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Need a smart switch without a neutral wire? Here are some options.

March 25, 2023 by Kevin C. Tofel 3 Comments

On a recent Internet of Things Podcast, we took a voicemail from our podcast hotline asking about replacing an old X10 switch. The caller said the X10 switch isn’t working with new LED bulbs due to the lower voltage and he needs a replacement switch. However, he doesn’t have a neutral wire to the switch and doesn’t want to run one, which is understandable.

Just a few years ago, the pickings for smart switches without a neutral wire were slim. These days, however, there is a much wider range of choices that will work in this scenario. We’re assuming that the switch isn’t going to be replaced by another X10 unit, mainly because fewer device makers support X10 these days.

Lutron is one of the brands that offers a smart switch that doesn’t require a neutral wire. In fact, Lutron has had this product available for several years. So it’s a well-proven solution.

Image courtesy of Lutron

The downside is the price because it costs a bit more than most other options. And it requires a Lutron Bridge. Still, it’s a good option if you’re willing to spend $74 for a Lutron Diva Smart Switch.

Enbrighten makes a switch without a neutral wire as well, and it is a little less expensive at $60.50. Unlike the Lutron, which uses a proprietary radio protocol, this one works over a Z-Wave network. Since we don’t know what platform and radios are installed in every smart home, we though it’s worth mentioning this option.

Then there’s the GE Cync switch, although we’re not fans of the design. It definitely has a unique look so I get that GE was going for something different but… Maybe you like the look.

Image courtesy of GE

And if you do, you can grab the GE Sync switch that doesn’t need a neutral wire for $49.98. GE chose Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connectivity options here, so you have support for main smart home standards. Well, except for Matter, that is.

And just to round out this list to four options, the Leviton DN6HD can be had for $49.99. This is nice looking smart switch like the Lutron. And it also shares the need for a bridge, so keep that in mind if you go the Leviton route. The bridge accepts commands over Wi-Fi and translates them to the protocol that Leviton uses.

The nice thing about all of these switches, aside from not needing that neutral wire, is that they should all work well with lower voltage LED lighting. That’s the main challenge our caller faces with his X10 switch. And if these aren’t enough options to choose from, we found a list of 12 smart switches at The Smart Cave that could work.

To hear the voicemail question in full, as well as our discussion on the topic, tune in to the Internet of Things podcast below:

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Filed Under: Featured, How-To Tagged With: CAO Gadgets, Enbrighten, Leviton, Lutron, neutral wire, smart home, smart lighting, smart switches, X10

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Comments

  1. Chris Wood says

    March 25, 2023 at 1:09 pm

    The issue is the lower current requirements of the leds, not lower voltage. The leakage through traditional triac dimmers plus the standby current without a neutral return prevents leds from shutting off. I hope one of these switches will work for me.

    Reply
  2. NateS says

    March 25, 2023 at 6:19 pm

    Not to be overlooked, I would think that the simplest solution for the smart switch without a neutral wire is one that requires no rewiring whatsoever, the ThirdReality Smart Switch, which simply fits over the existing wall plate, so that if a guest turns a light on or off manually, it does not throw off the controlling source.
    I have installed them all over the house, with no trips necessary to the breaker box.
    https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/23116A1B-6BC4-4696-9DB3-73F0BA042426?ingress=2&visitId=154bfae3-14f9-40e5-82db-93b604668cdf&ref_=ast_bln

    Reply
    • Your hair matches my hat says

      April 13, 2023 at 3:48 am

      On one hand, the servo snap-ons are ugly and noisy, but on the other, there are people out there following YouTube videos to install AC devices embedded into their walls and ideally, this practice would be stopped before the inevitable disaster that shines light on the danger. What force has an interest in defragmenting the market for AC smart device installers to earn a living by saving us from our neighbors over ambition? Probably should need a license to acquire the in-wall/wired-in devices in the first place…you place order and pick a service tech from a list, you receive confirmation and tech receives your device to come install. ..or just buy the noisy wallwart.

      Reply

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