# FAQ: SmartThings-Compatible Switches that Don’t Require Neutral (US, 2019) **URL:** \ **Category:** FAQ\ **Tags:** project\_lighting, project\_getstarted\ **Created:** [January 22, 2019, 5:29pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/faq-smartthings-compatible-switches-that-don-t-require-neutral-us-2019/151207 "2019-01-22T17:29:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![JDRoberts](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/jdroberts/32/56577_2.png) [@JDRoberts](https://community.smartthings.com/u/JDRoberts)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2019, 6:06pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/faq-smartthings-compatible-switches-that-don-t-require-neutral-us-2019/151207/2 "2019-01-22T18:06:55Z")
The first one you listed is not a Lutron switch (they don’t use zwave), it’s a GE switch. Here’s the current list that I am aware of. ( and always remember the first rule of home automation: the model number matters.) (If you’re in the UK, see the following FAQ instead: [FAQ: Light switch no neutral (UK) (2019)](https://community.smartthings.com/t/faq-light-switch-no-neutral-uk-2019/150508) ) **1) Lutron Caseta, Integration through the Lutron SmartBridge**. Several of their models do not require a neutral, and Lutron, which is an engineering company, holds patents on their method, which is why they can do things that many other companies cannot. Note that you can use their pico battery operated remote for the auxiliary in a three-way, and that can save you quite a bit of money overall. These will work with LED bulbs as well as incandescent or halogens. This is probably the most popular choice as of this writing. These will also work with HomeKit or IFTTT. They are on the official “works with smartthings“ list. You can use either the regular smartbridge or the smartbridge pro. The pro will give you more integration options in the future, so personally that’s the model I recommend, but it will cost about $50 more than the basic model. Get the second generation of either bridge model if you want HomeKit compatibility also. One bridge can support up to about 40 Caseta devices. They’re sold in a lot of different bundle options, I’m linking to one that has the pro bridge, a master switch, and a pico. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/5/1/51dfc52feca54d1e201b5f39ccbc75cda712d8e0.jpeg) [https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-P-BDGPRO-PKG1W-Wireless-Dimmer-Bridge/dp/B01AVLTHY2/](https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-P-BDGPRO-PKG1W-Wireless-Dimmer-Bridge/dp/B01AVLTHY2/) **2) GE 14299.** Zwave plus. Works with incandescents or halogens, but not LEDs. (it’s a physics thing) [https://www.amazon.com/GE-Enbrighten-Incandescent-SmartThings-14299/dp/B07361Y54Z/](https://www.amazon.com/GE-Enbrighten-Incandescent-SmartThings-14299/dp/B07361Y54Z/) **3) aeotec zwave plus nano dimmer.** May also require a “bypass“ device if the current load is too low. This is an inwall micro. You can use it with any dumb light switch, although retractive/momentary will be more intuitive for dimming. Like the Lutron, works well with most bulb types. This is probably the second most popular choice right now, it’s just a little intimidating to people who have only worked with all in ones before. I’m going to link to the smartest house website because they have the best product description, but you will be able to find this other places including Amazon if the smartest house is out of stock. Note that only the dimmer does not require a micro. The regular “switch“ does require a micro. [https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/products/aeotec-by-aeon-labs-z-wave-plus-nano-dimmer-zw111](https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/products/aeotec-by-aeon-labs-z-wave-plus-nano-dimmer-zw111) ![IMG_5503](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/6/f/6f23001c7762c4a926d79c81e260b4d0ab253ddb.JPG) As with any zwave device, Make sure you get the frequency that exactly matches your hub, so don’t buy one from the US and expect it to work with the UK hub or vice a versa. **4) Fibaro Dimmer 2**. Very similar to the Aeotec Except this one only works with incandescents or halogens, not LEDs. Again, only the dimmer works without a neutral, not the relay switch. And again, if you don’t meet the minimum current load you may need an additional bypass device. > **[FIBARO Z-Wave Plus Dimmer 2 FGD-212](https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/products/fibaro-z-wave-plus-dimmer-2-fgd-212?variant=21768681988)** > > Unearthly potential Unleash your fantasy decorating a living-room or bathroom. Create illumination effect to match weather conditions, your mood. **5) Leviton Lumina ZSS10\_G0Z no neutral zigbee Switch.