Smart Light Switch Wire Connections
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I am trying to connect a smart light switch. The existing switch only has two black wires connected to it, which i assume are the line and load wire. |
Wiring a Smart Light Switch
Electrical Question: I am trying to connect a smart light switch. The existing switch only has two black wires connected to it, which i assume are the line and load wire.
How to Wire Light Switch
Dave’s Reply:
I am trying to connect a TP-Llink smart light switch. the existing switch only has two black wires connected to it, which I assume are the line and load wire. the new switch has 4 wires, which all need to be connected – line, load, neutral and ground. pretty straight forward, or so I thought.
I pulled all of the wires out of the switch box to locate the neutral and ground wires and found a bundle of ground wires and another bundle of neutral wires clamped together (please see photo). In my limited experience, I have never seen this before. Would I be able to separate one ground and one neutral wire and connect them to the switch?
Thank you!
This electrical wiring question came from Jeff in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jeff.
How to Wire a Smart Light Switch
Application: How to Wire a Smart Light Switch.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Light Switch, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Light Switch should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area of Hawaii. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Wire a TP-Link Smart Light Switch in a Garage
This electrical wiring project is about wiring a smart light switch in the garage of a old house.
Light Switch How to Wire
From what you have described, and looking at the photo, the home wiring has been installed and crimp connectors have been used for the spliced connections, and this is typical for many older homes.
Here’s what I typically do in a situation like this: Turn off the circuit power. An additional wire may be added to the group of ground wires as they are now, just trim the ends of the wires evenly and add one more wire, then twist the group together and install a twist on wire connector.
The group of neutrals will either have to have the crimp connector removed, or the group of wires may be cut just below the crimp, then strip back the insulation, add an additional white wire, twist together, and install a twist on connector. This will provide you with all the wires you need, including the switch wires, to wire up the TP-Link Smart Switch
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