Matter vs HomeKit? You’re probably already using both
Matter vs HomeKit isn’t really a choice — Apple Home is already a Matter controller. Here’s the question that decides what you should buy.
Dan K.
Toggle bolt vs molly bolt which is stronger? Divide by four
Toggle bolt vs molly bolt which is stronger? The toggle, by a wide margin — but the rating on the box is a lab number for the drywall, not for your wall.
Smart plug not turning off? Listen for the click first
A smart plug not turning off is one of two faults, and the relay click tells you which. Here’s the ten-second test and what to do about each one.
Will a dimmer switch work with LED bulbs? Only if both match
Will a dimmer switch work with LED bulbs? Only when the bulb says dimmable and the dimmer is built for LED loads. The wattage on the dimmer doesn’t apply.
Smart lock compatible with Home Assistant? Check the radio
What makes a smart lock compatible with Home Assistant is the radio inside it, not the brand on the box. Here’s what each of the four needs.
Home installation guide for anchors, dimmers and LED strips
A home installation guide index. Anchors and weight, dimmers and LED bulbs, LED strips and leakage, and the line where a job becomes an electrician’s.
Smart home troubleshooting starts here, not in the app
Smart home troubleshooting in one place. Which symptom points to Wi-Fi, which to the radio, which to the load, and the fix guide for each one.
LED strip flickering when off? It’s leakage, not a fault
An LED strip flickering when off is almost never a broken strip. A tiny leakage current still reaches the driver. Here’s how to find and stop it.
Google Home keeps disconnecting from wifi? Fix the IP first
If your Google Home keeps disconnecting from wifi on a schedule, verify its local IP before resetting it. Reserve the address only if it changes.