Control4 C4DIM101Z Users Manual

Wireless Dimmer

Installation Guide

Supported Models

C4-DIM101-Z-W Wireless Dimmer (White)
C4-DIM101-Z-B Wireless Dimmer (Black)
C4-DIM101-Z-A Wireless Dimmer (Almond)

Specifications and Supported Fixtures

This Control4® Wireless Dimmer operates independently or as part of a Control4®
home automation system to enable intelligent lighting control. It instal ls in a standard
wall box using typical wiring standards and communicates with other devices through a
wireless RF (radio frequency) connection.

Power:

Supported Load Types and Ratings:

Operating Temperature:

Volume:
Communications:

Warnings & Considerations

WARNING! Install in accordance with all national and loca l electrical codes.

WARNING! Improper use or installation can cause SERIOUS INJURY,

DEATH or LOSS/DAMAGE OF PROPERTY.

WARNING! If you are unsure about any part of these instructions, consult a

qualified electrician.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of overheating and possible damage to this

device and other equipment, DO NOT install to control a receptacle, a motor, or
a transformer-operated appliance.

WARNING! Use this device only with copper or copper clad wire. This

product has NOT been approved for use with Aluminum wiring.

WARNING! This product generates heat during normal operation.

120 VAC +/-10% 50/60 Hz
490 mW

120 VAC 1000 W Incandescent (all types)
120 VAC 1000 W Halogen (all types)
120 VAC 1000 W Forward Phase Controlled Electronic

Low Voltage (dimmable only)
120 VAC 1000 W Forward Phase Controlled Fluorescent

Light Fixtures (dimmable only)
120 VAC 1000 VA Forward Phase Controlled Magnetic

Low Voltage (all types with 70 percent or greater load
factor)

Total minimum load must exceed 25W

This device can function with or without a neutral AC
connection (see relevant wiring diagrams). However,
when controlling Magnetic Low Voltage loads, a neutral
wire connection is required.

All load ratings are based on an ambient temperature of
25 degrees Celsius.

5.0 Cubic inches
ZigBee, IEEE 802.15.4, 2.4 GHz, 15-channel, spread

spectrum radio

IMPORTANT! Use or modification of this product in a manner not expressly

approved by Control4 voids your warranty. Further, Control4 is NOT liable for
any damage incurred with the misuse of this product. See "Limited 2 Year
Warranty."

IMPORTANT! The range and performance of the wireless control system is

highly dependent on the following: (1) distance between devices; (2) layout of
the home; (3) walls separating devices; and (4) electrical equipment located
near devices.

Installation Instructions

1 TURN OFF POWER by switching off the circuit breaker or

removing the fuse and test that power is off before wiring!

2 Ensure Dimmer capacity matches the load requirements. In

multi-dimmer installations, a reduction of the dimmer's capacity
is required to allow the dimmers to be installed side-by-side in
the same wall box. The dimmer capacity depends on the
number "ganged" in the wall box as follows:

• 1 gang = 1000 W / VA maximum

• 2 gang = 800 W / VA maximum per dimmer

• 3 or more gang = 600 W / VA maximum per dimmer

If installing in multi-gang scenarios, use pliers to remove the inner-side break­away tabs: Bend each one back and forth until it breaks off. Remove the inner­side tabs ONLY on any device side that will be adjacent to another device. DO
NOT remove tabs on any side that will become the outer side of a group of
devices.

3 Identify your wiring application (refer to th e appropriate diag ram in “Sample Wiring

Configurations” on the back page).

• "Single-Pole (with power source at wall box) - see Figure 1

• "Single-Pole (with power source at light fixture) - see Figure 2

• "3-Way (with power source at wall box) - see Figure 3

• "3-Way (with power source at light fixture) - see Figure 4

4 Prepare wires by removing pre-cut

insulation from the appropriate dimmer
leads. Wire insulation should be stripped
back 5/8 of an inch from the wire end (as
shown).

