With smart home technology, you can add a second light switch anywhere in your home without wiring a new three-way switch. This guide will show you what you need and how to do it without paying an electrician to run wires through your walls, ceiling or basement. Or without spending the whole day doing it yourself. If you can replace a regular light switch, you can complete this project.
This simple DIY home improvement project is a great reason to go with a smart home upgrade. The idea came to my mind when I was talking to my family about dipping their toes in the Echo and smart home appliances with smart plugs. My dad said that when he installed a new light in the ceiling, he had to attach a second switch to the garage door. He didn’t want to wander through the attic again, and I told him I had found the perfect solution.
With a Lutron Caséta light switch and a Pico remote, you can add a second light switch without wiring. You will need to replace your existing light switch, but this is simple enough that anyone can handle it.
You need a Lutron Caséta smart key and a Pico remote.
It’s handy to have a drill to attach the Pico Switch wall plate to, and you may want to keep a flashlight handy as you’ll need to turn the power off.
you may need to buy new wall plate For your master key if it’s a more traditional slim style key you’re replacing. Optionally, you can get: Lutron Caséta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit for $99.95 With the switch, the Pico remote, and then the Smart Bridge that will let you use your phone or your voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to control the lights.
You can buy these Amazon or order scoundrels or best buy for in-store delivery so you can go in and get what you need and complete your project.
For about $60 you can add a second light switch without wiring and for about $100 you can make it a smart home upgrade. One reason I love Lutron Caséta light switches is because I can control multiple bulbs with one $55 switch. With this option, you get physical control at the door, which is important, and you can use normal bulbs.
How to Add a Second Light Switch Without Wiring
Add a light switch wherever you want with this quick fix.
Once you have the new key and your tools, you can start. Go to your circuit breaker box and turn off the power of the lights you want to control. Switch to the switch after doing this test or trying to turn it on to make sure the lights are not getting power.
- Remove the wall plate.
- Remove the existing key.
- Mark the cables before removing them.
- Disconnect the wires from the current switch.
- Connect the wires to the corresponding parts of the Lutron switch.
Connect the new Lutron key.
After completing these steps you should secure the switch, but do not reattach it to the wall yet. Turn the power back on and make sure the switch is working. If so, turn the power back on and screw the switch back in and install the wall plate. If not, you can fix the problem.
Now that the main switch is in place, you need to pair the Pico remote with the switch. If you’re doing this without the Smart Bridge, follow the instructions that came with your Pico remote.
If you purchased the Smart Bridge or the starter kit, install the Smart Bridge and install it now. Once this is set, you can add the switch you installed and then add Pico Remote and choose to control the light switch you just installed.
Install the wall mount and wall plate.
Once you know the Pico remote is working, you can attach the wall plate bracket where you want the second light switch. After placing it on your wall, plug in the Pico remote and attach the wall plate.
Now you can control your lights from the second switch without any additional wiring. The second key looks like a regular key. If you prefer to keep the second key elsewhere, you can put the Pico remote on a pedestal or use the adhesive to mount the small remote anywhere you want to hide it.
