Installing Smart Light Switches That Require a Neutral

by **gavruck1984** » Sun Jun 03, 2018 4:02 pm

Hi All,
I'd like to install a smart switch which requires a neutral wire.

The present switch as two live wires and the earth connected to the facing, which i understand is pretty standard. There is also what i think are 4 neutral wires in the housing which are connected to nothing, is it ok just to use one of these for the smart switch? Any ideas why they would be in the housing but not used?

See image...

Thanks guys

by **Mr White** » Sun Jun 03, 2018 7:43 pm

They are probably being used. The "loop in" is at the switch, not at the light. If you use just one of them the other lights will not work. From the picture i see the blacks are terminated in a "choc bloc" connect a wire from this to the neutral of your smart switch.

by **gavruck1984** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 8:45 am

thanks for the rapid reply. I'll try that thanks!

by **gavruck1984** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 8:50 am

sorry, follow up question. Can you recommend a good place to buy a small run of the wire required? I'll probably need it for 4 switches in total. Sorry for these amateur questions. :(

by **Mr White** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 5:28 pm

You should use the same size cable that is there, so you need 1mm Twin and earth (But you only need one core) You should also buy a roll of blue insulation tape (incase you use the brown wire too)

You can get it by the metre from any good diy shop or B & Q

by **gavruck1984** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 6:43 pm

Thanks. Will do. Much apreciated!

by **gavruck1984** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 7:09 pm

Just out of curiosity why would there be two neutrals going into the choc bloc and two coming out. Would this futureproofing be for a two switch solution or something ?

by **Mr White** » Mon Jun 04, 2018 9:33 pm

Pass.

Everyone does it different, I would say it is not correct.