Switch wiring advice (smart switches)

[Davidh89]

Forgive me for my lack of knowledge

I'm wanting to replace all of my light switches with smart switches, I'm award I need neutral wires for these to work.
I had a full house rewire 5 years ago so I pulled back one of my switches today to take a look.

Not sure what wire is what.
Any help would be appreciated.

Any advice on fitting smart WiFi switches over RF switches?

Thanks

 

[littlespark]

A few issues here.

1. Yes. You may need a neutral. (I say, "may" as some do not need a neutral to operate) The blue wire into the connector (and the grey with blue sleeving) is a neutral.
2. You also need a permanent live. You would have to test if you have one there or if this is the 2-way switch strappers and a switched live rather than perm live.
3. There may not be enough space in the back box for a smart switch. All the electronic gubbins takes up a lot of space. It depends on the make you go for

 

[Octopus]

2 observations

1. That is a 2 way switch - so be careful if you start changing things

2. That back box looks like a 16mm so a smart switch may not fit in it


PS : Who uses 16mm boxes these days?

 

[Squid]

PS : Who uses 16mm boxes these days?

The same person who doesn't clean it out and leaves the rail plug partly in the box.

 

[littlespark]

That's what I said, Murdoch.

Is it a 16mm? I thought it was a 25 as I think I can see a 20mm knockout on the side. Still might not be enough space

 

[Davidh89]

Thanks guys,
That's probably the biggest issue as it will be solid brick behind the box, so very difficult to dig out. Unless I use a spacer on the outside..