Step 1: Learn your existing wall switch and wiring setup.Before you purchase a smart light switch, you’ll need to figure out the type of switch you need.If there is only one switch on the wall panel, you need a 1 Gang switch; if there are two switches (maybe one switch for a light and anotherfor a ceiling fan), you’ll need a 2 Gang smart light switch;then 3 Gang for three switches.
You also need to know what type of wiring you have.Turn off the power at the fuse box to avoid getting electrocuted.Then,open up the existing switch where you want to install your smart switch and check the wiring.To open up the switch,unscrew the screws on the wall plate (they’re usually located on the top and bottom of the plate).Use a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver to pry the plate off of the wall, as it can stick in place (often because of paint).Then,unscrew the screws on the actual light switch and gently pull the switch forward.
Look at the wiring setup.Most smart light switches require a ground wire,an “in” wire, an “out” wire, and a neutral wire.Most homes have the in, out, and ground wires; but, some homes built before the 1980s don’t have neutral wires.Typically,the neutral wire is a white wire (or group of white wires). If you don’t have a neutral wire,you can still install a smart light switch, but you’ll need to purchase a specific type of smart light switch that doesn’t require a neutral wire.For example,we Moes now have the single live wire switch that no neutral wire required,and many other smart switches are designed with neutal and live wire.
Step 2: Choose a smart light switch.Once you familiarize yourself with your wiring setup,choose a smart light switch that fits your wiring,as well as your decorations.
With 2 Gang switches,you can run into traveler wires and other unique situations.Therefore, the instructions moving forward will assume a 1 Gang smart light switch with a neutral wire,like Moes smart light switch.
Step 3: Remove your old light switch.Ensure the power is off at the breaker.Disconnect the old light switch completely by disconnecting each wire one by one.Take note of which wire is which as disconnect them to avoid confusion later.It helps to label the wires with colored electrical tape so you can keep track of them.
Step 4: Connect your smart light switch.Connect the wires on your smart light switch to the wires inside your wall.Connect the “in” wire to the “in” wire, the “out” wire to the “out” wire,the “ground” wire to the “ground” wire,and the “neutral” wire to the “neutral” wire.Secure your connections with wire connectors,and make sure you don’t have any loose or exposed wire in the box (note: the ground wire might be a bare wire).
About:How to Install MOES Smart Switch
Once you’ve finished all of the connections and secured them,test your connections by turning on the power. If your switch has power, move onto the next step.If it doesn't, re-check all of your connections one by one.
Step 5: Secure the smart light switch in place.Turn the power back off at the breaker. Neatly place the wires connections into the wall box. Sometimes, it’s a tight fit, and it’s hard to get the wires into the box. As tempting as it is to forcefully shove them in the box, take your time and neatly place them to avoid loosening the connections or creating a fire hazard.
Once you’ve fit the wires in the box, screw the smart light switch into place.Then,turn the power back on at the breaker to make sure you haven't broken any of the connections. If your connections are all intact,snap on the wall plate, and begin the setup in Tuya Smart Life App.
Step 6: Connect your smart light switch to Wi-Fi.Install the smart light switch’s corresponding app and connect the switch to your network. Once you get the switch connected to the app,name the switch and connect it to Alexa or Google Home for achieving voice-control of your connected lights.(Our Moes smart switches can only work with 2.4GHz WiFi network,no 5G available.)
TIPS
- Read the smart light switch’s instruction user manual thoroughly to ensure you have completely understood its wiring and setup.
- Your wiring setup might be different in different rooms throughout your house. Do not assume all of your wall switches are designed with the same wiring setup.
- If you experience issues connecting your switch to the app, make sure you have it on a 2.4 GHz network. You can also try resetting the switch, which typically involves holding down the button that turns the light on for about 10 to 15 seconds.(see detalis in the user guide manual)
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to install a 2 or 3 Gang smart light switch, as well as on how to install a smart light switch without a neutral wire,usually a capatitance is a must for normal work.
