

The hub stores the login information and wireless network details in order to operate the smart switch remotely. The smart home hub is essential in such smart switches to store their programming and send signals to them when their circuits are incomplete. The smart switches that don’t require a neutral wire for their operation require a connection to a home hub. There are different types of smart switches that don’t require a neutral wire which can be also used for the same purpose, but most of the smart switches available today require a neutral wire for their operation. So, the neutral wire is an essential part of a smart switch. If there is no neutral wire in the switch then the circuit is only completed when the switch is turned ON and once the switch is turned OFF the circuit becomes incomplete. With the help of the neutral wire, the smart switch circuit is always completed which is then used to turn the appliance ON or OFF remotely. The neutral wire is used to complete the circuit even when the switch is in the OFF condition. For that reason, the neutral wire is important in smart switches. Unlike other regular switches in your home, smart switches are always on standby as they can be turned ON at any time remotely. The wires should not be touched by hand intentionally or unintentionally. The circuit breaker should be turned OFF before examining the switch box to prevent the risk of electric shock. Working with your houses electrical system is danger so make sure to take care and use proper protective equipment when examining the switch box.

Some manufacturer’s smart switches require a neutral wire for their operation and some manufacturer’s smart switches don’t require a neutral wire for their operation.Īn example of a neutral wire connection with a smart switch is shown in the figure below.įig: Smart Switch Neutral Wire Connection Checking a Switch Box for Neutral Wire There are numerous manufactures of smart switches. Smart switches are used to control different appliances that are hardwired such as lights, fans, and many other household appliances. Smart switches are used for various functionalities such as ease of control, better reliability, and decreased power consumption for appliances hooked up to them.Ī smart switch is shown in the figure below: Smart switches are a newer form of automation with better efficiency. Remote controls, mobile applications and various other interfaces are used to control the smart switch from anywhere with ease. Smart switches are operated the same as the traditional switches but they can also be controlled with other smart applications and devices from your mobile phone, tablet, or other connected devices. Smart switches are the replacement for the old traditional switches which are used to improve the efficiency of different appliances or equipment attached to them through improving how the appliance is able to draw power. The neutral wire provides a path to complete an electrical system. If the neutral wire is disconnected from an electrical system then the flow of electricity is also stopped until the neutral wire is connected again.Ī neutral wire is attached to the earth’s ground within an electrical system through a panel.

Some types of circuits will be incomplete without a neutral wire. A neutral wire is used to carry the current back to the power source to better control the voltage of the power coming into the switch.Ī common neutral wire connection in a conventional switch box is shown in the figure below:įig: Typical Switch box connection Importance of Neutral wireĪ neutral wire is used to provide a return path to the earth ground. Typically wall switches are the kinds of smart switches that require a neutral wire for installation and functionality. Need for Neutral Wire in Smart Switches.
