Some smart switches won’t work in this configuration because they break the circuit when it is off, so power is not flowing through the switch. In this case, you will not have a neutral wire, and your existing configuration will look like this. One way to wire a light switch is to have the power source wiring enter the light fixture directly, and the switch is used to complete a circuit. In this case, you will not have a neutral wire, and your existing configuration will look like this: Switch without neutral wire What is a Neutral Wire, and Do I Have One? There are a few options for installing a smart switch without a neutral wire, but first, let’s check to see if you have a neutral wire.
#Wire light switch install#
One common problem for new smart home users is that they want to install some smart switches to control lighting, but their existing light switches don’t include a neutral wire. In this article, we will talk about smart switch no neutral. However, houses built during the mid-1980s and onwards may not have a neutral wire going to the switch housings.
Generally, homes built after the 1980s will have a neutral wire going to the switch housings therefore, no problem exists. Non-licensed people are limited as to what electrical work they can legally perform also, some work may be legal if under the direction of a suitably qualified electrician. See here for installation instructions when using a Treatlife Switch in a multi-way circuit.Notice: Always consult a licensed electrician for questions regarding your home’s circuitry, and be sure to refer to relevant building codes before doing any electrical work, which varies by location. *You should see two sets of traveler wires attached to the previous switch, one pair designated as “IN” and the other pair as “OUT.” *Traveler wires are usually attached to terminals that are a different color from the common terminal. The traveler wires connect all of the light switches in the multi-way circuit to each other, so that any of the switches can turn on, dim, or turn off the light. Also known as a hot, live or switch leg wire. Your existing switch should have been connected to the load wire. When the switch is "closed", electricity flows from the light switch to your light fixture, turning on the light. The load wire connects your light switch to your light fixture. It is usually attached to a brass terminal on the previous switch.
Your existing light switch should have been connected to the line wire. When the switch is “closed,” electricity flows through the line wire to your light switch. The line wire connects your light switch to your house’s circuit breaker panel. Important: Some houses may not have a ground wire available in every switch box. If your house doesn't have a ground wire, contact a local electrician. A ground wire is required to use Treatlife. If your house was built or remodeled in the mid-80’s, it may have ground wires.
#Wire light switch code#
If your house was built or remodeled after 2011, the National Electric Code (NEC) requires ground wires. It is usually green or bare copper without insulation. It is usually attached to a green screw terminal on the existing light switch. A ground wire connects to a switch to safely carry additional electrical current away from the switch box to prevent dangerous electrical buildup or shock. Important: Some houses may not have a neutral wire available in every switch box. Warning: Never use a ground wire in place of a neutral wire. If your house doesn't have a neutral wire, contact a local electrician. A neutral wire is required to use Treatlife. If your house was built or remodeled in the mid-80’s, it may have neutral wires.
If your house was built or remodeled after 2011, the National Electric Code (NEC) requires neutral wires. Neutral wires are typically white and may be found bundled inside the back of the switch box. The neutral wire may or may not have been connected to your previous switch. (A neutral wire does not control the lights.) The neutral wire provides power to the light switch, even when the lights are off. Referencing the terminals on your old switch is the preferred way of identifying the wires. Wire color is no guarantee of how the wiring was installed in your house.
#Wire light switch professional#
If you have not installed light switches before or are not comfortable with line-voltage wiring, We strongly recommend you hire a professional electrician to install the switches.īefore starting, please always use the circuit breaker to turn off the power to the switch box. Keep in mind, the Treatlife Lighting System uses wires that may not be connected to your existing light switch. Below are the wires used by the Treatlife products, as well as descriptions.
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