Understanding Old Light Switch Wiring: A Guide

When it comes to installing a new smart lighting control system, one of the most crucial steps is understanding old light switch wiring. In this article, we will explore the different types of wires found in older light switches and how they relate to the installation process.

First and foremost, there are three main types of wires that you may encounter when working with old light switch wiring: traveler wires, neutral wires, and load wires.

Traveler Wires

Traveler wires are only used in multi-way configurations and always come in pairs. These wires play a crucial role in connecting the different switches to each other and allowing for control over multiple lights from a single switch.

Neutral Wire

The neutral wire is an important component of the Brilliant Control system, as it provides the necessary power to operate the device. If your old switch does not have a neutral wire attached, you may need to look for a cluster of white wires bundled together in the back of your wall box.

Load Wire

The load wire connects the switch to the light bulb or other 'load' (such as a fan or appliance). In a 3-way configuration, the load wire should be connected to the 'C' terminal of the Brilliant Control. The good news is that the Brilliant Control can automatically detect which wire is 'Line' and which is 'Load', so they are interchangeable when installing in a single-pole configuration.

Line Wire

The line wire provides the 120 Volts of power to your switch from the power company. This wire is installed in the wire hole labelled with the ground symbol (shown below) and is required for safety reasons. If it's not attached to your old switch, you may find it clustered together in a bundle in the back of your wall box.

Ground Wire

The ground wire is green or bare copper and may or may not be attached to your old switch. Fortunately, Brilliant can automatically detect which wire is 'Line' and which is 'Load', so it doesn't matter which of these two wires you install into the Common wire hole.

By understanding the different types of wires found in older light switches, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any installation job with confidence. Whether you're working on a 3-way or multi-way configuration, having a solid grasp of old light switch wiring will make the process much easier and less intimidating.

Common Terminal

When installing a Brilliant Control, the Common wire hole is where you'll insert your 'Line' or 'Load' wire into the Brilliant base. We've taken out some of the work for you by labeling the wires in our pictures below to help with identification.

By following these simple steps and understanding old light switch wiring, you can easily install a new smart lighting control system and start enjoying the benefits of modern home automation.

Old light switch wiring