Changing Existing Light Switch With Belkin's Wemo Light Switch

[Guest bullfrog]

I have semi DIY project ( I can source the parts) but I think I will need an electrician to do the actual job for me.

I purchased the Belkin Wemo Light switch from Australia (as Singapore does not sell it and USA version runs on 110V. The AU version runs on 240V, 5Amp)

and planned on swapping my bedroom light-switch with it. The idea is to use my phone to turn off and on my bedroom lights.

Unfortunately, the Wemo light switch does not fit into our standard wall mounted back boxes. Not giving up, I also bought the back box (and face plate) that would fit the wemo light-switch. Now that I have all the component needed, My last step is to replace the light switch and back box with the new set.

Can I engage the services of an electrician to replace it or must I do it myself? (cos I am not sure if an electrician will want to do this)..

Any advise? Cos if this side project works, I want to replace all my other bedrooms light switches with Wemo light switches..

[Pelect 3]

I think you need a neutral wire and the challenge is to pull a neutral wire to the switch.

You might want to ask an electrician to help you out unless you are familiar with household electricity.

If you have no problems pulling a neutral wire, then you should be able to do it yourself.

[GMC 12]

Pelect is right, the switch needs a neutral wire which normally don't exist in our local switches.

It is going to be a mess cutting groove lines on the wall tapping neutral from the nearest power sockets.

[Guest bullfrog]

Hey Pelect, your right! I just checked..my existing switches do not have a neutral wire. I'll need to pull one from my light to each switch point.

Sigh, this is beyond my abilities...It looks like I'll have to engage an electrician to continue this

[Guest bullfrog]

Pelect is right, the switch needs a neutral wire which normally don't exist in our local switches.

It is going to be a mess cutting groove lines on the wall tapping neutral from the nearest power sockets.

Yup..Good thing all my wiring is exposed. So its not going to be too messy.. I just need to run them inside the trunking...

[Pelect 3]

Yup..Good thing all my wiring is exposed. So its not going to be too messy.. I just need to run them inside the trunking...

I'm sure you will be thrilled once you get it up and running. Please us posted

[pentiumpc 0]

Interested in wemo switch, how much did you pay for it with shipping? I don't mind pop by to take a look or help install it if yu dont mind. I have left over wires, can pass you some. I am not pro electrician but I did all electrical work for my new resale flat.

[Guest bullfrog]

My brother brought it down when he came to SG to visit. It's selling at Dick Smith for Aus$60. I'm in Australia now and just picked up another 2 switches. Will get an electrician to install all 3 when I return. I'll update if all works fine and if you wish to take a look, it's not a problem for me

[Guest bullfrog]

It works! My 3 bedroom light switches have successfully been replaced with the Belkin Wemo light switch (from Australia). I'm also using the wemo switch (bought in Sim Lim) to control my Ikea stand lamp in the living room.

However, the android app from Belkin is absolutely terrible, so I'm using Wemo Manager (third Party app) from the playstore to control my Wemo devices. I'm happy now..

Next step is to connect the Wemo light switch to control my home's water heater. Except the wemo switch is only 5A, so I will need some sort of relay to indirectly do the switching. I'll have to figure this out and work on it sometime in the distant future...

Edited August 5, 2014 by bullfrog

[Pelect 3]

It works! My 3 bedroom light switches have successfully been replaced with the Belkin Wemo light switch (from Australia). I'm also using the wemo switch (bought in Sim Lim) to control my Ikea stand lamp in the living room.

However, the android app from Belkin is absolutely terrible, so I'm using Wemo Manager (third Party app) from the playstore to control my Wemo devices. I'm happy now..

Next step is to connect the Wemo light switch to control my home's water heater. Except the wemo switch is only 5A, so I will need some sort of relay to indirectly do the switching. I'll have to figure this out and work on it sometime in the distant future...

Congrats! I've been waiting for the updated version of the wemo insight switch UK version but it seems like they have stop producing them.

It's going to be a challenge where you are going to house the relay if you use the wemo for heater switch. It's probably neater if you opt for a wall timer switch instead. I presume your intention is more of power saving as unlike a light, you don't have to turn the heater on and off that often. Nevertheless, keep us posted if you go for the relay option. Thanks.

[CairoKing 35]

Bteer get qualified electrician to do, don't play with electricity