Replace standard switch with Alexa compatible dimmer switch

Tboggie

Hi,

I have a standard switch in the living room, which controls six downlights.

I was wondering if I can replace the switch with a dimmer switch that is compatible with Alexa without replacing existing downlights?

I saw some on Amazon but looks like I would need a neutral wire for those to work.

Is this possible without a neutral wire? Or would I have to replace the downlights with something like Philips Hue lights?

Thanks,
T

Jamie

It's certainly possible but the decent switches I'm aware of would likely need a hub as they utilise lower power RF to make working without a neutral possible. Have you actually checked behind the switch, you may be lucky.

A decent example would be the gen2 LightwaveRF range of switches and sockets.

Personally I love my Hue lights. The big advantages for me are the fact I'm not limited to controlling a whole circuit of lights, they can be controlled individually and I also like being able to drastically alter the mood by changing the lights shade. Colour is a novelty but the white ambient bulbs which change between cold white and warm white and anywhere in-between are awesome.

ufo550

I think I'm right, the Lightwave dimmer switches will function without a neutral, but only as they don't fully turn off the live to each light. Therefore you would have to check if the lamps are compatible; Lightwave have a compatibility list.

Tboggie

Thanks for the information. I'll check if there is a neutral feed tonight, and if there isn't, I'll be looking at the Lightwave dimmer switches.

ufo550

Bear in mind the Lightwave compatibility list, otherwise you might end up with some disco lighting.

mushii

Yeah been there with Lightwave and the flickering buzzing lights, like a demented bluebottle and a 50’s B movie combined and a very small and frightened child. Particularly bad on LED bulbs, especially non-dimmable ones.

Tboggie

So a better option is to go with Philips Hue?

I have just checked behind the switch, please is anyone able to determine if I've got a neutral feed through any of these pictures?

BTW, the house was built by Taylor Wimpey less than 9 months ago.

Jamie

Yes. The blue cores that are terminated in a screw terminal I would say are nuetral. Plasterboard backbox as well which means decent space.

I don't know enough to recommend a specific smart switch so I'll leave that to others

ufo550

I would have those cables tested to confirm the presence of a neutral, though it looks likely. You could now use the Lightwave, or use Enlite, Lutron etc. However, I've no real experience of these systems.

mushii

Smart switches tend to come in 3 flavours:

1. Stand Alone - this is just a wifi / bluetooth enabled smart switch that does not belong to any sort of eco system - These tend to be the cheapest (£10 - £30 per switch, DIY Install and often require a Neutral at the switch)

2. Proprietary Eco System - such as Lutron, Systemline, Rako, which often need a proprietary controller etc and only work within their own eco-stystem. - These tend to be the most expensive (£50 - £300 per circuit plus professional install and programming, these use their own proprietary wiring or for retro-fit will require a Neutral at the switch)

3. Open Eco System - such as Zigbee or Zwave (I will put Lightwave into this category). These will interact with other devices with the same radio type, but again will require some sort of bridge for cloud control or some sort Hub for local control. - These tend to be the middle ground (£50 per circuit, DIY install, often can work with or without Neutral at the switch although a Neutral will provide more options).

Also consider aesthetics. option one, IMHO tend to be butt ugly and are often some sort of nasty touch panel. Option two will often have a particular brand aesthetic and tend to be 'hi tech' looking, which are often much more attractive but do not blend well with normal UK light switches so you need to think about the overall look of your whole house. Option 3 offer either a much simpler looking brand aesthetic (Lightwave) or discrete hidden modules that can use standard UK switch fittings. Aesthetics was a big consideration when adding smart lighting in my property.