. 2. The blue LED that indicates the light is off is annoying (the switch is in the bedroom). The GE Z-Wave switches (for example  GE12722 Z-Wave Wireless Lighting Control On/Off Switch  ) allow me to configure when the LED is lit (lit when off, lit when on, never lit). However this Zigbee light switch does not offer that choice in SmartThings app. I just put a piece of electrical tape over the LED to solve that problem.

I wanted a no-hub smart switch that works with Alexa for a switch controlled ceiling fixture. This should have been perfect, but did not work with my configuration. It says it works with all LED & CFL bulbs, but I suspect that it does not work with the low-wattage LED bulbs installed by a home energy auditor, probably a very cheap brand. However the bulbs do work fine with my old switch and also with the switch I purchased to replace this one:  TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch, No Hub Required, Single Pole, Requires Neutral Wire, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (HS200)  The GE Switch would not turn on my light, it only flickered. I've changed out many switches and outlets, installed single and 3-way occupancy and timer switches, and it was not a wiring issue. I highly recommend the TP Link Smart WiFi switch over the GE. The TP link was faster and easier to install, within 10 minutes, and set up very easily with the KASA app. Alexa discovered it immediately. And it is about $6 cheaper than this one and includes the switch plate cover. It also works fine with my LED bulbs. I suppose I could have just gotten a defective unit, but I like the TP link version way better regardless. Amazon return policy and process is terrific, no hassle easy return and refund.

Works great. But I would say to watch the YouTube videos on how to install rather than trying to decipher their written instructions. Got it working with the Amazon Echo Plus (Alexa) in no time. This product has the look and feel of a regular rocker switch. The look just like regular rocker switches and look fine mounted right next to a regular rocker switch. I also have some wi-fi switches in my house and those are just a flat surface and look out of place when mounted next to other switches. You can install multiples of these Zigbee rocker switches right next to each other in a multi-switch box, unlike the wi-fi switches I purchased.

This switch works as expected. It paired easily with SmartThings, and works well in my automation programs.That said, I think it's a bit over-sized. I've installed Leviton WiFi switches without any trouble, but this one had to be forced into my double gang electrical box because it didn't fit. When I say forced, I mean forced! I had to pound it in, as plastic corners of the switch scrapped the corners of the box. The process caused the box to loosen in the wall and become wobbly (it stabilized once the face-plate was installed). The second switch in that box (a standard rocker) barely fit next to it. Maybe my boxes are a little under sized (home was built in early 70's), but I didn't have these problems when installing the Leviton WiFi switches.In the future, I will probably order a different product.

So far so good. Set up was easy just read the instructions to pair direct to Echo Plus. Installation not so easy but that's the fault of a cramped electrical box. This switch is larger and I needed to trim back excess wires in box to make room...not the fault of the switch. You may have to hire an electrician if your not comfortable with this.Some times actually using the wall switch there is a slight delay or needs second click. Using voice control is great with no delay.

Really liked the switch, but thought it was very expensive, installed it, and it worked great, the only complaint I had was In the directions there was nothing on how to monitor your energy useage. Call ge customer service 2 times and got no real help.They did not know, said it was built in the hub I was using, told the I had a echo plus with a built in zigbee hub, and to call amazon to see if that was supported, witch I did two times and got no were with Amazon alexa representative , two phone calls to amazon and was transferred back to ge, but amazon rep, said she try more on her end and call me, never received a call but did get a email.She even tried to down load a app for it and there was not one. So on the second call to ge, I asked them what was the best hub to work with there switch, he did not know, what worked with there switch’s. I said you are the manufacturer of the switch, right, said yes, but did not know what hub it worked with so I could monitor energy useage, what a joke.The switch was returned for refund! Not recommend.

Ok, I'm getting to be a "smart home" pro. I've installed lots of lights, switches. plugs. Etc.These were a snap, so well done. Wired up, and Alexa detected them immediately and was up and done. Re-name them in the app and your done. Very happy with these,and will purchased more. Now. I don't know yet what will happen when the power goes out, then when its back on if they will boot up auto or if I will have to re do the Alexa thing, but so far work great. I'm buy two more

YES this works with Comcast/Xfinity home security systems. I have 13 of these installed, they all show up on the mobile app and on the home screen/monitor. When you read the how to from Xfinity they talk about a "air gap" these don't have this, these may be a updated version. They are a little larger than a normal light switch but I had no trouble installing them in the rough-in boxes (single, double and even in a box with 3 switches).I would buy them again if I had any more switches that I wanted to control from my Xfinity home security system.

Installation was relatively easy. The body of the switch is VERY large, so it can get a bit cramped inside the electrical box, especially if you have more than one (or a large timer switch). If there's any plaster or irregularities in the drywall around the box the installation is going to become a lot more difficult, so clear that stuff away first if you can.Works perfectly with the Amazon Echo Plus. Pairing was fairly easy, though I did have to try twice to get Alexa to find it.