8 Smart Light Switches That Don’t Need a Neutral Wire

What is a neutral wire and why do smart switches need one?

In a home's electrical system, the neutral wire provides a return path for the current, which is essential for completing the circuit. For smart switches, this wire is crucial as it ensures they remain powered and responsive, even when the connected light is off.

This constant power is vital for switches to maintain continuous functionalities, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and readiness for remote commands.

How do some smart switches work without a neutral wire?

Smart switches that do not need a neutral wire use techniques such as drawing a small “leakage” current through the load to power their electronics, employing capacitors to store energy, relying on batteries for power, or by utilizing other wiring configurations.

What to do if you don't have a neutral at the switch?

If your switch location lacks a neutral wire, consider the following solutions:

1. Rewiring: Hire an electrician to rewire the circuit to include a neutral line. Note that this can be an invasive and potentially costly solution.
2. Neutral-free Smart Switches: Opt for smart switches designed to operate without a neutral wire as discussed in this article.
3. In-Wall Micro-Controllers: Utilize an in-wall micro-controller for your existing switches. Brands like Aeotec and Fibaro offer reputable micro-controllers for this purpose.
4. Smart Bulbs: As an alternative to a smart switch, you can use smart bulbs, which can be controlled directly without the need for a neutral wire at the switch. This is not ideal as if the switch is turned off, the smart bulb cannot be controlled remotely.

The Lutron Caseta dimmer switch turns ordinary bulbs into smart bulbs. On top of that, it doesn’t rely on a neutral wire and is fully compatible with LEDs, incandescents, and halogens.

After wiring the switches and linking them up with the Caseta hub,  you can control these smart light switches through several means: through the Lutron app, compatible smart home platform, voice commands, with the Pico remote, or physically using the dimmer switch on the wall. 

Compatibility

When set up via the Caseta Smart Hub, the switches can interact seamlessly with Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Assistant. Additionally, it links up with the Lutron app for free. 

This app allows you to set light timings, activate scenes, or turn lights on/off remotely with the "smart away" feature.

Smart Away Feature

With the Smart Away feature, you can automate the light control system when you’re away. This allows the smart switches to randomly turn on and off, giving outsiders the impression that you are home. 

It’s a simple yet handy feature that deters intruders and prevents break-ins. 

Notable Drawbacks

All good things aside though, there have been reports of inconsistent dimmer performance due to network lag or power fluctuations. 

Also, you need to connect the Caseta smart home hub/bridge physically with an ethernet cable from your Wi-Fi router to unlock the smart features.

The Aqara Smart Light is an affordable option that offers top-notch performance and intuitive controls. 

Since it doesn’t rely on a neutral wire, the Aqara smart light switches are easy to install and readily compatible with any type of conventional light bulb.

Aqara Home App

The light switch can be linked up with the Aqara Home app, which provides remote control to switch it on and off.

Beyond that, you can program timers into the light switches, making sure they switch on and off according to a set schedule. 

The switch is also equipped with an overheat protection mechanism, which automatically disconnects the power supply when it detects high temperatures.

Known Issues

Unfortunately, this smart light switch prioritizes Zigbee smart home hubs, and for Wi-Fi connectivity, you need the appropriate smart hub. 

That being said, it does get along quite well with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Homekit, allowing you to issue voice commands and combine these into scenes/routines with other sensors and smart home devices.

Cync by General Electric is one of the best smart light switches that can operate without a neutral wire. It is equipped with wireless control & ambient light detection, which make it easier to use and automate the switch.

On top of that, it also doesn’t require a hub if you use the smart switch with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. As such, you can control the device through these apps, incorporate it into scenes/routines, and also issue voice commands.

Wi-Fi Setup

Unlike many of the other items on this list, this smart switch doesn’t rely on a dedicated smart home hub. Instead, you can directly connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi, and you’re all set. 

Minor Drawbacks

Unfortunately, its biggest strength can also be its greatest weakness as some users have found the Wi-Fi connection to be a bit lacking, especially in terms of signal range. 

So if you’re considering one of these light switches, make sure you have a steady 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network with the router providing a strong signal to the smart switch. 

The compact HS-WX300 packs a ton of features into a simple light switch.  Right off the bat, it’s got dimmer options, multi-tap switching to automate custom scenes, and a fully customizable LED indicator column. 

LED Indicator Column

The seven LED indicators installed in the dedicated wall plate can give you quick system status updates for different smart home devices and scenes. 

Its primary function is to indicate the dimmer, using a satisfying rising and falling light effect. 

However, beyond that, you can customize the color, and blinking patterns of the LED, and also program them to show up during different scenes or specific notifications in your smart home hub. 

Compatibility and Multi-Tap Function

The HS-WX300 works well with various Z-wave hubs like HomeSeer, SmartThings, and Hubitat, making it a great fit for many smart home setups.

On top of the existing on/off light switching and dimmer functions, it supports multi-tap and hold commands to trigger scenes and programmable events in your smart home. 

