If you are thinking of installing smart switches at your home, but your circuit doesn’t have a neutral wire, then no need to worry. These smart switches are designed to work without a neutral line, which will avoid you the cost of rewiring.
What is a neutral wire?
In a regular setup, a neutral wire is what makes your smart switch work. This is because a neutral wire is primarily designed to complete the circuit, doing so by recirculating the electricity back to the power source. This, in turn, allows electricity produced to be fully utilized.
To keep it in simple terms, without a neutral wire, a regular smart switch would be impossible to operate continuously. Think of it this way – a smart switch can be operated remotely, allowing you to operate and run functions even when it is off. However, for this function to be successful, you will need a neutral wire to complete the circuit and ensure the smart switch is powered consistently.
With a neutral wire completing the circuit, you can have the power on your smart switch one even when it’s turned off where you wish to operate a device. This means that with a properly connected neutral wire, you will not necessarily need a smart hub to operate the smart switch. However, without a neutral wire, a smart switch will not work on its own, unless it has a hub or is specially designed to accommodate the lack of a neutral wire.
Why do smart switches typically need a neutral?
As smart switches have to stay on all the time, they require a neutral wire, which completes the circuit.
So even if you turn off the switch, the neutral wire will keep giving power to the smart switch allowing it to respond to remote requests. With no neutral wire at the switch, the smart switch won’t be able to stay functional when it’s turned off.
What to do if you don't have a neutral at the switch
If you don’t have a neutral wire at the switch then you can do one of the following things.
- You can hire an electrician to rewire the circuit and add the neutral line. Unfortunately, this can be messy and costly.
- You can go for a smart switch that works without a neutral wire. See below for some options.
- You can get an in-wall micro-controller for your new or existing switches. Aeotec or Fibaro makes some of the best microcontrollers for this purpose.
- Last but not least, you can install smart bulbs instead, which you can control directly.
Important considerations when selecting a switch
After considering the above options, it’s clear that buying smart switches without neutral is a pretty decent option. So, here are the things which you must consider when buying smart switches.
- LED or Incandescent Lights – Some older smart switches without neutral are only suitable for controlling incandescent lights. If you plan on controlling and potentially dimming low-voltage LED lights, then you need to choose a modern, more expensive switch that supports that.
- Additional Hubs – If you are going for a smart switch, then you also need to know that typically these devices work in tandem with a separate hub. There are some exceptions to this.
If your home already has a smart home system (e.g. Z-wave based), then you can integrate your smart switches with this system (Using an Aeotec dimmer for example)
The Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch works flawlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, Serena Shades & Sonos
- It works flawlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, Serena Shades & Sonos
- It can control multiple light bulbs at once
- Automatically adjust the lights according to personalized schedules
Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch is one of the most popular smart switches available.
The official Lutron App allows you to create personalized schedules which the switch can use to automatically turn on, off, or dim the light.
The switch also works well with most smart home devices, including Alexa, Apple Home Kit & Google Assistant.
With an automatic light control system, when you are away, it can randomly turn on and off your lights, which gives the impression to an outsider that you are home. It’s a great feature to keep thieves away from your home.
If you are looking for a trustworthy smart switch with tons of great features, then you can’t go wrong with the Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch.
- No Neutral wire required for functionality.
- No Neutral wire required for functionality.
- It’s reliable & responsive, compared to other smart switches
- Doesn’t make any noise while running
- Require the Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge for working
- The bridge doesn’t work with Wifi; it needs an Ethernet port.
The C by GE smart switch offers a variety of great features at a great price.
- It works flawlessly with Amazon Alexa & Google Home without needing a Hub
- Offers great control over your lights with features such as home controls & scheduling.
- The premium version comes with motion sensors that automatically turn on the light when it detects any movement.
C by GE smart switch is one of the best smart switches without a neutral wire. It is equipped with wireless control & ambient light detection, which make it easier to use 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.
