| All INSTEON-compatible in-wall switches require a neutral wire connection. They will not work without a connection to a neutral. While all houses have a neutral wire, the real question is "Do you have them in your Switch Boxes?"
To answer this not-so-simple question, here are some good guidelines:
- If your house was built in the mid-1980s or later, there is an excellent chance that you have neutrals everywhere in your home
- If there is an outlet (wall receptacle) near the switch, most likely that switch box has a neutral
Checking The Switch Box
If you are unsure whether or not you have neutrals, look in your switch box. Please observe all safety precautions before handling the electrical wiring in your switch boxes.
- Turn off your breaker box
- Take off the trim plate over the switch
- Remove the screws from your switch and pull out the existing switch to look at the wires
- If you see a white wire (or group of them), it is VERY likely that you have a neutral in that switch box
The only way to be absolutely sure that you have found a neutral wire is to check the voltage (110V/120V) between the white wire and the "hot" (usually black in color) wire in the box. In a standard switch/dimmer, the "hot" is using one of the two wires connected to the switch.
What To Do If You Don't Have Neutrals
In a Ceiling Fixture:
Convert a switch leg into a neutral and install an INSTEON SwitchLinc Dimmer (or INSTEON KeypadLinc Dimmer) in the switch box plus an INSTEON In-LineLinc Dimmer in the ceiling fixture.
INSTEON SwitchLinc Dimmer |
INSTEON In-LineLinc Dimmer |
On a 3-Way Circuit:
Simply convert one of the traveler wires into a neutral (bringing neutral from the "master" to the "slave") and install 2 SwitchLincs.
INSTEON SwitchLinc Dimmer |
Get An Expert: When in doubt, hire a pro to do it. Have an electrician "pull" neutrals for you.
What About Using the Ground Wire If You Don't Have Neutrals?
While it is true that the ground wire and the neutral wires connect to the same place in your circuit panel, it is NOT acceptable by building and electrical codes to use the ground wire in this manner.
Updated: 12/31/07 |
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