Are there any specific preexisting wiring perquisites needed to install this? (White wire?) null

Question

TPLinkSupport · Accepted Answer

Yes our switches both Kasa and Tapo currently require a neutral wire,

BasenjiBuddy · Answer

First off, if you're not sure what you're doing, get an electrician to do it.  It's far less expensive than replacing damaged equipment or dealing with a fire.  Do it right.

Now, having said that, if you're fairly sure you can handle it, here are some tips:

You'll need to know the following about your existing wires:
- Which is the load wire: the one that goes to whatever the switch controls.
- What wire is the power source (usually, but not always black) - a.k.a. the "hot" wire.
- Which wire in your box provides neutral (usually white)
- The wire in the box for ground (usually bare copper or green)

The trouble is, it's not always wired to standard, especially in older houses.  If you're removing an existing switch, the chances are pretty good that one wire connected to the switch is hot, the other load, and if there's a third, it's probably ground (usually) in a different spot on the old switch than the other two wires.

I try to take the time to get out my meter and check all the wires.  Getting an inexpensive multimeter is ALWAYS worth it, you can then check for AC voltage and connectivity.  A pen-like voltage probe is nice too, they're cheap and let you know when electricity is present.  ("Did I really turn off the right breaker?")

Again, if you're not sure, get an electrician.  Preferrably a good one.

“Are there any specific preexisting wiring perquisites needed to install this? (White wire?)”

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