Installing programmable wall switch
#1
05-06-18, 06:07 PM
Installing programmable wall switch
The light switch I was wanting to replace only has a white and a black line connected to it. The instructions for this switch talks about a 3rd blue line. Can this still be installed by only using the black and white line?
https://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pd...07ee7201a1.pdf
https://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pd...07ee7201a1.pdf
#2
05-06-18, 06:37 PM
It can not be used on a switch loop because you don't have a neutral. You can either replace the switch loop cable from the light with a 4-conductor cable (black, white, red, blue) Or run a power source to the switch and cap off the power source at the light.
Here is the wiring you currently have:
Here is the wiring you currently have:
Last edited by ray2047; 05-06-18 at 07:00 PM.
#3
05-06-18, 07:18 PM
There are some timer switches that does not require neutral.
The one I found in a quick search is following.
https://www.amazon.com/Defiant-5-Amp.../dp/B00KYDIOEW
I do not know if it has all the features you need, I'm sure you will be able to find one.
One down side is these switches not requiring neutral will pull some current through the load, and depending on the type of load, the switch may not work or the light may turn on dim when the switch is off. Some LED bulbs and CFLs do that.
The one I found in a quick search is following.
https://www.amazon.com/Defiant-5-Amp.../dp/B00KYDIOEW
I do not know if it has all the features you need, I'm sure you will be able to find one.
One down side is these switches not requiring neutral will pull some current through the load, and depending on the type of load, the switch may not work or the light may turn on dim when the switch is off. Some LED bulbs and CFLs do that.
#4
05-06-18, 07:40 PM
Member
The no-neutral timer may also be using the ground wire as a neutral and put a small current on the ground wire to power the electronics in the timer. These units will state that ground wire is required.
#5
05-06-18, 08:55 PM
ray2047 How long do you think it would take an electrician to do the setup you talk about? And would I need to buy new outdoor lights first? The switch controls 2 lights (probably installed in 1999) right outside my front door.
And yes I like to use these low wattage bulbs.
And yes I like to use these low wattage bulbs.
