How To Install Smart Light Switch? - DIY Guide

Did you recently purchase a smart light switch and find yourself hesitant to call an electrician for a seemingly simple installation? Fret not, as you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that installing a smart light switch is a task you can confidently take on yourself. While the installation process may present a few challenges, particularly when it comes to your home’s unique electrical setup, most individuals with basic do-it-yourself skills are more than capable of handling the job.

If you’re ready to embark on this exciting project, look no further. In this comprehensive how-to guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of seamlessly replacing your current switch with a brand-new smart light switch.

Rest assured, you’ll find the instructions clear, concise, and designed to make your installation experience as effortless as possible. So, let’s get started and transform your ordinary lighting into a smart and intuitive system.

Preparation First

Preparation is key before diving into the installation process of your new smart switch. It is recommended to follow these two steps to ensure a smooth installation:

Step 1: Check Tools and Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials at hand for a proper installation. Here's a list of items you'll need:

Tools:

• Electric screwdriver with a voltage indicator, or a non-contact voltage indicator, or a multimeter (any of these will suffice)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers or regular pliers
• Wire stripper/cutter or insulated utility blade

Materials:

• Electrical tape
• Wire nuts

Step 2: Go Shopping (if necessary)

Take a moment to review your current tool collection and verify if you have all the required tools listed above. If you don't have any of the necessary tools or materials, it's time to go shopping. Ensure you acquire them before starting the installation process to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Step-by-Step Installation of Smart Light Switch

The whole process of witching old light switch with a smart one doesn’t require much time, and job can be done in 15-20 minutes.

1. Cut Off Power 

Prioritize safety above all else when dealing with electrical wiring. It’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to avoid any risks.

We’ve come across instances where incorrect instructions were provided, such as suggesting to only switch off the power on the switch itself. However, this approach can be extremely dangerous as you’ll still be handling live wires afterward.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to completely cut off the power supply to the specific switch. This can be achieved by either locating the circuit breaker dedicated to that switch or by shutting off the main breaker for the entire house.

Please take a moment to locate your breaker box and switch off the power to the room where you’ll be performing the installation.

If your breakers are not labeled, finding the right one may involve a bit of trial and error. Here’s a method you can follow:

1. Begin by turning on all the light fixtures in the room you’re working in. Keep in mind that an electrical box may have multiple circuits, so it’s always worth checking if there are multiple switches within the same box.
2. Proceed to go through your breakers one by one until the lights in your specific room turn off.
3. If the room is not easily visible from the breaker box, consider having someone there to notify you when the lights go out, saving you from repeatedly running back and forth.
4. Once you have successfully cut off the power, it is safe to proceed with the installation process.

2. Pul Out The Old Switch

Now, let's proceed with the first step of the installation process: removing the old light switch. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Start by unscrewing the two screws located on the front frame of the switch. Carefully remove the frame once the screws are loose.

2. Using insulated pliers for added safety, gently detach the switch from its case. Take your time to avoid damaging any wires or components.

3. Before proceeding further, it is crucial to ensure there is no power running through any of the wires. Double-check this by using a voltage indicator on the wires to verify they are not live.

4. Take a closer look at the cables entering the junction box. In newer homes, you'll typically find a power supply cable known as the "line" entering from the bottom of the box. This cable consists of wires in the following colors: black (hot), white (neutral), and bare copper (ground).

5. Additionally, you may notice another cable, referred to as the "load," exiting from the top of the junction box and leading to the light fixture. The wires in this cable will also be black (hot), white (neutral), and bare copper (ground).

6. If it is not immediately clear which cable is which, you can temporarily turn the power back on and use a voltage indicator to identify the black wire that still carries power. This black wire corresponds to the line. Remember to turn the breaker off again after identification.

By carefully following these steps, you will successfully remove the old light switch in preparation for the installation of your new smart switch. It is worth noting that certain older homes might have two hot wires and no neutral wire. In such cases, there are specific smart switches available to accommodate this scenario.

3. Installing New Smart Light Switch

When it comes to installing a new smart light switch, it’s important to note that different switches may have varying numbers of connections. In this guide, we’ll provide an example using the TP-Link HS200, one of the top-selling smart light switches available.

Compared to traditional switches, the installation process for smart switches involves connecting neutral wires using a wire nut and a single wire that leads to the new switch. 

The same applies to the ground wires. To help you visualize the process, refer to the accompanying image below.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the connections:

1. Connect the white “neutral” wires with the wire nut to the terminal wire labeled “Neutral” on the smart switch.
2. Connect the ground pigtail wire to the green wire gray terminal on the smart switch.
3. Finally, connect the black load wires separately with wire nuts to terminal black wires marked “Live/Load” on the smart switch.

4. Place the New Smart Light Switch in Wall

Now it’s time to position the new smart light switch securely within the wall box. Follow these steps:

1. Begin by partially screwing the switch back into the box, ensuring it is aligned properly.
2. Once the switch is loosely in place, you can turn the power back on.
3. As the power is restored, you should notice the locator light on the switch illuminating (depending on the switch). This handy feature allows you to locate the switch even in the dark.
4. Test the functionality of the switch by pressing it to turn on the light fixture.
5. If everything operates as expected, make sure to cut off the power again before continuing.
6. With the power off, complete the installation of the switch according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Once the installation is complete, you can restore power to the switch by turning it back on at the breaker.

5. Connect Smart Light Switch to Your Home Network

Now it’s time to connect your smart light switch to your home network. Follow these steps to seamlessly integrate it with your existing setup:

1. Begin by downloading the dedicated app for your particular smart light switch. You can find it on your smartphone’s app store or the manufacturer’s website.
2. Once the app is installed, launch it and carefully follow the on-screen instructions to add your smart switch to your home network.
3. During the setup process, you will be prompted to connect the switch to your home’s WiFi network. Ensure that you have your WiFi credentials ready.
4. Follow the on-screen configuration steps provided by the app to complete the setup. This typically involves selecting your WiFi network from the available options and entering the network password, if required.
5. Once the setup is successfully completed, your smart light switch will be connected to your home network, enabling you to control it remotely using the app.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when installing a smart light switch:

1. Prior to installation, thoroughly read the instruction manual provided with your smart light switch. This will ensure you have a clear understanding of its wiring and functionality. Don’t worry if the switch layout different from a traditional one; designs can vary.
2. Remember that the wiring may differ from room to room. Avoid assuming that the setup process will be the same throughout your home. Take the time to understand the unique wiring requirements for each room.
3. If you encounter difficulties connecting your smart light switch to its corresponding app, check if you use a 2.4 GHz network, as some smart switches are incompatible with 5 GHz networks. If connectivity issues persist, you can reset the switch by pressing and holding the “on” button.

By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to install your smart light switch successfully. Remember to always refer to the provided instructions for your particular switch model to ensure a smooth installation process.