5 Connect the dimmer wires to the wall box

wires using wire nuts according to the relevant
wiring diagram. See “Sample Wiring
Configurations.”

WARNING! The Blue wire is not a traditional

traveler: It cannot directly power a lighting load. It must o nly be used t o p rovide
power to another Control4 keypad. If you do not int end to use thi s wire, lea ve it
capped. The blue wire is a "switched hot" wire that is connected internally to
the dimmer's hot wire through the air-gap switch. Power is applied to the bl ue
wire whenever the air-gap switch is closed. Thus, the blue wire is used to
provide power to downstream keypads in 3-way/4-way scenarios in order to
ensure that all power to the load has been removed when the air-gap switch is
open. Refer to “Sample Wiring Configurations” on the back page.

6 Mount Dimmer into wall box by partially securing the

wall box screws attached to the dimmer. Ensure that
the word "T op " on the dimmer fra me is facing up. Be nd
wires in a zigzag pattern so that they easily fold into the
wall box.

WARNING! Ground the Wireless Dimmer in

accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC) requirements. Although the
dimmer's aluminum yoke plate and green ground wire are directly bonded
together inside the dimmer, DO NOT rely solely upon the yoke plate's contact
with a metal wall box for adequate grounding. Use th e dimme r's g roun d wire to
make a secure connection to the safety ground of the electrical system.

IMPORTANT! Not grounding this product according to the preceding

Warning! may result in an installation less immune to damage caused by
electrical disturbances, such as lightning, and void the warranty.

7 If you are using the Control4 push-on (screw-less) wall plate that shipped with

your dimmer:

a. For a single-gang scenario, attach the black plastic sub-plate using the

provided sub-plate screws.

IMPORTANT! Tighten the screws until the back side of the metal yoke plate

is even with the wall surface, but no farther. Over-tightening can damage the
dimmer and cause mechanical malfunction. Do NOT use a power scre w driver
to install this device as this may lead to over-tightening.

b. If you are installing in a multi-gang scenario, only partially tighten the

mounting screws, leaving about 1/8 of an inch gap between the wall and the
yoke plates prior to attaching the black plastic sub-plate. This allows each
device in a multi-gang scenario to conform to the sub-plate, creating a
single assembly. Secure the multi-gang sub-plate to all devices using the
provided sub-plate screws. Then secure the assembly by tightening the wall
box screws the remaining 1/8 of an inch. Do not over-tighten any of the
screws or you will misalign the flat plane of the multi-gang wall plate.

c. With the wall plate's removal slot facing down, push the wall

plate onto the dimmer's black plastic sub-plate.

8 If you are using a Decora-style screw-on wall plate:

a. Do not attach the dimmer's black plastic sub-plate
b. Align the dimmer to t he wall box and fasten with screws.
c. Fasten the wall plate to the dimmer with screws.

9 Turn ON power at the circuit breaker or replace fuse from fuse

box.

10 Test the dimmer to see if it is working properly. See "Operation

and Configuration" for specific instructions.

Optional Antenna Extension

In some installation scenarios, it may be desirable to enhance the Dimmer's wireless
(RF) transmission capabilities. This may be needed to overcome issues such as local
interference from other devices, range considerations due to the distance between
devices or the use of metallic faceplates. The Control4 Wireless Dimmer has been
designed with a wire whip antenna coiled underneath the plastic button that can be
extended to accommodate such scenarios. Instructions for extending the antenna are
provided below.

WARNING! To avoid risk of electrical shock that may cause personal injury

or damage to the Dimmer, this procedure should be performed prior to
connecting the dimmer at the wall box.

WARNING! This procedure enables advanced functionality and should only

be performed by a competent trained installer.

1 Remove the plastic button frame by

squeezing the side tabs near the top and
bottom of the button and pulling outward. A
small flat-head screw driver can also be used
to assist in releasing the tabs.

