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Does my light fitting have a switched neutral for a smart light switch

  • 11-02-2019 1:16pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭


    Hi
    As the title says does my light switch contain a neutral feel so I can use a wifi light switch with IFTTT
    The connection with the 2 wires go to a connection on the switch thay says Com

    I bought a wireless dimmer switch from amazon I can the switch to come alive but it does not switch the lights on or dim them. I've since switched it back to the original
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07FMTYF34/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 1,410 ✭✭✭Dr4gul4


    Whats in the backbox ? switches dont carry neutral as they only "switch" the live.


  • Registered Users Posts: 942 ✭✭✭oinkely


    Nope, No neutral in that pic (to the best of my unqualified but somewhat experienced opinion).

    Are there any blue cables hiding in the back of the switch box?


  • Registered Users Posts: 23,180 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    No. Just get a smart bulb or a so off relay and terminate it at the light fitting and throw it into ceiling void


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,290 ✭✭✭Tefral


    Lightwave RF smart switches dont need one. Im sure the GETDEN ones dont either.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,410 ✭✭✭Dr4gul4


    Note:
    1.The switch originally needed a neutral line to install and use,but for some old houses, a third party may be needed.That is need Neutral wire, Line and Load are required.


    You 100% need a neutral in there somewhere.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭Psygnosis


    Had a look in the back back nothing in there. Its a pretty heavy light chandelier so wont be disconnecting that to have a look
    The lightwaverf gen 2 stuff looks like it would work but its super expensive
    Energenie as well but reviews on amazon are so so
    Getden is expensive and aesthetically lacking.
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoswit-Smart-Dimmer-Switch-Wireless/dp/B07FSCX25G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549831495&sr=8-3&keywords=yoswit%2Bsmart%2Bdimmer%2Bswitch&th=1
    This as well but not smart capable yet although they say it will be.
    Back to the drawing board I think.

    Any one give a recommendation on any of the above


  • Registered Users Posts: 23,180 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    Psygnosis wrote: »
    Had a look in the back back nothing in there. Its a pretty heavy light chandelier so wont be disconnecting that to have a look
    The lightwaverf gen 2 stuff looks like it would work but its super expensive
    Energenie as well but reviews on amazon are so so
    Getden is expensive and aesthetically lacking.
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoswit-Smart-Dimmer-Switch-Wireless/dp/B07FSCX25G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549831495&sr=8-3&keywords=yoswit%2Bsmart%2Bdimmer%2Bswitch&th=1
    This as well but not smart capable yet although they say it will be.
    Back to the drawing board I think.

    Any one give a recommendation on any of the above

    What functionality do you want ? What type lamps/bulbs does it take ?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭Psygnosis


    Its a chandler with 8 Philips led bulbs that are dimmable. They are expensive and good quality bulbs so dont really want to change them.
    When I moved in 6 months ago I thought I would just put a dimmer on them and be done.
    But I since got a couple of google home hubs. Logitech Elite harmony.
    So I guess I've caught the bug.
    Ideally Id like to be able to dim them using my voice and also set a scene as it hey google watch a movie and tv comes on goes to netflix and lights dim. First world problems ehh.


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,350 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    You could look into Fibaro Z-Wave dimmer modules along with SmartThings or similar hub.

    I think some of the Fibaro modules don't require Neutral.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,133 ✭✭✭maxamillius


    I’d say the majority of builds before 2000 won’t have a neutral at the light switch, even after 2000 it’s still rare enough, until recent years there has been no need for one at a light switch, although I find it easier to wire a house that way!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭Psygnosis


    I have a mini low powered pc N3450 Cpu I use for a couple of things.
    Could I use a Z-wave USB stick with this and connect a fibaro dimmer to it. Now that looks intresting


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,350 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    Psygnosis wrote: »
    I have a mini low powered pc N3450 Cpu I use for a couple of things.
    Could I use a Z-wave USB stick with this and connect a fibaro dimmer to it. Now that looks intresting

    Yes, most likely, check out Home Assistant, you'd need to run it or something like it on the PC.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,769 ✭✭✭Nedved85


    I recommend Broadlink smart switches with their hub. No need for neutral. Works like a charm :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,484 ✭✭✭Psygnosis


    Nedved85 wrote: »
    I recommend Broadlink smart switches with their hub. No need for neutral. Works like a charm :)

    Can you link me to the dimmer switches


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,769 ✭✭✭Nedved85


    I don't think they have dimmer switches. It's just on/off. I picked mine up at Aliexpress, I think there is an official broadlink store there.


  • Registered Users Posts: 384 ✭✭durtybit


    Nedved85 wrote: »
    I recommend Broadlink smart switches with their hub. No need for neutral. Works like a charm :)

    With the broadlink do you have any 2 way switches? Does it work?

    When you use the app does it show if the light is on Vs off ?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,769 ✭✭✭Nedved85


    durtybit wrote: »
    With the broadlink do you have any 2 way switches? Does it work?

    When you use the app does it show if the light is on Vs off ?

    Hi,

    The answer to both of those is no unfortunately.

    I have only one two way switch in my house (upstairs hall lights - three different switches to turn them on/off) so installed a Philips Hue bulb and a motion sensor to turn the light on after dark. I also put in three Philips hue dimmer switches over the standard wall switch with one of these:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samotech®-SM200-Switch-Philips-Dimmer/dp/B07D5KJ4B6/ref=pd_bxgy_201_2/259-3979732-1731725?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07D5KJ4B6&pd_rd_r=65f11273-3426-11e9-b94c-8f8ae5ab0f8e&pd_rd_w=AAaXJ&pd_rd_wg=8tTwR&pf_rd_p=a0365e62-3353-40ad-91cf-d4ca762b18a7&pf_rd_r=66D7XGQ50BB4JB0HGZP2&psc=1&refRID=66D7XGQ50BB4JB0HGZP2

    It's not ideal but it let me automate the hall light and that wall plate looks pretty good.

    The app just lets you turn the lights on/off.

    Can do the same via Google home.

    Also I installed a broadlink alarm system. I have a few motion sensors that turn on some of the the lights after dark, including the front/rear lights outside.

    It's a cheap system, but does require some effort to set up :)


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