Add Philips Hue: wall switch module on two-way and intermediate circuits
Smart Hue bulbs must always have power, or the app can’t reach them. So the old circuit is rewired to give the lamp permanent power. The switches stay as controls: a Hue wall switch module goes behind each of them and switches by radio.
Guides
- Connect the Hue wall switch module to a two-way switchConvert a two-way circuit for Hue: put the lamp on permanent power, a Hue wall switch module behind both switches. Wiring plan box by box.
- Hue on an intermediate circuit: three switches, one lampConvert an intermediate circuit for Hue: lamp on permanent power, a Hue wall switch module behind all three switches. Wiring plan for junction and switch boxes.
- Put a lamp on permanent power for Philips HueHue bulbs need permanent power. How to rewire a one-way circuit so the lamp always has power, and what happens to the switch.
Devices and goals
Hue wall switch module (battery)
Sits behind the existing switch and reports every press to the Hue Bridge by radio. Runs on a coin cell.
Needs: Lamp on permanent power, no neutral needed in the switch box.
Hue wall switch module (wired)
Like the battery module, but powered from the mains.
Needs: Live and neutral in every switch box.
What fits which circuit?
Worked out for each textbook circuit: does it fit, and how many steps it takes.
| Installed today | Hue wall switch module (battery) | Hue wall switch module (wired) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way | ✓ fits8 steps | ✓ fits10 steps |
| Two-way with junction box | ✓ fits18 steps | ✓ fits24 steps |
| Two-way, no junction box | ✓ fits10 steps | ✓ fits10 steps |
| Intermediate | ✓ fits28 steps | ✓ fits34 steps |
| Push buttons | ✓ fits17 steps | ✓ fits17 steps |