Smart home automation promises convenience, energy savings, and modern living—but only when the electrical infrastructure supports it properly. Unity Power & Light provides the professional wiring, neutral wire additions, and electrical upgrades that make smart home technology actually work in Aiken homes.
We handle everything from installing individual smart switches to wiring comprehensive whole-home automation systems. Our licensed electricians understand both the electrical requirements and practical considerations that create reliable, frustration-free smart homes.
Our Smart Home Services
Smart Switch Installation
Replace standard switches with Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee smart switches that provide voice control, app operation, and automation capabilities. We install compatible switches for all major platforms including Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit.
Neutral Wire Additions
Most smart switches require neutral wires that older Aiken homes lack. We run new electrical wire to add neutral wires at switch locations, enabling smart switch installation throughout your home.
Smart Outlet Installation
Install intelligent outlets that provide individual receptacle control, energy monitoring, and remote operation. Perfect for automating space heaters, coffee makers, holiday lights, and other plug-in devices.
Home Automation Hub Wiring
Electrical setup for smart home hubs, controllers, and coordination devices. We install dedicated outlets in optimal locations and ensure reliable power for your automation infrastructure.
Smart Switch Installation: Done Right
Smart switches replace your existing wall switches, bringing intelligence to the control point rather than individual bulbs. This approach provides superior long-term value compared to smart bulbs.
Why Smart Switches Beat Smart Bulbs
Compatible Platforms We Install
We install smart switches compatible with all major platforms:
Wi-Fi Switches
TP-Link Kasa, Leviton Decora, Lutron Caseta, and other Wi-Fi switches that work with Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit. No separate hub required.
Z-Wave Switches
GE/Jasco, Zooz, and Inovelli Z-Wave switches for reliable mesh networking. Superior performance for whole-home lighting automation.
Zigbee Switches
Sengled, Third Reality, and other Zigbee switches for low-cost automation with excellent mesh networking capabilities.
Neutral Wire Additions for Older Homes
The majority of smart switches require neutral wires to power their electronics and maintain Wi-Fi connectivity. Many Aiken homes built before the mid-1980s lack neutral wires at switch locations—but we can add them.
How We Add Neutral Wires
Our licensed electricians assess your home's construction to determine the most efficient approach for running new electrical wire to switch locations. We use techniques that minimize wall damage while ensuring code-compliant installations.
Assessment
We open switch boxes to verify existing wiring and identify the best path for running new wire. We check attic, basement, and crawlspace accessibility to determine the optimal approach.
Wire Installation
For accessible locations, we run wire through attics, basements, or crawlspaces with minimal wall disturbance. For challenging locations, we create small access holes that we patch afterward.
Connection & Testing
We connect neutral wires properly at both switch boxes and electrical panels, ensuring code-compliant connections and proper circuit protection. All work is tested before installation completion.
Alternative Solutions When Adding Neutrals Isn't Feasible
For locations where running neutral wires is impractical, we can install smart switches specifically designed to work without neutral wires. These switches cost slightly more but provide smart functionality in challenging situations.
Structured Wiring for New Construction
Building new or doing major renovations? Proper structured wiring during construction creates the foundation for comprehensive smart home capability while walls are open and access is easy.
New Construction Smart Home Wiring
Lighting Circuits
We install electrical boxes with neutral wires at all switch locations, ensuring compatibility with any smart switch you choose. Proper box sizing accommodates smart switch electronics without crowding.
Network Infrastructure
Ethernet drops to strategic locations support Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, and smart home hubs. We install conduit for future wire upgrades and changes.
Central Wiring Panel
Dedicated location for network equipment, smart home hubs, security systems, and structured wiring terminations. Proper power, ventilation, and organization for reliable operation.
Future-Proofing
Conduit runs for future technologies, spare circuits for expansion, and proper electrical panel sizing to accommodate smart home growth and additional electrical loads.
Network & Ethernet Drops
Reliable smart home operation requires robust network infrastructure. We install ethernet wiring to support Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, smart TVs, and other networked devices throughout Aiken homes.
Strategic Network Wiring Locations
We install Cat6 or Cat6a ethernet cable with proper terminations, testing, and labeling. All runs include electrical outlets where needed to power access points, cameras, or network equipment.
Whole-Home Automation Setup
Comprehensive smart home systems require electrical infrastructure beyond individual switches. We provide the complete electrical foundation for whole-home automation.
Complete System Components
Lighting Control
Infrastructure
Electrical Panel Considerations
Whole-home automation often accompanies other electrical upgrades that stress older panels. We assess your electrical panel capacity and recommend upgrades when needed to support smart home technology plus future electrical needs.
Smart Home Wiring Costs
Smart home electrical costs vary based on project scope, home age, accessibility, and automation complexity. Our transparent pricing helps you plan your investment.
Per Switch Installation
$100-200 each
Smart switch installation including neutral wire addition if needed, proper configuration, and testing. Price varies with accessibility and existing electrical conditions.
Single Room Automation
$300-600
Complete automation for one room with 2-4 smart switches, neutral wire additions, and basic setup. Perfect for starting smart home journey in high-impact areas.
Whole-Home Basic System
$1,500-3,000
Smart switches for primary lighting throughout typical 3-bedroom home, neutral wire additions where needed, hub setup, and configuration.
Premium Whole-Home Systems
$3,000-5,000+ for comprehensive installations including whole-home lighting control, smart outlets, network infrastructure improvements, structured wiring, electrical panel upgrades if needed, and complete system integration.
What's Included in Our Pricing
Why Professional Installation Matters
Smart home devices appear simple, but proper electrical installation requires licensed expertise. Here's why professional installation protects your investment:
Safety & Code Compliance
Licensed electricians ensure all wiring meets National Electrical Code and South Carolina requirements. We provide proper circuit protection, secure electrical connections, and safe installations that protect your home and family.
Neutral Wire Expertise
Adding neutral wires requires running new electrical wire through walls without damaging finishes—expertise DIYers rarely possess. We have the tools and techniques for clean installations.
Compatibility Knowledge
We understand which switches work with which platforms, minimum load requirements, dimmer compatibility, and the technical considerations that prevent frustrating incompatibility issues.
Long-Term Reliability
Proper electrical box sizing, secure wire connections, and correct switch configuration ensure your smart home works reliably for years—not just until the first problem occurs.
Ready to Upgrade to Smart Home Technology?
Get expert guidance on smart home electrical requirements and a free quote for professional installation. We'll assess your home's existing infrastructure and recommend the most cost-effective path to reliable automation.
Want to learn more first? Read our comprehensive guide: Smart Home Electrical Guide: What Aiken Homeowners Need to Know