Hi Guys,
I just picked up one of the Evolve light switches, and was just about to wire it in.
What I noticed now after the fact is, that the wiring diagram says the switch should have a neutral wire to the load.
In this specific condo, there doesnt seem to be a neutral wire in the wall to the light. I’ve only got the ground, hot wire, and load wire in the wall…no additional 4th wire for neutral.
I haven’t tried it, but is there a simpler way to wire it without me trying to run an extra wire to the light through insanely small conduit and drywall ceiling?
Does the switch require the neutral to work? Or can it be capped and taped up?
To add to what Z-Waver said, most dimmers that can competently dim different types of loads (incandescent, CFL, LEDs, etc) require a neutral wire at the switch.
If you have no neutral at the switch and are just dimming incandescent, then a cheaper GE/Jasco dimmer switch will suffice. Certain Leviton dimmers will also work (I have a couple of them), but they are pricier.
If I am understanding correctly…if you don’t have a neutral wire at a switch, a GE dimmer switch can be used in its place and you would be able to essentially have full switch control of incandescent light ? I have a lamp to control via a switch, this also does not have a neutral wire. So your suggestion of using a GE dimmer switch is an option in this case ?
Fantastic information guys, thank you for helping out a noob like me!
That said, what about adding a neutral wire at the switch?
I actually have a ground wire that’s taped up in there and I might trace it out. If it goes back to the ceiling lamp, I might get lucky and be able to use that wire as a neutral?
The wiring diagram foe this switch suggests there is no ground wire going to the load at all… Is it assuming the ground is wired at the lamp somewhere else?
Additional info: when I originally hooked up this new switch without the neutral, I noticed that when I turned the switch on my volt meter read 72v on the neutral wire, 0 when off. I’m not sure how this setup actually works, or why the light would need a 120v supple as well as a 72v supply…
Well, maybe after all it would be best to just sell this evolve switch and get one that doesn’t need a neutral after all.
Anyone that has a switch that would work that would perhaps be interested in a trade?
[quote=“amp3d, post:6, topic:178768”]Fantastic information guys, thank you for helping out a noob like me!
That said, what about adding a neutral wire at the switch?
I actually have a ground wire that’s taped up in there and I might trace it out. If it goes back to the ceiling lamp, I might get lucky and be able to use that wire as a neutral?[/quote]
No. No. NO. Even though the neutral wire does technically meet the ground back at the main panel, never substitute a ground wire for a neutral in your switch or fixture box. You’re violating NEC and risking a shock hazard.
If you are not sure about the wiring it’s better to get an electrician. If something was to happen like a fire, and it could be traced to he electrical, your insurance company would be able to deny your claim. Safety first.
[quote=“TC1, post:8, topic:178768”][quote=“amp3d, post:6, topic:178768”]Fantastic information guys, thank you for helping out a noob like me!
That said, what about adding a neutral wire at the switch?
I actually have a ground wire that’s taped up in there and I might trace it out. If it goes back to the ceiling lamp, I might get lucky and be able to use that wire as a neutral?[/quote]
No. No. NO. Even though the neutral wire does technically meet the ground back at the main panel, never substitute a ground wire for a neutral in your switch or fixture box. You’re violating NEC and risking a shock hazard.
If you are not sure about the wiring it’s better to get an electrician. If something was to happen like a fire, and it could be traced to he electrical, your insurance company would be able to deny your claim. Safety first.[/quote]
Yep, I’m certainly going to take your advice. Got an electrician coming over this afternoon to look at it.
I’ll see what he comes up with, otherwise I’ll just get the proper switch
[quote=“amp3d, post:9, topic:178768”][quote=“TC1, post:8, topic:178768”][quote=“amp3d, post:6, topic:178768”]Fantastic information guys, thank you for helping out a noob like me!
That said, what about adding a neutral wire at the switch?
I actually have a ground wire that’s taped up in there and I might trace it out. If it goes back to the ceiling lamp, I might get lucky and be able to use that wire as a neutral?[/quote]
No. No. NO. Even though the neutral wire does technically meet the ground back at the main panel, never substitute a ground wire for a neutral in your switch or fixture box. You’re violating NEC and risking a shock hazard.
If you are not sure about the wiring it’s better to get an electrician. If something was to happen like a fire, and it could be traced to he electrical, your insurance company would be able to deny your claim. Safety first.[/quote]
Yep, I’m certainly going to take your advice. Got an electrician coming over this afternoon to look at it.
I’ll see what he comes up with, otherwise I’ll just get the proper switch
Thanks![/quote]
Sounds great. Let us know how it works out.
Best Home Automation shopping experience. Shop at Ezlo!
