Solutions Learning Center  Learning Center Home  Solutions  Smart Tips  Videos Interactive Demos Getting Started What is Home Automation?  What is INSTEON?  What is X10?  Forums     Learning Center / Solutions / INSTEON & X10 How Do I Know If I Have A Neutral Wire? 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 Switches that are ganged together have a much higher likelihood of having neutrals, no matter what year 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. Standard Switch Wiring INSTEON Switch/Dimmer Wiring 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. Save money and time by purchasing as a kit: 2-Wire INSTEON Dimmer Kit 2-Wire INSTEON Kit (non-dimming) For 3-Way Circuits: 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 Product SKU# Price (2) INSTEON SwitchLinc Dimmer 2476D $91.98 Total Price   $91.98 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: 7/12/10