Smart lights 101: CCT, RGB and setting up with Alexa

Smart lights are the easiest smart-home upgrade there is: no electrician, no hub, and you'll use them every single day. Here's how to choose and set them up.

CCT, RGB — what do they mean?

• CCT (tunable white) lets you change the colour temperature of white light — from a warm, cosy 2700K for evenings to a crisp daylight 6500K for work.
• RGB adds 16 million colours for mood lighting, parties and festivals.
• CCT + RGB gives you both in one fitting.

Which light goes where?

Spot	Best fit
Existing bulb holder	Smart bulb (B22 / E27)
Behind the TV, under shelves, around a desk	LED strip
False ceiling	Panel downlight or COB
Kitchen, garage, long rooms	Batten

Five-minute setup

1. Install the light and switch it on.
2. Download the Sternet Smart app and add the device — your phone must be on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (most routers have a separate 2.4GHz network).
3. Name it something you'll say naturally, like "bedroom light".
4. In the Alexa or Google Home app, link the Sternet skill / action.
5. Try it: "Alexa, set bedroom light to warm white at 40%."

Ideas worth stealing

• Sunset schedule: lights switch on automatically at dusk.
• Movie mode: one command dims the room and turns the TV strip purple.
• Wake-up light: slowly brighten to daylight white before your alarm.

Browse the full Sternet smart lighting range — most lights cost less than a dinner out.