** these are officially compatible with smartthings, but are very difficult to purchase outside of wholesale channels. The Lumina line is intended for hotels and office buildings. Typically very expensive if you are only buying one. This switch comes in two versions, one which requires a neutral and one which does not, so check the model number carefully. Also note that this is a switch, not a dimmer. Works with all bulb types. Some community members who have all zigbee installations are using them. Note that with this brand it’s the relay switch which offers a no neutral option and the dimmer which requires a neutral. So read specifications carefully. > **[ZSS10-G0Z](https://www.leviton.com/en/products/zss10-g0z)** > > Decora® Wireless Rocker Wall Switch, No Neutral > **[Leviton LUMINA RF WALL STN.NN - ZSS10-G0Z](https://www.onestopbuy.com/leviton/ZSS10-G0Z-74011.asp?sin=ZSS10-G0Z)** > > Requires LU741 Lumina Gateway to operate. Lumina RF 2.4GHz Decora Wall Station, Mechanical Switching Relay, Wire-in, HA 1.2 Profile w/3-Way Capability, Decora Rocker, 120-277VAC, 50/60Hz, Leaks to Load (No Neutral wire required), NAFTA Compliant,... ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/3/a/3a26cd2c7e64fc7df4adb16e97345d1bd514c38e.jpeg) **6) older GE zwave Classic switches.** you may be able to find some pre-2016 GE switches which do not require a neutral, but which will only work with incandescent bulbs. **7) anything which has two way communication with IFTTT.** you can use IFTTT as a “man in the middle“ integration with any switch which has an IFTTT channel. It’s just a question of how much lag and if all features are available. You can usually get pretty good integration with an on/off switch, dimmers may be trickier. But it is an option to consider and some community members are using it. You have to set the switch up with its own app and/or hub if it has one, and then just use IFTTT to trigger events in either direction. This is most popular for our EU community members who may be using lightwave RF generation 2 devices, but if you happen to find a no neutral switch and it does work with IFTTT, that’s an option. > **[IFTTT - Automate business & home](https://ifttt.com/)** > > Get started with IFTTT, the easiest way to automate your favorite apps and devices for free. Make your home more relaxing. Make your work more productive. We... **8) Use Echo as the “Man in the Middle.”** This is a new option as of the fall of 2018. Any device which can be controlled through an echo routine (not a smartthings routine) Can now be triggered from a smartthings event. Setup is a little complicated, but not too bad. Again, it’s a matter of finding a device you like, setting it up with its own app, setting up its native echo integration, And then using an echo routine to tie it in with smartthings. There are a few Bluetooth switches like Switchmate that this might work with, for example. > [@FAQ: Can I trigger an Echo Action without Speaking to It?](https://community.smartthings.com/t/faq-can-i-trigger-an-echo-action-without-speaking-to-it/117918): > > Breaking News!!! As of August 2018, a SmartThings-connected Contact or Motion Sensor can now trigger an Amazon echo routine if you live in the US, Canada, or the UK !!! Amazon has now added the ability for some sensors to trigger an Amazon echo routine (not a smartthings routine), which does let you trigger other smart home devices which are not connected to SmartThings without having to speak an echo command! Or you can set it up so that your echo devices will speak a customized phrase, play a doorbell chime, or various other sound effects. tada And even better, that contact sensor can be a virtual contact sensor. And although it’s a bit tricky, a community member has created an edge driver that will create BOTH a virtual switch and a virtual sensor and keep the pair in synch. So… **9) Illumra or other “Friends of Hue” zigbee green power switches.