skip to main content

Smart Light Switches (Help My Electrician Forgot Wires)

6 years ago

Hello helpful people! Here is my current problem. We have a lot of recessed lighting in our living room, the problem is that my electrician didn't run a second wire to the other switch box, so its only possible to have one switch (2 way). Is there any smart light solution where i can put in a smart 2 way switch and install a remote switch across the room in a box that currently has a blank switch. I know i cant install this switch as a conventional 3 way, but I could supply the remote with a hot wire and ground for power or im ok with battery power). Any help or advise is appropriated, even if its bad news. Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

homepro01
6 years ago
Lutron Caseta with a pico remote may work. No wiring needed to the pico remote. You will need a Lutron bridge.
Steve J
6 years ago
If it was discussed before work was started, get your electrician back out there to fix/finish the job. It is incomplete. There are smart products that may work for you, but most will require the use of a smart hub to make it work. If it were me, i’d have it re-wired correctly, and if you choose to add smart switches down the road, you can do it with ease as any switch will work then.
Related Discussions
forgot to take a picture of old wiring
Q
Comments (3)
I'm a handyman, not an electrician, so take this with a couple grains of salt. Basically, 14-2 has to supply power (black wire) to both switches, with the other side of the switch getting connected to red (switch #1), and black (switch #2). The neutrals (white) are twisted together with lineman pliers (several revolutions), wire-nutted, and tucked in the double box. Twist the grounds together (lineman pliers) and ground the switches. I'm probably missing some details, but that's the general gist of it. Await confirmation from a reliable second-opinion before you proceed. This post was edited by homebound on Sun, Feb 3, 13 at 10:45
...See More
Wiring a ceiling fan light to a wall switch
Q
Comments (1)
I downloaded the read the installation manual. I don't think you can wire it to controlled from a wall-switch. The fan/lighting functions all seem to be integrated into the microprocessor inside the light. It needs to control the light to implement the light-delay feature for example.
...See More
My poor wiring on a fluorsecent light keeps tripping the fuse - help!
Q
Comments (4)
The first thing was removing the old fixture without documenting how the connections were made. Secondly, it appears that you are not using required connectors where cables are entering the fixture. Thirdly, I'm wondering if you've properly grounded the fixture chassis. There also appears to be an excessive amount of sheathing on the cables inside the fixture. I see an armored cable in the pictures. Is that in addition to three NM (Romex) cables and how does it come into play? You need to know which cable is a switch loop which acts as an interrupter to the hot leg of the power to the ceiling light rather than following the black-to-black and white-to-white scheme. You also need to know where the other cables are coming from i.e. power source, ceiling fixture. Is the switch to the closet light part of the fixture and how did you determine that it is working backwards?
...See More
Need help with 4-wire GFCI outlet + switch / outdoor light
Q
Comments (9)
I thought I replied to this post earlier today, but I guess it did not go through. The wiring for the receptacle and the light beyond it sound similar to what I have run across a couple of times in my house. If the power is running to the light switch, then they may have run 14/3 from the switch to the 1st outlet and used the white/black pair to power the receptacle, and the white/red pair passes through the receptacle to provide power to the light that is beyond. The only odd part is that usually you only need 14/2 from the receptacle to the light to make this work, but you said they had two reds nutted together in the box. You can use a similar scheme in reverse if you have power at the light, then 14/3 from the light to the receptacle, and then 14/2 running to the switch. The red wire is just used as a traveler that passes through the receptacle to provide a switch loop from the light switch to the light. I was very confused the first time I found this type of wiring scheme, since it looked like I was working with a 3 way switch circuit. However, it seemed that it was just a way to save running one more 12/2 cable from the light switch to the light. Bruce.
...See More
Ty Anderson
6 years ago
Thank you so much for the comments! Yes, I researched the lutron Caseta Wireless and it is fantastic! Steve I understand where you are coming from, but in my situation where I wasn't around much for our build (I have a demanding seasonal job in Nebraska) i wasn't able to specify some things. Although, as my wife put it, a lot of it seemed to be common sense (like only having one location to turn on our great room lights and its in a corner, along with two other situations that are similar. In this situation, the areas where wire would need to be run would require ruining a lot of freshly painted drywall. The lutron caseta doesn't require a smart hub it can work stand alone with the provided pico remote, but if you want bells and whistles and want to control it with the lutron smart app or apple home kit (yes i tell siri to dim the lights for me) than you can with the purchase of lutrons smart bridge for 79.99 more.

The in wall dimmer switch with remote is $60, smart bridge $80, or bundles together for $100.

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Wireless-Lighting-Starter-P-BDG-PKG2W/dp/B01M3XJUAD/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1516080745&sr=1-3&keywords=lutron+smart+bridge

Related Stories

LIGHTING Is Smart Lighting a Smart Choice for You?

By David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com

A professional offers advice on the latest in smart lighting for your home

DECORATING GUIDES Tricks to Hide Light Switches, Outlets and Toilet Roll Holders

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Embrace camouflage and other design moves to make these eyesores virtually disappear

LIGHTING Smart Ways to Work Wall Lights Into Your Living Room

By Amanda Pollard

Mood-setting sconces cast light where it’s wanted while keeping horizontal surfaces clear

LIGHTING 10 Ways With Wall Lights That Don’t Need to Be Wired In

By Lara Sargent

Learn how to add illumination to your home without carving into the walls

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Kitchen Investment: Lighting for Function and Good Looks, Too

By Tiffany Carboni

Save your eyes, lift your spirits and give buyers what they want with proper kitchen lighting. Two designers share their insight

KITCHEN PANTRIES 15 Smart Ideas From Beautifully Organized Pantries

By Laura Gaskill

See cabinetry and lighting setups that can help keep your food and supplies in good order

BEDROOMS Creative Ideas for Space-Saving Bedside Lighting

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Try these smart alternatives to the standard tabletop lamp to free up space on your nightstand

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Install a Dimmer Switch

By Mary Jo Bowling

New project for a new year: Take control of your lighting to set the right mood for entertaining, dining and work

LIGHTING 8 Ways to Use Plug-In Sconces in Your Lighting Scheme

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Plug-in, wall-mounted sconces help unclutter desks, add visual interest and more. See if they are right for you

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

Sponsored

Whispering Pine Construction

Franklin County's Top Choice for Reliable Outdoor Construction

More Discussions

Kitchen lighting help needed

4

Foyer light assist!

20

Beams and pendant lights in long hallway

14

Educate me on lighting, please!

7

What dimensions for a neck for this lamp?

4