Smart Home Electrical Installations in Edinburgh
Smart home technology offers genuine improvements to comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. From lighting you can control from your phone to heating that learns your routine, these systems are increasingly accessible—but many require proper electrical installation to work safely and reliably.
To discuss smart home installations or arrange a consultation, call 0131 358 9935 or email [email protected].
Smart Home Services
We provide the electrical installation work that underpins smart home systems:
Smart Lighting
- Smart switches that replace standard light switches
- Smart dimmer installations for ambiance control
- Smart bulb circuits with neutral wire provision
- Outdoor smart lighting for gardens and security
- Scene and schedule programming assistance
Heating Controls
- Smart thermostat installation (Nest, Hive, Tado, etc.)
- Zoned heating control wiring
- Smart TRV (thermostatic radiator valve) compatibility
- Boiler control integration
- Underfloor heating smart controls
Home Infrastructure
- Dedicated circuits for smart home hubs
- Structured cabling for whole-home systems
- Consumer unit upgrades for smart device integration
- Outdoor power for cameras and sensors
- EV charger smart integration
Retrofitting Smart Systems in Edinburgh Homes
Many Edinburgh properties were built long before smart technology existed, and their electrical installations reflect the needs of an earlier era. Retrofitting smart systems into these homes requires understanding both the technology and the practical constraints of older construction.
The Neutral Wire Challenge
The most common issue in older Edinburgh properties is the absence of a neutral wire at light switch positions. Traditional UK wiring runs only live and switched-live to the switch, with the neutral going directly to the light fitting. Many smart switches need a neutral to power their electronics.
Solutions include: running a new cable to provide a neutral (the most robust solution but also the most disruptive); using smart switches designed for no-neutral installations (these have limitations and may flicker with some LED bulbs); or using smart bulbs instead of smart switches.
Tenement Flats
Tenement flats with their high ceilings, lathe and plaster walls, and limited cable routes can make running new wiring more challenging. We assess each property individually and recommend practical approaches that balance functionality with cost and disruption.
Heating System Compatibility
Smart thermostats work well with most modern boilers found in Edinburgh properties, but older systems may have incompatible wiring. Properties with back boilers (still found in some tenements), unusual heating configurations, or complex zoned systems may need additional work to integrate smart controls.
WiFi Considerations
Stone and lathe-and-plaster walls can affect WiFi signal strength. Before installing smart devices that rely on WiFi, consider whether your network reaches all the locations where you want devices. Mesh WiFi systems can help extend coverage in properties with challenging construction.
Smart Lighting Options
There are several approaches to smart lighting, each with advantages and trade-offs:
Smart Bulbs
Replace standard bulbs with smart versions (like Philips Hue). No electrical work required, but bulbs are more expensive, and the physical switch must stay on—if someone turns it off, the smart bulb loses power and cannot be controlled remotely.
Smart Switches
Replace the physical switch with a smart version. Works with standard bulbs, and the switch still functions normally. Requires electrical installation, and most need a neutral wire. Offers the most natural user experience.
Smart Dimmers
Like smart switches but with dimming capability. Must be used with dimmable bulbs (LED dimmers need to be compatible with LED bulbs). Provides both smart control and ambiance adjustment.
Behind-Switch Modules
Small modules that fit behind your existing switch, making it smart while keeping your preferred switch design. Require enough space in the back box and typically need a neutral wire.
Smart Heating Controls
Smart thermostats like Nest, Hive, and Tado offer significant improvements over traditional programmable thermostats:
Remote Control
Adjust heating from anywhere via smartphone. Turn heating on before you arrive home, or off if you have left it on by mistake.
Learning Schedules
Some systems learn your routine and adjust automatically, heating only when needed.
Geofencing
Detect when you leave or approach home and adjust heating accordingly, avoiding heating an empty house.
Energy Reports
See how much energy you are using and get suggestions for improvements.
We install smart thermostats and ensure they are correctly wired to control your boiler. Installation typically takes 1-2 hours, and we test everything before leaving.
How We Work
Consultation
We discuss what you want to achieve, your budget, and any preferences for particular systems or brands. For more complex projects, a site visit helps us assess feasibility.
Assessment
We check your existing electrical installation—whether neutral wires are present at switches, consumer unit capacity, and any constraints of your property type.
Quotation
We provide a clear quote for the electrical work required. If you are supplying the smart devices, we quote for installation only; alternatively, we can source devices for you.
Installation
We carry out the electrical installation, including any cabling work, switch replacements, and device mounting. We test everything and ensure basic functionality.
Handover
We demonstrate the basic operation of installed devices. Complex automation and scene configuration are typically done through manufacturer apps, which are designed for end-user setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about smart home electrical installations.
Do I need an electrician for smart home installation?
It depends on what you are installing. Changing a light bulb to a smart bulb does not require an electrician. However, replacing switches with smart switches often does—especially if a neutral wire is needed or if you are modifying the circuit. Smart thermostats typically require electrical knowledge to install safely. We recommend professional installation for anything that involves working with your home's wiring.
What is a neutral wire and why does it matter?
Many smart switches require a neutral wire to function. In UK homes, lighting circuits traditionally only bring live and switched-live wires to the switch position. If there is no neutral at the switch, options include running a new cable, using smart switches designed to work without a neutral (though these have limitations), or using smart bulbs instead of smart switches.
Can you install smart lighting in an older Edinburgh flat?
Yes, though older properties may present challenges. Tenement flats often have lighting circuits without neutral wires at switch positions, and solid walls make running new cables more involved. We assess your property and recommend the most practical approach—this might be smart bulbs, no-neutral switches, or running new cabling if you want full smart switch functionality.
How much does smart lighting installation cost?
Costs vary depending on what is involved. Installing a smart switch in a position that already has a neutral wire might cost £50-80 per switch (plus the switch itself). If cables need to be run, costs increase. A consultation helps us understand your goals and provide accurate pricing.
Which smart home system should I choose?
This depends on your priorities and existing devices. Popular ecosystems include Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and manufacturer-specific systems like Philips Hue. We can advise on compatibility and practical considerations, though the choice of ecosystem is ultimately yours based on your preferences and existing devices.
Can smart thermostats work with any boiler?
Most modern combi and system boilers are compatible with smart thermostats. Older boilers, or those with non-standard wiring, may require additional work. We check compatibility during installation and can advise if there are any issues with your specific setup.
Do smart devices use a lot of electricity?
Smart devices themselves use very little power—typically a few watts in standby. The main energy benefit comes from better control: not heating empty rooms, turning lights off automatically, and scheduling around your routine. Most households see energy savings rather than increases.
What happens if my WiFi goes down?
Most smart switches and thermostats can still be operated manually if WiFi is unavailable. Smart bulbs may lose remote control but typically default to their last state or can be controlled with physical switches. It is worth considering reliability when planning your system.
Can you help set up and configure smart devices?
We handle the electrical installation and basic setup. For complex automation scenes, routines, or integration between different platforms, you may want to work with a smart home specialist or configure these yourself through the manufacturer apps—most are designed to be user-friendly.
Discuss Your Smart Home Project
Whether you are starting with a single smart thermostat or planning a comprehensive system, we can help with the electrical side.
Get in Touch
Helpful Information
- • What smart features you want
- • Any devices you have already purchased
- • Property type and age
- • Current heating/lighting setup
Note: This page covers planned smart home installations. If you have an electrical fault or safety concern that needs attention today, information is available on our emergency electrician page.