**. there are now several zigbee green power switches which can work with the hue bridge. These do not require batteries, but are also not mains-powered. They harvest a tiny bit of kinetic energy when you physically press the switch (which for this reason will feel quite sticky and a bit hard to press). No wiring, so the absence of a neutral doesn’t matter. But they can only be used to turn on devices which are connected to the Phillips hue bridge at this time. They may eventually be able to work with the smartthings hubs which support zigbee 3.0, we will just have to wait and see on that one. But if you do want a wall switch to control lights connected to a hue bridge, this is worth adding to your candidate list. At the time of initial release, the US models from Illumra cost just under $50 and can be set up as either a 2 button switch which looks just like a conventional rocker or a four button switch which looks like 2 skinny rockers side-by-side. Comes in lots of different colors, including brown and black. > [@They're here! : new Green Energy Battery-free Wall switches for Hue Bridge (Illumra, Busch-Jaeger, etc)](https://community.smartthings.com/t/coming-by-mid-2019-new-green-energy-wall-switches-for-hue-bridge/135280): > > Update for 2019: They’re here! Now available in both the US and Europe. Phillips hue bridge required. However, while they work well with the Phillips hue bridge and HomeKit , they are not exposed to smartthings through that integration. according to smartthings staff, the smartthings Zigbee 3.0 implementation did not include the green power clusters that these devices require. disappointed_relieved These are “self powered” zigbee green energy switches which don’t need batteries: they are powered by the kinetic energy that occurs when you press the switch. If you’re familiar with the Phillips hue “Tap,” this is the same technology. In this case, though, Phillips is not going to make the switches themselves. Instead they have chosen partner companies in the different regions that alre… ![IMG_5534](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/a/8/a8a4fd9f2dec2554c124b933bcf5f55bfb238e93.jpeg) **10) battery-powered devices** There are a couple of dozen different battery powered devices that work well with smartthings, some of which are designed to look like regular wall switches. Some fit over an existing switch and physically move it. Most just send an instruction to the smartthings hub which then sends an instruction to another device, typically a smart bulb but could also be a micro or another in wall switch. Prices, shapes, and protocols very. But this is a good choice for many people. See the FAQ for the full list: > [@FAQ: Full list of buttons and remotes confirmed to work with SmartThings \[Not all devices listed work with the 2020 Platform\]](https://community.smartthings.com/t/faq-full-list-of-buttons-and-remotes-confirmed-to-work-with-smartthings/9729): > > I’d like to know which buttons and remotes are currently supported or might be supported in the future. Ideally, I’d like to find something similar to the following: [http://www.evolvecontrols.com/devices/control-devices/glass-series](http://www.evolvecontrols.com/devices/control-devices/glass-series) Though alternatively just a simple nice-looking button which actually works unlike this Aeon according to Amazon reviews: [http://www.amazon.com/Touch-Panel-Button-Switch-AL-001/dp/B00GL6B4GG/ref=sr\_1\_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1421468320&sr=1-3&keywords=aeon+button](http://www.amazon.com/Touch-Panel-Button-Switch-AL-001/dp/B00GL6B4GG/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1421468320&sr=1-3&keywords=aeon+button) There is an Aeon Key Fob as well, but it doesn’t seem to be very durable or stylish: What else is available? Or the following discussion thread which goes into more comparisons and other issues: > [@Just a Button? 1 button, nothing more fancy?](https://community.smartthings.com/t/just-a-button-1-button-nothing-more-fancy/105758): > > I am looking for a button that can stick to the wall, and I’m stuck slight_smile. Scenario: Our guest bedroom has 3 lamps equipped with Cree Connected light bulbs. The room has no overhead light fixture and no light switch (old house, fixer upper), nor was it ever wired for a light switch (so nothing to go off of). Therefore, I want someone to be able to walk into the room and tap a button to turn on the 3 lamps. That’s the only functionality I’m looking for – a button that I can then program that when pressed, the connected lamps turn on/off. I’m stumped on finding something! Any recommendations on a simple SmartThings compatible button I can mount on the wall? I may have missed something, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. 🕶 --- _[View the full topic](https://community.smartthings.com/t/faq-smartthings-compatible-switches-that-don-t-require-neutral-us-2019/151207)._