2 Once the button has been removed, detach

the radio board from its connector by gently
pulling away from the dimmer frame.

3 Slip the end of the antenna out of the radio

board hole and uncoil it, being careful not to
exert undue tension on the wire. Once
uncoiled, thread the antenna wire under the
plastic spacer at the bottom of the radio
board.

4 Re-attach the radio card to the dimmer frame

by carefully aligning the connector and pressing gently.
Then re-attach the button and button frame by aligning
the button frame securement tabs with the appropriate
slots on the dimmer frame and pushing gently. Ensure
that the antenna is routed through the small notch on
the bottom left-hand side of the button frame provided
for this purpose. Once the b utt on has b een re -attached,
proceed with the standard installation procedure for
wiring the dimmer to the light load and securing it into
the wall box, as described in Step 1
“Installation Instructions.”

through Step 6 of

5 The antenna has been designed to extend well

beyond the faceplate. For optimal performance, it
should be oriented in a vertical plane below the
dimmer. To enable this without leaving the ant enna
visible to the end user, a very small hole should be
made in the wall just below the dimmer frame and
the antenna inserted through the hole back into the
wall. Once the antenna has been routed into the
wall, proceed with standard installation of the
dimmer sub-plate and faceplate, as described in

and Step 8 of “Installation Instructions.”

Step 7

WARNING! The antenna must not be inserted

into the junction box containing high voltage wires.

WARNING! Do not shortened or cut the antenna in any way as this may

seriously impair transmission capabilities.

Regulatory Compliance

FCC

FCC ID: R33C4DIM101Z
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interfence, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential instal lation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequen cy energy an d, if no t insta lled
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

IMPORTANT! Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the

party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.

ETL Statement

ETL Control Number: ______
This product has been tested by ETL and was found to comply with:

• UL 1472, First Edition, “Standard for Solid State Dimming Controls”

• CSA C22.2 No. 184.1, First Edition, “Solid State Dimming Controls”

Industry Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canada ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Sample Wiring Configurations

Single-Location Scenario—Power Source at Wall Box

To wire the dimmer for a Control4 single-location scenario in which
the power is first routed to the wallbox, connect together and cap with
a wire nut the wires indicated in the following table:

Dimmer Wires

White (neutral) White (neutral) White (neutral)
Red (load)
Black (hot) Black (hot)
Green (ground) Green (ground) Green (ground)
Blue (switched hot)

From Power Source To Light Fixture

None black (load)

None None

Wires in the Wall Box

None

Single-Location Scenario—Power Source at Light Fixture

T o wire the dimmer for a Control4 single-location scenario in which the
power is first routed to the light fixture electrical box, connect together
and cap with a wire nut the wires indicated in the following table:

Dimmer Wires Wires in the Wall Box

White (load)
Red (load)
Black (hot) Black (hot)
Green (ground) Green (ground)
Blue (switched hot)

(from the Light Fixture)

White (load)

None

Two-Location Scenario—Power Source at Wall Box

To wire the dimmer and a multi-button keypad in a two-location scenario (Control4’s 3­way-switch solution) where the power is first routed to the wall box, do the following:

1. Wire the dimmer into Wall Box #1 by connecting together and capping with
a wire nut the following wires:

Dimmer Wires

White (neutral) White (neutral) White (neutral) White (neutral)
Red (load)
Black (hot) Black (hot)
Green (ground) Green (ground) Green (ground) Green

Blue (switched hot)

From Power
Source

None Black (load) None

None None Black (traveler)

2. Wire the multi-button keypad into Wall Box #2 by connecting together and
capping with a wire nut the following wires:

Multi-Button Keypad Wires
(2, 3, or 6-Button)

White (neutral) White (neutral)
Green (ground) Green (ground)
Black (traveler) Black (traveler)

Wires in Wall Box 1

To Light Fixture

None None

Wires in Wall Box 2

(from Wall Box 1)

