By Emmanuel Sauvage · Updated
Smart home guide
Smart switch compatibility without neutral
In many UK homes the switch box has live and switched live but no neutral. Two-wire modules draw standby current through the bulb — with LEDs you often need a bypass at the ceiling rose. Always comply with BS 7671; hire a registered electrician for mains work.
Module matrix (manufacturer data — check exact SKU before buying)
| Product | Protocol | No neutral | Min. load | LED bypass | Dimming | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly 1L | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz | Yes (2-wire) | 3 W LED | Often yes | On/off only | Bypass at fitting; local + cloud control |
| Shelly Dimmer 2 | Wi-Fi | No — neutral required | 1 W | Sometimes | Yes | Not a true 2-wire solution |
| Legrand Céliane with Netatmo | Zigbee | Yes (2-wire module) | 5 W | Often yes | Dimmer variants | Complete switch plate; Netatmo gateway |
| Aqara H1 (no neutral) | Zigbee | Yes | 3 W | Often yes | On/off or dim variant | Aqara / Apple Home via hub |
| Sonoff ZBMini-L2 | Zigbee | Yes | 3 W | Recommended for LED | On/off | Module behind switch |
| Schneider Wiser | Zigbee | Depends on SKU | 5–10 W | Depends on load | Some dimmer SKUs | Check datasheet (switch vs micro-module) |
Isolate the circuit at the consumer unit before any work. Data indicative — French/EU SKUs; verify UK compatibility and certification before install.
Decision tips
- Wi-Fi (Shelly 1L): no hub, but only on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; fine for one or two circuits.
- Zigbee (Aqara, Legrand): needs a hub (Aqara M2/M3, HomeKit border router, etc.) but keeps lighting off your Wi-Fi.
- Bypass: if the bulb glows when “off”, add the maker’s bypass or use a ≥5 W dimmable LED load.
Step-by-step: smart switch without neutral tutorial. Ghosting: smart LED troubleshooting hub.
Have a question about this lighting or your wiring? Ask it here
Tell us the room, the bulb base or your electrical setup: we reply by email within 1 to 2 working days.