Smart home automation isn’t just a wave of the future. It’s here, and it’s only expected to grow. Some experts are predicting the market will expand to $133 billion US by 2027!

You’ve probably heard of smart lighting, but how familiar are you with the range of other smart home products? Beyond lighting, smart home automation can touch almost every corner of a space. 

Read on for a comprehensive guide to some of the top recommended home automation products—for single-family homes, multi-family units, and even commercial spaces. 

Smart Home Automation Ideas to Consider This Year

Smart Power Outlets

Smart outlets allow users to remotely control power flow, schedule operations, and monitor energy consumption via a smartphone or tablet. 

You can effortlessly turn off unused appliances, schedule plug-in lamps to mimic occupancy patterns for enhanced security, or remotely power down electronics to save energy—all at the touch of a screen. 

For a variety of uses, we love Leviton’s line of smart outlets, like this one; the industry’s first smart GFCI outlet. They allow you to configure notifications via the My Leviton app—for instance, to alert a smartphone if the GFCI trips due to a ground fault—making it ideal for remote monitoring. ‘We also recommend Leviton fast-charge, type-C outlets. These offer 60W and 30W options for fast charging while eliminating the need for a charger block.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors cue lights to turn on automatically when someone enters a room or when motion is detected—making them excellent for convenience and security.

Leviton’s wall-mounted smart dimmers, for example, can be used in closets, pantries, bathrooms, and garages, eliminating fumbling for switches in dark areas, reducing the risk of accidents, and improving overall accessibility and security. 

Working with a commercial space? They also come in handy for storage closets, supply rooms, restrooms, hallways, and corridors.

Smart Cameras

From high-definition security cams that keep a vigilant eye on your property to AI-powered cameras that recognize faces, these innovative devices are reshaping the way we keep our homes and businesses safe.

The Dahua N484E62C 4MP Basic Night Color (VU-More Color) security system also provides a complete video security solution with features such as smart IR technology that adjusts the camera’s infrared LED intensity to avoid overexposure, plus smart dual illumination, smart motion detection, and intelligent search.

Preparing for a temporary absence from a vacation property? Here are some more recommended products to ensure safety and security while it’s vacant.

Smart Ceiling Fans

Keeping comfortable is a breeze with automated ceiling fans. The traditional fixtures have evolved into smart fans, such as this Leviton fan with speed control and LED indicator. 

Most come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, intuitive controls, and climate sensors to keep occupants comfortable.

Smart Home Lighting

The original smart home product! Putting light controls at your fingertips allows you to customize lighting levels, save energy, and improve security at your home or business through automation. 

You can choose colour-changing LEDs, motion-sensing bulbs, smart dimmers, and even smart shades and blinds—or incorporate other smart lighting hacks.

Lutron’s Maestro dimmers and switches offer the best of all worlds, with full app control and also rocker dimmers for adjusting lights manually.

Not sure which lighting control system you need for your building? Take a look at our “basic, good, better, and best” overview of Lutron smart home dimmer systems.

Other Recommendations for Smart Home Products

We’re just scratching the surface here—new smart home products and systems come onto the market every day. The world of automation is growing, from smart thermostats to smart appliances, AI-powered voice assistants and more. 

Take a look at our recent Leviton spotlight, for instance, to learn more about the full range of smart-home and automation products the company offers, from dimmers to EV chargers. 

Tips for Automating Single-Family Residences

Automating your—or your customer’s—primary home or vacation retreat enhances convenience, security, and energy efficiency in remarkable ways. 

Imagine arriving at a cozy cabin in the mountains after a long drive, greeted by a warm and well-lit interior thanks to remotely activated smart thermostats and lighting systems. You can also install smart locks for hassle-free entry management and peace of mind. We suggest getting started by creating a smart hub to centralize device control.

Tips for Automating Multi-Family and Commercial Spaces

Start by thoroughly assessing the space to identify areas that will benefit most from automation, such as lighting, HVAC systems, and access control. Opt for scalable automation solutions that accommodate the unique needs of your facility—whether it’s an apartment building, office space, or other complex—to allow for easy expansion and customization.

Cloud-based management platforms can help centrally monitor and control all connected devices, while occupancy sensors and smart thermostats optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and enhance comfort. Prioritize security with surveillance cameras, access control systems, alarm sensors, and more. 

Let’s Find the Smart Home Products You Need

Whether you’re retrofitting a residential space or working on a new commercial building, automation can help modernize your space and set it up for future success. Our team of lighting experts can help you find everything you need for your next home automation project.

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The post Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Smart Home Automation Products – Albrite Lighting appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

Deter Crime Before It Happens with Dahua Surveillance Cameras

Surveillance technology has emerged as a powerful tool in deterring criminal activities before they occur, and Dahua’s cutting-edge surveillance cameras stand at the forefront of innovation and reliability. With their advanced features and capabilities, Dahua surveillance cameras offer a proactive approach to security, creating safer environments by actively discouraging potential wrongdoers.

Dahua’s Three-in-One Camera

Dahua’s TiOC integrates Enhanced Starlight and Basic Night Color within a single security device, representing an all-in-one solution designed to deter potential threats effectively.