- You can easily set it up with DIY guides on the official website
- It doesn’t require a hub when you use it with Amazon Alexa & Google Smart Home
- It offers extended control over the lighting of your home, and you can control it with the App.
- The design of the switch could be a little more appealing
The Aqara Smart Wall Switch is the best way to control the lights remotely without breaking the bank.
- Comes with a minimalistic design that can work with every type of interior.
- It can be used to control your lights as well as other electronics in your smart home.
- Supports voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple Homekit
The Aqara smart switch is a very capable smart switch that you can use to automate your home.
With the App, you can automate the on/off process, or you can simply turn it on/off the process with the app. It offers signal reception of up to 20 meters, which will work for most people.
The switch is also equipped with an overheat protection mechanism, which automatically disconnects the power supply when it detects high temperatures.
It also works great with most smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa, Xiaomi Mi Home, Google Home, and Apple Home Kit.
- It comes with overheat protection
- Can be automated with the official app
- Offers a great combination of value & features
- It features a minimalistic & attractive design
- Requires the Aqara Hub
- It’s a complex smart switch, so you might need the help of a professional electrician for setup if you don’t have a certain level of knowledge about electrics.
The Fibaro Dimmer 2 is a smart switch which constantly monitors power usage and helps you save money. A dimmable smart switch is always a better option, since using the moble app makes it easier to dim.
- It is a Z-Wave Plus certified smart switch which means it comes with a better range.
- It comes with features such as overload and overheating protection.
- Comes with installation videos & diagrams which make the setup process easier.
One of the best features of Fibaro Dimmer 2 is the real-time energy usage report of lights and connected devices on the circuit. Like the other micro-controllers above, there is no neutral needed!
On the protection side, Fibaro Dimmer 2 is equipped with overheating, overload, and voltage drop protection. These are the three main ways damage can be typically caused to a switch.
- Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Sonos, Philips, and HIKVision products.
- Comes with an App which offers useful insights and complete control
- Comes with an App which offers useful insights and complete control
- Requires the Fibaro Bypass 2, which will help you solve flickering problems with low-voltage LED lights.
- Require a certain level of knowledge about electrical products to set it up.
GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Dimmer is a popular smart switch which you can use to automate the lights in your home.
- Offers a full dimming range between 0 to 100%.
- Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant
- Compatible with Z-Wave, and it needs a Z-Wave hub to function
Update: The “no neutral” version of this smart dimmer switch (14299) seems to frequently be out of stock across the major retailers. It doesn't look like it's discontinued, however, there do seem to be stock issues. I'll leave it listed for the time being in case it comes back in.
The GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Dimmer Switch requires a Z-wave certified hub to function. Overall, it’s a decent option, but there are better options available that offer better value for money, and you can find them in our top picks.
The Aeotec Nano Dimmer is a very powerful smart switch which is packed with tons of great features.
- It works flawlessly with Z-wave based Smart Home Systems
- It can be controlled with physical buttons as well as from the App
- It uses the phase control feature which smoothly dims LED lights
Aeotec Nano Dimmer is a feature-rich smart switch that can help you control your lights as well as fans. No neutral wire is needed!
It’s also 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 without requiring any additional hub, but it requires the Aeotec Bypass, which solves flickering issues with LEDs. You will usually face this issue when controlling low-voltage lights.
Power surges do happen which is why the Aeotec Nano Dimmer comes with built-in surge and overload protection to protect the switch.
With Aeotec Gen 5 Technology, it is more than 67% faster & more powerful than its predecessor. Also, with its extended wireless range, it can offer ultimate control within 150 meters.
- More responsive than most smart switches in the market.
- Offers precise dimming control
- It can be used to control your lights as well as ceiling fans.
- It only uses up to 1.2 amps of power
- Relatively difficult to set up so you will probably need the help of a professional electrician.
