Getting Started With Home Automation

Let me start this post by saying that home automation is by far the most expensive hobby I have. The good news is that you don’t have to do it all at once. I started small and just continue to add things as I need/want them. Feel free to do the same or just pull the trigger on all of it at once if you hate money and need to get rid of it quickly.

This post will server as a starting point for those just getting into the smart home game. I’ll eventually write other posts that go into more detail on certain aspects of home automation.

I was going to try to list things in order of necessity but that can vary depending on your home automation needs. Basically the only thing that is actually required is the first item. Feel free to pick and choose what to buy after that based on what you are trying to accomplish in your smart home.

Updated October 2026. This post is from 2019 and two things changed since, both of which matter before you spend money.

Samsung got out of the hub business. The hardware is Aeotec’s now, it runs the same SmartThings platform, and everything below pairs with it the same way it did. The hub links point at the current Aeotec one.

GE got out of the switch business too. Jasco, who actually made them the whole time, sells the same line as Enbrighten. Same switches, same behaviour, different name on the box. The GE-branded ones are still in my walls and still working, which is the main thing I have to say about them.

#1 Aeotec Smart Home Hub

This is the only thing on the list you actually need. Buy it first. It used to be the Samsung SmartThings Hub and it is the Aeotec one now, which is a change of logo rather than a change of plan.

The rest of this section is about the two Samsung versions, which is worth keeping because people buy these used all the time and the difference is real.

SmartThings Hub 2nd Gen, the one in my house

  • Wired Ethernet Port
  • Battery Backup
  • 512MB DDR3 RAM
  • 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9
  • 2 USB Ports

SmartThings Hub 3rd Gen

  • WiFi + Wired Ethernet Port
  • No Battery Backup
  • 256MB DDR RAM
  • 528 MHz ARM Cortex-A7
  • 1 USB Port

Between those two I would take the 2nd Gen every time, for the extra CPU and RAM, and I would only take the 3rd Gen if there is no ethernet port where the hub has to live, because the 3rd can do WiFi and the 2nd cannot. The 3rd Gen is a step down otherwise, which is a strange thing to be able to say about a newer model.

Buying new, none of that is a decision you have to make: you get the Aeotec Smart Home Hub and it is a fine piece of hardware.

#2 Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Switches

The GE line of Z-Wave switches are the best I’ve used. They tend to just work. They are sold as Enbrighten now, made by the same company that made the GE ones, and the current models are 800 series rather than the Z-Wave Plus I installed.

The switches have small blue LEDs that you can configure to be on/off depending on the “position” of the switch. By default the LED is on when the switch is off. I assume that is to help you locate the switch in the dark.

The back of the switch does have at least 4 times the mass of a regular light switch. So be prepared to fight when putting them in the wall with all of your wires.

Speaking of wires… You need to verify that your home has neutral wires in your switch boxes. These switches require a neutral wire to be hooked up. This allows the Z-Wave radio to still have power while the switch is in the off position. Please consult with an electrician if you dont feel comfortable doing this. Remember to always shut off the circuit in your breaker box before performing any electrical work.

They make a few different versions depending on your use case.

#3 Enbrighten Z-Wave Duplex Outlet

Next up we have the Enbrighten Z-Wave Duplex Outlet. These will allow you to control things that plug in to regular outlets. Common uses include things like a lamp or coffee maker. Really anything that plugs in and starts working immediately. If your coffee maker requires a bunch of button presses after being plugged in, you should look into a different solution.

These outlets will connect directly to your existing outlet’s wiring. No need to worry about neutral wires. Again, turn off the circuit in the breaker box.

Only 1 of the 2 outlets is controllable via the hub. The other will act just as a normal outlet would. If it is plugged in, it has power.

#4 Zooz Z-Wave Outdoor Smart Plug

These are great for controlling outlets outside. You can use these for holiday lights, string lights or even landscape lighting. I personally use one to turn my pond pump on and off.

You simply plug the thing you want to control into the Zooz Z-Wave Outdoor Smart Plug and then plug the pigtail into any regular outlet. After connecting the Zooz Z-Wave Outdoor Smart Plug to the hub you will be able to turn the device on and off remotely or via automation.

#5 DEWENWILS Z-Wave Heavy Duty Smart Switch

Similar to the Zooz Z-Wave Outdoor Smart Plug but for more heavy duty applications like large pumps, water heaters, spas and space heaters.

The DEWENWILS Z-Wave Heavy Duty Smart Switch also allows you to monitor the energy usage of the appliances connected to it.

  • Can be installed indoors or outdoors.
  • Up to 40 amps.
  • Energy monitoring.

#6 ThirdReality ZigBee Smart Plug

This ThirdReality ZigBee Smart Plug is a simple way to convert a standard outlet into a smart outlet. Just plug it into any existing outlet and you can then pair and control with SmartThings.

  • Turn small appliances on and off.
  • Extend ZigBee range.

Those are pretty much the basics needed to get started on your journey through the bank account draining hobby that is home automation. I’ll make some more detailed posts that go into my personal setup eventually and continue to make posts as I continue to add things to my smart home.

Have fun!