Because unlike a normal switch, the wifi switch needs power, so it needs a neutral wire to complete a circuit at the switch between the unswitched hot wire and neutral for that power.
Can I install a smart switch without a neutral wire?
Yes, you can install a smart switch without a neutral wire. There are some smart light switches and dimmers that do not require a neutral wire. These are great for DIY installers looking for an effective smart lighting solution.
What happens if a light switch doesn’t have a neutral wire?
The neutral wire allows the completion of the circuit and the switch to have power even when it’s turned to the off position when you want the lights off. Without this neutral wire in place, the circuit is broken any time the switch is now in the off position. It remains has power when the switch is in the On Mode.
How do I install a wireless light switch without neutral?
Youtube quote:So just go ahead and use a screwdriver or whatever you got if you've got a drill driver that'll work as well.
Does neutral wire have to be same size as hot wire?
However in a 3 conductor cable, the size of the neutral wire is the same as the hot wire; which puzzles me. If both hot wires carry 15A current, the neutral wire will carry 30A current.
Do light switches require a neutral?
In terms of a home’s power flow, the neutral wire provides a return path for currents essential to most modern U.S. electrical codes. Combined with a power source and ground wire, you have the makeup of a contemporary light switch, but earlier switches operate without the neutral.
How do you know if a light switch has a neutral wire?
Remove the wall plate of the existing switch by either snapping it off or unscrewing it. Unscrew the existing switch from the electrical box and slowly pull it out just enough to reveal the wires connected to it. If you see a white wire, or a group of them, then you have neutral wiring.
Does the neutral wire carry current?
The neutral wire does carry current. it is responsible for completing the electrical flow through the circuit. The hot wire current needs an outlet to return to its source, which is where the neutral wire comes into action.
Why is neutral wire thinner?
In a three phase system neutral wire is thinner. Because neutral will carry only leakage or unbalance current of three phase. Unbalance neutral current constitutes very small percentage of phase wire. So to reduce cost, size of neutral wire is reduced.
Why is the neutral wire smaller?
Here the main purpose of the neutral wire is to ground the fault current in case of unbalance or harmonics. Here the neutral wire does not carry the load current. In this case, the size of the neutral wire may be less than phase wire.
Can a neutral be one size smaller?
It is possible to downsize a feeder or service neutral according to the calculations in the National Electrical Code here: 220.61 Feeder or Service Neutral Load.
How does a neutral wire becomes live?
In most installations the live is at the required voltage and the neutral line is connected to the ground at a point. If the device is on, the neutral will be connected to the live wire and the voltage will not be zero.