Features:

• Warm-light LEDs
• Active alarm support
• Red and Blue flashing lights
• Two-way communication
• Smart illumination

How TiOC Works

Camera records in black and white with its IR illuminators on when the monitoring area is quiet and without motion

If the monitoring area is activated, the whitelight illuminators are turned on so the scene can be recorder in full-colour and an alert is sent to the manager. When the rule area is activated, either a pre-recorded audio message can be triggered or a live person can speak.

Camera can be set up to flash red and blue lights as well as a pre-recorded audio message or live talk, if motion is detected within the Rule area when the area is closed.

The white lights turn off and the IR illuminator turns back on once the target leaves the area.

WiFi Products

From WiFi-enabled security cameras and video doorbells to advanced network switches and routers, Dahua’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of products that leverage the latest WiFi technology to ensure seamless and reliable connectivity. Dahua’s WiFi products offer users peace of mind by enabling remote monitoring and control of their devices.

Dahua Outdoor Wireless CPE and Base Station

Dahua 2MP LincX2Pro WiFi Floodlight camera

Dahua 4MP LincX2Pro WiFi Floodlight camera

Dahua 5MP LincX2Pro Wifi Video Doorbell

Kits

Dahua 4K Starlight Network Security System

Dahua 4MP Starlight Network Security System

Dahua 8-Channel Video Doorbell Security System

EOL: 4MP Starlight Network Security System (Smart H.265+)

Dahua 4MP Starlight Network Security System (Smart H.265+)

Dahua 4MP Starlight Network 4-CH Security System (Black Housing)

Dahua 4MP Starlight Network 8-CH Security System

Dahua 4K IP E-VU Security System

Dahua 4MP Basic Night Color Security System

Secure your Business

Upgrade your surveillance systems with Dahua’s cutting-edge technology and enjoy significant savings through the rebate program. Don’t compromise on security – safeguard your business with Dahua and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to fortify your peace of mind while saving big. Contact one of our experts today!

The post Securing Small Business Rebate Program appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

EV Charging 101: What Property Managers Need To Know

• December 13, 2022

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The post EV Charging 101: What Property Managers Need To Know – Albrite Lighting appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

Dahua Technology has been innovating security camera offerings for over 20 years. Founded with a vision for providing improved offerings to the market, Dahua has continued to maintain our focus on the importance of innovation and continual advancement in the security industry. Dahua’s goal is to provide our customers with offerings that can help them grow their business in an ever-changing technology landscape.

Our North America business puts this same focus into working alongside our customers to determine the best solutions for their installations, constantly working to implement new and more efficient technology. The Dahua USA and Canada teams are filled with dedicated and experienced industry professionals who thrive on building relationships and working to provide the best possible experience for customers.

Now over 5 years strong, the Dahua Technology North America team opened its doors for business in the United States as Dahua Technology USA, Inc in 2014, and began doing business in Canada in 2016 as Dahua Technology Canada, Inc. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for us in North America!

For use with residential, commercial and even institutional applications, checkout what E.B.Horsman has to offer for your security needs.  Contact us today!

The Dahua Network Security System provides all the components to quickly install, configure, and employ a complete video surveillance solution. The IP cameras offer the clarity of 4MP video, and the NVR offers built-in motion detection algorithms, alarm triggers, and customized recording modes. The NVR also features Plug and Play technology to connect quickly to cameras on the same network. Each component accepts a PoE power supply to facilitate installation.

4MP Network Cameras

• 4MP (2560 x 1440) at 30 fps Maximum Resolution
• 2.8 mm Fixed Lens
• Maximum IR Length 30 m (98 ft) with Smart IR
• Starlight Technology for Ultra Low-light Applications
• Built-in Microphone
• Intelligent Video System
• IP67 Environmental Protection

4K Network Video Recorder

• 2 TB Pre-installed Hard Disk Drive
• Supports Remote Configuration and Management of IP Cameras
• Smart H.265+ and Smart H.264+ Dual Codec
• Up to 8MP Resolution for Preview and Playback
• 80 Mbps Incoming Bandwidth

Let’s talk about eyeballs…. 4MP TiOC Network Eyeball Camera 2.8mm that is.

The Dahua Three-in-One Camera (TiOC) offers multiple features working in tandem to assist with deterrence and low-light detection while delivering high-resolution video images. The camera also features Perimeter Protection and Smart Motion Detection that offer accurate analytics. The camera is ideal for a host of diverse applications —Enhanced Starlight Technology, True Wide Dynamic Range, and Smart Dual illuminators allow the camera to operate in any lighting condition and the IP67 rating makes the camera suitable for the harshest environments.

WizSense Series devices combine Dahua’s powerful Analytics+ with an intuitive and easy to use interface. WizSense devices offer Smart Motion Detection and Perimeter Protection functions that focus on human and vehicular images and ignore irrelevant images to capture important video while reducing false alarms. WizSense Series devices provide powerful general surveillance for small to medium size businesses at a sensible price.

Here is a list of the items that are available under the special promotional pricing along with links to detailed pages on the Duhua website.

The post What is your next Network Surveillance System? appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.