Wyze switch max load

Power & Lighting
1

Sorry for the dumb question, but the tech specs say the max load is 15A, 600W incandescent, 300W LED/CFI.

15Ax120=1800W, even at 80% it’s 1440W.

Why is it down rated for lights? Will it handle 15A when the load is not a light?

A little concerned about this, just want to make sure a 15A breaker in the electrical panel will trip before the switch melts.

Appreciate any clarification.

Cheers

D

2

Sep 5, 2023, 7:17 AM PDT

REPLY FROM WYZE, just in case anybody else is curious…

Thank you for reaching out to the Wyze Wizards team. My name is King and I will be more than happy to help.

We appreciate your question regarding the load ratings of the Wyze Smart Switch. It’s essential to understand these specifications to ensure safety and optimal performance, and your concern is entirely valid. Let’s clarify the details:

The Wyze Smart Switch is rated for a maximum load of 15 amps (A) when used with general electrical appliances and devices. This means it can handle a load of up to 15 amps without any issues, and a 15-amp breaker in the electrical panel should trip before the switch experiences any problems.

However, when it comes to lighting loads (such as incandescent, LED, or CFL bulbs), the ratings are typically lower due to factors like inrush current and potential voltage spikes during startup. These considerations are in place to ensure that the switch performs reliably and safely.

The ratings you mentioned are conservative estimates designed to accommodate various types of lighting loads while ensuring the longevity and safety of the switch. Specifically:

  • 600W for incandescent bulbs: Incandescent bulbs have a higher inrush current when they start, which can briefly exceed their rated wattage. The 600W rating allows for this inrush current.
  • 300W for LED and CFL bulbs: These types of bulbs are more energy-efficient but can also have inrush current during startup. The 300W rating is designed to handle these initial surges.an

When using the Wyze Smart Switch with non-lighting loads (such as appliances or devices), you can utilize the full 15-amp capacity, which corresponds to 1,800 watts at 120 volts, as you correctly calculated.

Rest assured that the switch is engineered with safety in mind, and it should perform well within these specifications. The lower ratings for lighting loads are there to account for the specific characteristics of those loads, as mentioned earlier.

If you plan to use the Wyze Smart Switch with loads other than lighting, you can safely make use of the full 15-amp capacity, and the 15-amp breaker in your electrical panel will provide an additional layer of protection.

If you have any further questions or concerns or if you require additional information, please feel free to ask. Your commitment to safety and understanding your devices is commendable.

All the best,

King Wyze Wizard Team

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3

Wow! I must say. That was a thoroughly educational reply from Customer Support. Gotta give King Kudos on that reply.

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