- Requires Aeotec Bypass load resistor
The MOES WiFi Smart Light Switch is built for people who don’t want the hassle of dealing with multiple wires
- Functions with no neutral wire, capacitor, or hub
- Built-in voice control compatibility
- Proprietary app control
The redesigned smart switch replaces the traditional non-smart switch to enhance the convenience of light control in your home. Nonetheless, the push button switch is pretty easy to install without the need for a capacitor or neutral wire.
Moreover, its sophisticated and intelligent design eliminates the need for a hub. A simple live wire connection is all you need to install the switch. In fact, the smart switch even comes with all the necessary tools for installation, including a faceplate, screws, and an installation manual to guide you through.
Furthermore, the budget-friendly packs a selection of functional features to boost its performance further. It integrates built-in Alexa and Google Assistant voice compatibility and also allows for app remote control anywhere you are. For even more functionality, the smart switch lets you set up light schedules for your home and integrates a built-in countdown timer.
The Yoswit Smart Light 2 Gang is one of the most robust smart switches out there.
- It can be controlled with physical buttons & App
- The switch offers great control over your lights with features such as schedules, away detection & Voice control
- It is compatible with IFTTT, and you can use it for programming actions on different conditions.
Yoswit Smart Light 2 Gang is a very capable smart switch that comes with some excellent features which make it easy to use. It is a great choice for a smart switch, no neutral for UK homes.
It comes with features such as schedules & timers, which can prove super beneficial if you don’t want to manually control things and automate the process.
It’s also compatible with IFTTT, which is a web-based service, and you can use it to program different actions. For example, IF Morning, THEN Turn of Lights, etc.
The switch also comes with a feature-rich app that you can use to control the lights. You can also control lights with physical buttons on the switch.
- Minimalistic & Modern Design
- It’s a highly configurable smart switch
- Doesn’t need a hub for functionality
- Comes with a built-in timer and scheduling features which make it easier to use
- It’s more expensive compared to other smart switches
- It comes with a manual, but you should have a certain level of understanding about these products for setup.
- It’s a highly customizable smart switch, and you can switch the paddle colors according to the décor of your house.
- It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant, but it requires Insteon Hub for functionality.
- Does not require a neutral wire
Insteon Remote Control 2-Wire Dimmer Switch is one of the better smart switches you can buy.
It offers great features such as remote control, the ability to switch the paddle colors, and compatibility with Google Assistant & Alexa.
However, it only works with Incandescent bulbs.
Common Questions Relating to Smart Switches
A smart switch is a smart home device with advanced features that you can use to control your lights, fans, and other electronic appliances, remotely.
Unlike regular switches, smart switches stay on all the time, and they can be controlled remotely with smartphone apps. You can also automate smart switches, and they act automatically according to schedule and pre-defined conditions.
When you set up the smart switches, you provide them access to your home network, and they can also be connected to WiFi.
You can then use an app to turn on or off the lights and do other functions such as controlling brightness, and setting schedules and timers. You can also connect your smart switches with other smart devices in your home.
A circuit comes with three wires: live, earth (ground) & neutral.
The neutral wire is the wire that has the job to carry the current back to the source when you turn off the switch, and it completes the circuit.
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 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.
Smart Bulbs are bulbs that are connected to a smart hub locally or on the internet. You can use a remote control or App to turn them on or off and complete other functions such as controlling brightness, color, and other customizations.
Just like smart switches, you can also connect smart bulbs with other smart home devices and automate them.
The Verdict
Smart switches are the best way to automate your home lights and other appliances. The Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch is our main recommendation and one of the most popular options available, while the C by GE Smart Switch is our runner up.
The Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch works flawlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, Serena Shades & Sonos
- It works flawlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, Serena Shades & Sonos
- It can control multiple light bulbs at once
- Automatically adjust the lights according to personalized schedules
1 Comment
Varun
The C by GE is the best IMO. It’s priced better than the other switches. But, the design “awww…, what were they thinking”