So you can enable/disable up to 14 different scenes using these controls.

Drawbacks

Although seemingly perfect, the complexities of this smart light switch do open it up to certain vulnerabilities. For instance, there have been reports of occasional faults, incompatibility, and signal issues.

The FIBARO Dimmer 2 is a small yet powerful device that controls smart home gadgets with its Z-Wave technology.

Despite its small size, it's packed with smart features and can be configured with or without a neutral wire.

Calibration and Safety Features

Via a compatible app or smart home hub, you can adjust the brightness of your lights and also let the device calibrate itself based on the power requirements of the bulb. This helps improve energy efficiency and stability against power fluctuations.

On top of that, it creates another layer of safety, protecting its light bulbs against overheating, overloading, and voltage drops.

Compatibility

The device plays well with most Z-wave-compatible smart home automation systems like Nexia, Vera, or SmartThings. However, it’s not compatible with Apple HomeKit.

Installation Complexity

Despite its versatility and compatibility with both neutral and non-neutral light wiring, I found the installation to be a little tricky. 

There are a lot of terminals on the smart switch controller and you definitely need to take a look at the instructions once or twice to make sure it’s set up correctly.  

Also, since it hides behind the existing light switch, you need to make space for the device inside the electrical box/sunk box in your light switch. As any installer might know, this is not an easy task.

Aeotec Nano Dimmer is a feature-rich smart switch that can help you control your lights as well as your ceiling fans. Regardless of a neutral wire!

Z-Wave Connectivity

It’s completely compatible with Z-wave Smart Home System, and it’s also Z-wave Plus certified so you can expect better response time & wireless range.

Aeotec Nano Dimmer can work directly off your existing Z-wave smart home hub. However, if you’re hoping to include it in low-power dimmable LEDs, the Aeotec Bypass capacitor is essential.

Protection Features

Power surges do happen which is why the Aeotec Nano Dimmer comes with built-in surge and overload protection to protect the dimmer switch and its lights

Drawbacks

However, this is only a Z-wave controller and doesn’t come with a switch or wall plate. Instead, you’ll have to install it behind your existing dimmer light switches.

With a push-button style switch, the MOES Smart switch does take things to the next level. So unlike the competition, it doesn’t need a dedicated smart home hub and can directly interface with your home’s Wi-Fi router. 

Compatibility and Affordability

The MOES Wi-Fi smart switch is surprisingly more affordable and easily integrates with many popular smart home hubs such as Alexa and Google Assistant. This device also has a separate mobile app, the Smart Life app, that allows you to automate the lights and incorporate them into scenes and routines. 

Downsides

However, as is the case with many Wi-Fi-only smart light switches, connectivity can be an issue. So if you’re seriously considering this device, improving your Wi-Fi signal strength is a must. 

There’s also a newer version of this switch with an improved switch and wall plate design.

Although it lacks smart compatibility or remote control via an app or smart home hub, this ELEGRP light switch is motion-activated and neutral-free. 

PIR Motion Sensor

So with this affordable solution, there’s no need to fumble around in the dark or grab your smartphone, it simply lights up the room as soon as you walk in - hands-free.

The PIR sensor, although simple in design, rarely runs into issues and easily detects motion when installed correctly.

Included with a wall plate, this light switch offers a minimalist design with a matte finish. It's slim and slides easily into electric boxes.

Lack of Smart Features

Although reliable, the major flaw in this device is the lack of smart functionality. So with this light switch, you’re going to miss out on remote control or integration with your existing smart home platform. 

So even though I did have some reservations about including this device here, its affordability and ease of use definitely make it a worthwhile contender. 

Besides, it’s the perfect “install once and forget about it” option for entryways, stairs, and other small places around your home.

Things to Consider When Purchasing a No-Neutral Smart Light Switch

After considering the above options, it’s clear that buying smart switches without neutral is a pretty decent option. So, here are some of the important specifications you need to look out for when buying these kinds of smart switches.

Compatible Lighting

Although these smart light switches can easily support many of the regular light bulbs and lighting systems in your home, there can be certain incompatibilities, resulting in excess power draw, light flickering, and inconsistent dimming behavior. 

So when trying to purchase one of these smart light switches, I always recommend prioritizing the type of lights you’re going to be using for these switches. 

Generally, the Aqara Smart Light Switch is a versatile option that can handle any non-dimmable lights.

Dimmable Lights and Low-Power LEDs

Dimmable lights and low-power LEDs need extra attention because, despite far-reaching promises, only a few smart light switches can safely operate these devices consistently. And sometimes, you might have to install a capacitor to prevent issues such as light flickering.

Take, for example, the Aeotec Nano Dimmer. This smart switch supports dimmer functions but unlike other devices, lets you know that a capacitor is required to prevent flickering in dimmable 10W/20W LEDs.

Smart Compatibility

Make sure that the smart light switch you decide to go with is compatible with your current smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Homekit etc. 

