How to Install a Smart Light Switch

If you’re interested in controlling your existing ceiling lights with Alexa or Google Assistant, but can’t imagine replacing each individual bulb with a smart bulb, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there’s a way to integrate your fixtures for smart controls, and that’s with a smart light switch. You can find smart switches online and at brick and mortar locations like Best Buy, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart.

But does a smart light switch require a phone call to your electrician? Our opinion: Not if you’re feeling somewhat handy. Depending on your home’s electrical, the installation process for a smart light switch can be a little tricky from time to time, but most people with DIY skills can take on the task. For those attempting this weekend project, we have done the research for you and put together this how-to guide to make installing your new smart light switch an easy task.

Things you’ll need

Phillips head screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Smart light switch that fits your wall switch and wiring setup (more on this later)
Wire cutters
Wire connectors
Flashlight or battery-operated lantern
Electrical tape

Step 1: Learn your existing wall switch and wiring setup. Before you purchase a smart light switch, you’ll need to figure out the type of switch you need. If the wall panel only has one switch, you need a single-gang. If it has two switches (maybe one switch for a light and one for a ceiling fan), you’ll need a two-gang smart light switch. If it has three switches, you’ll need a three-gang switch.

You also need to know what type of wiring you have. Turn off the power at the fuse box to avoid getting electrocuted. If you’re not sure what electrical circuit your lights belong to, it’s not a bad idea to grab a voltage meter (if you don’t already own one). The Klein combo pack we linked to above even comes with a non-contact voltage tester, so you won’t have to mess around with leads and wires.

Then, open up the existing switch where you want to install your smart switch and examine the wiring. To open up the switch, unscrew the screws on the wall plate (they’re usually located on the top and bottom of the plate). Use a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver to pry the plate off of the wall, as it can stick in place (often because of paint). Then, unscrew the screws on the actual light switch and gently pull the switch forward.

Look at the wiring setup. Most smart light switches require a ground wire, an “in” wire, an “out” wire, and a neutral wire. Most homes have the in, out, and ground wires, but some homes built before the 1980s don’t have neutral wires. Typically, the neutral wire is a white wire (or group of white wires). If you don’t have a neutral wire, you can still install many smart light switches, but you’ll need to purchase a specific type of smart light switch that doesn’t require a neutral wire. For instance, the Lutron P-PKG1W-WH-R Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch will work without a neutral wire, but it does require its own bridge.

Step 2: Choose a smart light switch. Once you familiarize yourself with your wiring setup, choose a smart light switch that fits your situation.

With two-gang switches, you can run into traveler wires and other unique situations. Therefore, the instructions moving forward will assume a single-gang smart light switch with a neutral wire, like Wemo’s smart light switch.

Step 3: Remove your old light switch. (Again, ensure the power is off at the breaker). Disconnect the old light switch completely by disconnecting each wire one by one. Take note of which wire is which as you disconnect them to avoid confusion later. If they’re unlabeled, grab some different colors of electrical tape and make labels as you go.

Step 4: Connect the wires on your smart light switch to the wires inside your wall. Connect the in wire to the in wire, the out wire to the out wire, the ground wire to the ground wire, and the neutral wire to the neutral wire. Secure your connections with wire connectors, and make sure you don’t have any loose or exposed wire in the box. (Keep in mind that the ground wire might be a bare wire.) Depending on your wiring, you may need to use a wire stripper to properly prepare the wires for your new switch.

Once you’ve made all of the connections and secured them, test your connections by turning on the power. If your switch has power, move on to the next step. If your switch does not have power, re-check all of your connections.

Step 5: Secure the smart light switch in place. Turn the power off at the breaker. Neatly place the wire connections into the wall box. It may be a tight fit, and it can be hard to get the wires into the box. As tempting as it is to forcefully shove them in the box, take your time and neatly place them to avoid loosening the connections or creating a fire hazard. You can sometimes bind together wiring with electrical tape, but it’s important to not increase the risks of an electrical fire.

Once you’ve fit the wires in the box, screw the smart light switch into place. Then, turn the power back on at the breaker to make sure you didn’t break any of the connections. If your connections are all intact, snap on the wall plate, and begin setup in the app.

Step 6: Connect your smart light switch to Wi-Fi. Install the smart light switch’s corresponding app, and connect the switch to your network. Once you get the switch connected to the app, name the switch and connect it to Alexa or Google Home to start voice-controlling your lights.

Tips

Read the smart light switch’s instruction manual thoroughly to ensure you understand its wiring and setup. Smart light switch designs can vary, but don’t be afraid if they look different from your traditional switch.
Your wiring setup might be different in different rooms throughout your home. Don’t assume all of your wall switches have the same wiring setup.
If you experience issues connecting your switch to the app, make sure you have it on a 2.4 GHz network. You can also try resetting the switch, which typically involves holding down the button that turns the light on for about ten to 15 seconds.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to install a two- or three-gang smart light switch and/or how to install a smart light switch without a neutral wire.