Does a Smart Switch Need a Neutral Wire?

Now that you understand how the device communicates and the different options available to you, let's get into one key detail. Most smart switches require a neutral wire to operate. But why? To fully understand, let's look at how conventional switches work and how they differ from smart light switches.

How Light Switches Work - Conventional Switch Circuits?

Most conventional light switches are configured using a classic 2-wire circuit. This consists of two wires - a hot wire and a ground wire. One is a permanent live feed from the main power supply to the switch. The other is controlled by a switch that supplies power directly to the lights.

When you turn the switch off, you simply disconnect power from the circuit. When you turn the switch back on, you "complete" the circuit, allowing current to flow from the switch to the lamp. This type of circuit does not require a neutral wire.

 Smart Switches

Smart Switch Circuits

With a smart switch, you need to maintain power to the switch electronics (the "smart" bit of the switch) that is in series with the bulb. This allows the switch to remain energized while the current flowing to the bulb is returned using the neutral wire, thus keeping the bulb off. In the case of most brands and manufacturers, this is a typical smart switch circuit.

How do I know if I have a neutral wire?

Every home, from apartments to mansions, has a neutral wire. However, for properties built before the 1980s, many switch boxes do not have a neutral wire in them.

For those homes built after 1980, you most likely have a neutral wire connected throughout the home.

Instructions for Neutral Wires - Things to Note.

Your property was built, renovated or rewired after the 1980s

Existing multiple switch boxes have the highest likelihood of neutral wiring

In most cases, any in-wall electrical outlet located in an area near a light switch will have a neutral wire.

Since it is usually possible to remove the neutral wire from a nearby outlet, a licensed electrician should be able to supply power directly to your light switch combiner box.

Of course, you may need to patch some drywall later, but this may be more cost effective than a full house rewire. Regardless of the signs listed above, you will still need to verify that there is a zero wire in the switch combo box to know what devices can be used.

Smart Scene Switch

As always,  the smart switch supplier recommends hiring a professional to complete this survey for you.

If you plan to do this yourself, before you even consider starting to unscrew the nearest light switch and look around, let's put aside the most important thing of all - your safety. Never assume that a wire is electrically charged based solely on its color.

While each type of wire has a standardized and regulated color to indicate the presence of live current, never take it at face value and treat every wire as "hot" unless you know otherwise. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, always contact a licensed electrician to confirm your findings.

Check your switch box neutral wire

Locate your home electrical service panel box (also known as a switchboard, distribution panel, circuit breaker box, breaker panel or electrical panel)

Turn off the main power

Remove the existing switch panel

Gently move the existing switchgear outward from the combination box to expose the wires on the back

See the wires and look for the white wires. If a white wire or set of wires is exposed, you can almost guarantee you will have a neutral wire in that switch box

Consult an electrician to check the voltage (110V/120V) between the white wire and the fire wire (usually black) to confirm which wire is the fire wire and whether you already have a zero wire in the junction box.

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