This ensures you can issue voice commands or remotely control the smart switch with your favorite smartphone app. On top of that, it opens up the device for further automation, allowing you to incorporate it with sensors and other smart devices.

Compatibility With Popular Smart Home Platforms

Lutron Caseta, for example, offers compatibility with a wide range of popular smart home systems such as Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.  

On the other hand, General Electric’s Cync, despite offering direct Wi-Fi connectivity, won’t support Apple HomeKit or other Z-wave or Zigbee-style hubs. 

The Need For Dedicated Hubs

If you are going for a smart switch, then you also need to know that most of these smart light switches need to interface with a dedicated hub before they can interact with your primary smart home platform.  

The prime example is the Lutron Caseta, which requires the Caseta bridge/hub to make it compatible with the rest of the smart home platforms. 

That being said, there are some exceptions to this such as the MOES Wi-Fi smart switch, which can directly connect to your Wi-Fi network and interact with your smart home platform.

Ease of Installation

Installing a smart light switch without a neutral wire is pretty straightforward. However, unless they are properly labeled, you’ll need to use a multimeter or non-contact voltage tester to separate the live and load wires.

The Simplicity of Installing Smart Light Switches with Basic Functionality

Likewise, setting up a no-neutral smart light switch isn’t particularly breezy, so making sure the smart switch is easy to install and comes with detailed instructions is a basic requirement. 

The Lutron Caseta dimmer, for instance, scores well in this aspect. Installation is DIY-friendly and with the right parts and expertise, only takes a few minutes to set up. 

Added Complexity when Setting up Microcontroller-Style Smart Switches

Meanwhile, the FIBARO smart switch microcontroller can be a pain to set up, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Also, because it doesn’t replace the existing switch, the device might be difficult to stow away behind the electrical box with other wires or components getting in the way. 

So make sure to go through the installation instructions of your desired model and confirm the device is compatible and compact enough to fit into your wiring setup.

Control Options

Although the type of switching style, whether that’s a rocker switch, push-button, or toggle switch does matter, what’s more important is the remote control options you can unlock with this device. 

Namely, does it enable you to issue voice commands? Work with a mobile app or other smart sensors and automation scenes? These are what actually matters when you decide to go for a smart light switch.  

Prioritize the Available Smart Control Methods

So when choosing a smart light switch, the available control methods are key. 

Take the Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch, for example. It offers different ways to manipulate your lighting. You can utilize an app, voice commands, or use a dedicated remote.

Alternatively, you can skip the controls entirely and set up an ELEGRP light switch that skips all smart functionality and goes for a classic PIR motion sensor that only lights up when it detects your presence. 

FAQs

How do you know if you have a neutral wire?

The best way to find out if your house has a neutral wire or not is to check the colors of the wires in the circuit. In the US, white-colored wire generally represents neutral wire, and if there’s any white color wire available in the circuit, then it means that your circuit has a neutral wire.

You can also determine it by establishing how old your house is. If it was built before the 1980s, then there are great chances that your home doesn’t have the neutral wire in the lighting circuit switches. If it was built after the 1980s, then it should have a neutral wire in the switches.

As always, we recommend consulting a qualified electrician if you are unsure about what you are doing.

How Does a Smart Light Switch Work without a Neutral Wire?

A Smart Light Switch that doesn’t depend on neutral wiring uses innovative technology to circumvent the need for a neutral wire. They use alternative methods such as capacitive or bypass technology, to power the switch and enable remote control functionality.

Can I install a No-Neutral Smart Light Switch by Myself?

Absolutely! Most Smart Light Switches without a neutral wire requirement come with easy-to-follow installation instructions. So as long as you're comfortable working with electrical wiring and can isolate the circuit, you should be able to install it yourself. 

However, if you have any doubts, it's always best to consult a professional electrician.

Can I Still Install a No-Neutral Smart Light Switch even if I have a Neutral Wire Setup?

Yes, definitely! Smart Light Switches with No Neutral are designed to work in two different modes: with or without a neutral wire. So, if you have a neutral wire available, you can still use these switches by simply wiring it as a traditional switch.

How I Tested

For this article, I had to conduct thorough research and testing in order to identify the best options available. 

So after gathering a list of viable options, I focused on factors such as ease of installation, compatibility with different lights and dimmer settings, reliability of performance, and user-friendly features. 

This helped whittle down the list of smart devices to 8 smart light switches which were reliable and covered a variety of requirements and budgets.

Throughout this process, I also took into consideration the customer support provided by the manufacturers. This included assessing the availability of helpful documentation, troubleshooting resources, and responsiveness to inquiries.

Verdict

Sources

• https://support.lutron.com/us/en/product/casetawireless/article/product-selection/The-Caseta-Smart-Bridge
• https://www.aqara.com/en/product/smart-wall-switch-h1-eu-no-neutral/
• https://manuals.fibaro.com/dimmer-2/
• https://shop.homeseer.com/products/z-wave-dimmer-switch