Title: Smart Switches in Old Houses—Wiring Surprises Are Real
Have you run into any wiring headaches with smart switches in an older house? I’m a bit nervous about what’s hiding behind my walls...
You’re not wrong to be nervous. I’ve opened up plenty of old switch boxes and found all sorts of “creative” wiring—cloth insulation, mystery wires, you name it. The biggest headache for me was the lack of a neutral wire. A lot of smart switches need that, and in some older homes, it’s just not there. Had to fish a new line once, which was a pain but doable if you’re comfortable with drywall patching.
That said, once you get past the initial mess, smart switches are way less hassle than dealing with people flipping things on and off at random. Outside especially, they hold up better than I expected—no more running out in the rain to reset something. If you’re handy or know someone who is, it’s worth tackling. Just be ready for a surprise or two behind those old plates...
I totally get the nerves—old houses are like a box of chocolates, right? Never know what you’re gonna find behind those switches. I ran into the same neutral wire issue and ended up going with smart bulbs in a couple spots just to avoid tearing up plaster. Have you thought about smart bulbs for the yard instead of switches? They’re not as “classic” feeling, but sometimes it’s just easier than fighting with 1920s wiring. Curious if anyone’s had luck mixing both, or if that just turns into a tech headache...
Smart bulbs are definitely the path of least resistance when you’re dealing with ancient wiring—especially if you don’t want to risk crumbling plaster or running new lines. I’ve got a mix going on at my place: smart switches inside (where the wiring was less scary) and smart bulbs outside in the old coach lights. Honestly, it’s not as much of a headache as I expected, but there are quirks. Like, if someone flips the physical switch off inside, the smart bulb outside is dead until you flip it back. That’s tripped up more than one houseguest.
I do miss the tactile feel of a real switch sometimes, though. There’s something about that click that just feels right, especially in an old house. But then again, being able to set up routines for the yard lights—like having them fade on at sunset—has been pretty cool. I haven’t had any major tech meltdowns yet, but I keep everything on one app to avoid confusion.
Has anyone tried those battery-powered “smart” remotes that mimic switches? I’ve seen folks stick them over old switch plates so you get the best of both worlds without rewiring. Wondering if that’s a good workaround or just another gadget to lose in a drawer...
Smart Lights Vs Smart Switches For Yard Setup?
- Totally hear you on the wiring headaches. Some of my outdoor boxes are so old I half expect to find knob-and-tube back there.
- The “dead bulb” problem when someone kills the switch is a classic. I taped over one of my switches just to stop guests from flipping it—looks dumb but it works.
- About those battery-powered remotes: I’ve tried the Lutron Pico and Hue dimmer remotes. They’re actually not bad. Stick right over the old switch, no tools needed. The only hitch is remembering to change batteries every year or two. I haven’t lost one yet, but they’re lightweight enough to end up under a couch cushion if you’re not careful.
- Still, nothing beats that real switch feel for me either. There’s something satisfying about a solid click, especially in an older house with heavy-duty hardware.
- Routines are awesome, but if you ever have a WiFi hiccup or firmware update at the wrong time... yeah, let’s just say my porch has been fully dark more than once.
Bottom line: remotes are a decent workaround, just not perfect. If you’re forgetful (or have kids), maybe stick them down extra well or risk playing hide-and-seek every few weeks...
- My wallet flinched just thinking about swapping every bulb for a smart one, especially outside where I’ve got like six fixtures and a couple of weird floodlights.
- I’m with you on the “dead bulb” thing—my kids treat every switch like it’s a game show buzzer. Taped-over switches are basically part of my home decor now.
- Battery remotes are cool until you’re outside in the rain, trying to remember where you last saw the thing. I swear mine migrates to the garage every time I need it.
- There’s something about the old-school click that just feels right. Plus, if the WiFi drops, at least the switch still works. I’ve had too many “smart” moments where I’m standing in the dark, waving my phone around like a lost wizard.
- Routines are great when they work, but when they don’t, it’s like the house is pranking me.
Curious—has anyone found a budget-friendly switch that doesn’t need a neutral wire? My place is ancient and rewiring isn’t in the cards right now...
