There are several brands that cater to your needs, but smart light switches without a neutral wire are rare. Lutron Caseta requires a second bridge or hub to be active on your smart home network. The most affordable option is a GE Cync switch.
Before the National Electric Code required neutral wires in light switch junction boxes, many homes were wired. Many of the best smart switches won't work for you if you own a home like that. A neutral wire is attached to every smart switch.
There is a single circuit between the bulb, power source, and light switch if there is no neutral wire. The electric current is broken if you switch off the lights. If you turn off the lights, the circuit will break, but the neutral wire will give the switch its own source of power.
There's a reason why almost every smart switch needs a neutral wire attached.
If you don't have neutral wires in your house, you can either buy a smart light switch that doesn't have a neutral wire or add neutral wires to the switches. We recommend that you have an electrician look at your home. It is always a risk to get hurt, so be safe.
Most smart switches only work by connecting through a compatible bridge or hub, which stores programming data like your wireless network details and login, so buying compatible smart switches is the easiest option. These hubs are not as expensive as an electrician, but they are still expensive.
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Lutron's smart switches and hub cost more but are compatible with more smart home tech. C by GE offers a more independent smart option.
The Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch is our favorite smart light switch. It works with almost any light fixture in your home, it has an app, and it works with both Amazon and Google. The Wireless Smart Bridge hub can be used to connect things like powered window blinds, ceiling fan controllers, and even motion sensors. If you plan to use any other Lutron equipment, the extra cost is worth it because you won't need another bridge.
This all adds up to an expensive purchase. The GE Cync Smart Light switch is more affordable and can be used without a dimmer switch. It works with both the mobile app and the assistant without a hub. The box has an accessory that is required to work with certain light bulbs. It is the only truly affordable option that does not involve an entire smart home family.
The Aqara Smart Light switch is compatible with all three smart home systems. If you want to control more than one switch, it gives you single or double rocker options. The Aqara hub is more affordable than Lutron's, so you can get a good middle option.
If you decide that smart switches and hubs aren't worth the hassle, keep in mind that most smart bulbs are compatible with any power outlet regardless of the neutral wire.
The best way to avoid a wire-less smart home is to check out the best smart bulbs or the best voice-controlled light bulbs. They save money by not requiring a hub, and they also offer app controls and voice commands.
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