A common issue for homeowners who are using smart homes is that they wish to add certain smart switches that control lighting, but their current lighting switches do not have an unidirectional wire. There are several possibilities to install smart switches that don't require neutral wires, but first, let's determine whether there is a neutral wire.

What is a Neutral Wire and Do I Have One?

Another method of wiring the lamp switch is to make the power source wire enter to the fixture straight, and the switch utilized to complete the circuit. In this situation, you do be unable to connect a neutral wire , and the configuration you have now will look like this:

The reason why certain smart switches aren't working in this manner is because the switch breaks the circuit when it's off. This means that power isn't going across the switch. Smart switches require power since they are constantly communicating with the hub. If the power source is shut off (because that the switch has been turned turned off) it won't be able to receive commands via the hub.

The other alternative is to let the power go through the switch box, and later connect through the fixture. In this scenario it is possible to have the neutral (white) wires are connected to the box of the switch. The switch is still breaking the circuit, however in this situation, the smart switch taps onto the neutral wire in order to keep the power flowing through the switch . the switches electronics will still cut off the circuit that connects to the light source, but the switch keeps an electrical circuit that receives power at all times. Below is a picture of a normal switch using neutral wire

A smart switch is able to connect to neutral white cables to make the complete circuit, and also provide the power needed so that the radios within the switch operational throughout the day.

Option 1 - Run a Neutral Wire

If you'd like to use smart switches, but you don't have a neutral wiring in your switch box you can employ an electrician to conduct a neutral cable to the fixture that lights the switch.

You could also ask an electrician replace the wiring of the light fixture and switch that could be more costly.

However the idea of running a wire in the ceilings and walls of your home could be a hassle.

Option 2 - Smart Switches That Don't Require a Neutral Wire

It is possible to dim smart switch on the market that can be used without the need for a neutral wire. The main feature is the dimming function which reduces the power transfer between the light bulb and the switch to a tiny trickle. The power flow does not suffice to turn on the bulb's light, however it's enough power to allow the switch to communicate via your Smart Hub.

But, it's crucial to confirm that your dimmable switch is compatible with the kind of bulbs you intend to utilize - many are only compatible with old incandescent bulbs.

Cooper Aspire Cooper Aspire has Z-Wave technology which means it can be used with many hubs. The Caseta switch is compatible with Wink as well as is compatible with the Caseta Smart Bridge (the Caseta Smart Bridge allows the switch to work via Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home).

We suggest that you purchase the Lutron Caseta Wireless dimming device ( read our detailed review here ) We have them in our home and they're working well.

Smart Switches That Don't Require A Neutral Wire

Name	Amazon - Eaton RF9518WS Dimmer Switch C by GE 3 On/Off Smart Switch	Lutron Caseta Wireless Our Top Pick
Model Number	93120081	PD-6WCL
Requires Neutral	No	No
Compatible Bulbs	Smart bulbs make traditional light bulbs smart	Incandescent, CFL, LED, Halogen
Systems	Compatibility With Google Home, Alexa	Caseta Smart Bridge (Lutron Clear Connect), Wink

Summary: Can you create an intelligent home even without a neutral wire in your wiring? contain neutral wires?

In the end, if you have an older home it is possible that you are in a position to convert it into a smart home without having to redo the wiring of the entire home.