Before we answer, we want to define some terminology to avoid any confusion.

A single switch under a single faceplate is called a one-gang switch. You have a two-gang switch when you have two switches side by side under the same shared faceplate. The two switches in the two-gang switch will control different lights. Most homes include one-gang, two-gang and three-gang switches. In some rare cases homes may also contain four-gang and five-gang switches.

Simple, right? Now that you understand that, here’s how to count the number of light switches in your home. This can be broken into two steps.

First, you will need to count the number of individual switches within each gang to calculate the total number of switches for the home.

Here’s an example: a 2,800 square foot home has 10 one-gang switches, eight two-gang switches, five three-gang switches and no four-gang or five-gang switches.

Since: (10x1) + (8x2) + (5x3) = 31

This home will have a total of 31 switches.

Next, you need to configure the number of each type of gang switch to ensure that you receive the correct faceplates.

Using the same example as above, in this scenario you would need the 31 switches plus 10 one-gang switch faceplates, eight two-gang switch faceplates and five three-gang switch faceplates.

Here’s a video that walks you through the process.

If you would like to use one of Deako’s certified electricians we can take care of everything for you. One of our project coordinators will ask you to count the number of switches in your home, by the number of gangs (see question below: “How do I count the light switches in my home to have my order placed?”). Then, we’ll ship the necessary products to your home and coordinate a day to install them. Once the Deako backplates are installed in your home by an electrician (or yourself if you feel comfortable), plugging in and setting up the smart system is really easy. One of our Deako customer support team members can walk you through the process of setting up your first few devices. Once you feel comfortable you can complete the setup yourself. Deako will be with you every step along the way from making your product order, scheduling the electrician visit and getting your entire system setup and working.

If you’re leaning towards installing the Deako backplates yourself, we have a playlist of installation videos that explain how to do everything yourself.

You should always hire an electrician unless you have experience and knowledge about how to install a light switch yourself. There is always a risk of injury or starting a fire when working with electricity if the products are not installed properly. This is why we always recommend using a certified electrician, unless you already have the necessary experience.

No. In fact, by installing Deako’s modular smart lighting system properly you will never have to hire an electrician again or change a light switch again. The Deako backplate is a safe connector that allows anyone to plug in a new switch within seconds without even turning off the power to the light switch.

Yes. All Deako switches have completed testing by the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This testing makes them compliant with the U.S. Building code and wireless emissions standards. Some lower cost competitors avoid testing to the UL safety standards to keep costs lower. But, untested switches often do not pass new construction or renovation safety inspections.

No. If you’re simply changing the light switches in your home and not adding or removing any additional light switch locations you do not need a permit. Legally, you can change the light switches yourself, or you can hire a certified electrician to do the work.

Most likely. Most smart lighting systems require a neutral wire in the junction box, including the Deako modular smart lighting system. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has required a neutral wire in each light switch junction box for all new construction since the mid-1970’s. However some U.S. states and counties were slow to adopt and enforce the standard.

If you don’t feel comfortable changing the light switches in your own home, you can use one of Deako’s certified electricians. Deako is able to provide you with a local electrician to perform the work.

If you feel comfortable changing the light switches yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 flat head head screwdriver (to remove the faceplate)
• 1 Philips head screwdriver (to remove the existing light switch)
• 3+ feet of 14 gauge (AWG) wire (to connect the Deako backplate to the hot or neutral wire in some junction boxes where there are multiple wires already)
• 3+ wire nuts (to connect the hot and neutral bundles in the junction box)
• 1 pair of wire stippers (to cut and strip the rubber sheathing of the 14 AWG wire)
• 1 non-contact voltage tester (used to verify that you have successfully turned off the power before touching any wires).

Deako has a standard one-year warranty on all products, and we have phone and email customer support to help you resolve any questions or problems that come up with your Deako products.

Of course! Deako has 10 different light switches that plug into the Deako modular backplate. We have products compatible with every load type (total amount of electrical power consumed by all the lighting fixtures connected to a circuit. It is typically measured in watts) that a light switch can control, whether that is a fan, LED bulb, halogen bulb, outlet, fireplace or anything else that a normal light switch may control.