Question

Sorry for the boneheaded question but on switches that don’t require a neutral wire should you still hook it up if you have one? Any difference? Basically I’m not sure what the neutral wire does.  

Answer 1

Yes, connect it if you have it. It will help with dimming on LED bulbs with low wattage on the load. All the no neutral switches require some minimum load with no neutral to function properly (usually 25w). Less than that and there will be flickering or the switch won't work. The neutral alleviates this requirement.  

Answer 2

Any indication in the instructions?  

Comments

Ahh okay. I have Lutron and I know they have different models with and without a neutral - not sure what you're planning to buy though.  

Answer 3

The neutral wire provides a way to power the switch at all times.  

Answer 4

Yes connect it if you have it.  

Answer 5

Which switch are you looking at? Could look and see if they even have a screw to land the neutral on if it’s not required? I wouldn’t think they would

Comments

@subtreasury70 if you have the Inovelli dimmer that can work with and without a neutral, and you have a neutral available, definitely connect it. There are compromises made when designing a smart switch that doesn't have a neutral connection so you can skip those trade-offs if you have a neutral available.