To Wall Box 2

(ground)

Two-Location Scenario—
Power Source at Light Fixture

To wire the dimmer and a multi-button keypad in a two-location scenario
(Control4’s 3-way-switch solution) where the power is first routed to the li ght
fixture electrical box, do the following:

1. Wire the dimmer into Wall Box #1 by connecting together and cap­ping with a wire nut the following wires:

Dimmer Wires Wires in Wall Box 1

From Light Fixture To Wall Box 2

White (load)
Red (load)
Black (hot) Black (hot)
Green (ground) Green (ground) Green (ground)
Blue (switched hot)

White (load) White (load)

None

None Black (traveler)

2. Wire the multi-button keypad into Wall Box #2 by connecting
together and capping with a wire nut these wires:

Multi-Button
Keypad Wires
(2, 3, or 6 Button)

White (load) White (load)
Green (ground) Green (ground)
Black (traveler) Black (traveler)

Wires in Wall Box 2

(from Wall Box 1)

Troubleshooting

If light does not turn on:

• Ensure at least one LED on the face of the dimmer is lit.

• Ensure the light bulb is not burned out and is screwed in tightly.

• Ensure circuit breaker is not turned OFF or tripped.

• Check for proper wiring (see the “Sample Wiring Configurations”section).

• For help on the installation or operation of this product, email or call the Control4 Tech-

nical Support Center. Please provide your exact model number. Contact sup­[e-mail] or see the web site www.control4.com.

Operation and Configuration

On initial power up, the
unit will flash the Red/
Green/Blue (RGB)
LEDs, which can be
programmed with
different colors for
different states or color
preferences. To set up
this dimmer for use with
a Control4 system, refer
to your system setup
documentation.

WARNING! Prior to changing a light bulb or performing any other

maintenance to the light fixture, pull up on the Air Gap Mechanism with your
fingernail to cut power to the light fixture.

NOTE: Dimmer feels warm to the touch under normal conditions.

To operate and configure this dimmer as a stand-alone device, see the

following table.

Change Lightbulb or Fixture Default behavior of RGB LEDs:

To cut power to the fixture: Top Bottom

Pull up on the Air Gap Mechanism
and fully extend (about 0.3”) to cut
power to the light fixture.

Operate Dimmer Default behavior of RGB LEDs:

To operate dimmer: Top Bottom

Turn ON: Tap top. Lit, full brightness Not lit
Turn OFF: Tap bottom. Not lit Lit, full brightness
Set dimming level: Press and hold

the top or bottom until the desired
lighting level is reached, then
release.

Care and Cleaning

Do NOT paint dimmer or its wall plate.
Do NOT use any chemical cleaners to clean the dimmer.
Clean surface with a soft damp cloth as needed.

Not lit Not lit

Lit, brightness indicates
current level of dimming

If lit, a dimming
level has been set
and brightness
indicates level of
dimming

Limited 2 Year Warranty

Control4 Corporation ("Control4") warrants that at the time of first-con su mer sale, this
product will be free from defects in material and manufacture. Control4 further
warrants that for a period of 2 years ( 24 months) af ter i nitial consumer sale, the product
will function in accordance with its specification, provided that it is installed and
maintained under normal and proper use. This warranty extends only to products
purchased directly from Control4 or an Authorized Control4 Reseller. If the product
proves to be defective in material or workmanship during the warranty perio d, it may be
returned to the place of purchase and Control4 will, at its sole option, repair or replace
the product with a like product. This warranty provides the consumer purchaser with
specific legal rights, which may vary per state or country. For complete warranty
information, including details on consumer legal rights as well as warranty exclusions,
visit www.control4.com/warranty.

About this Document

United States Patents Pending. Copyright © 2007 Control4 Corporation. Control4 and
the Control4 logo are registered trademarks of Control4 Corporation. All trademarks
are properties of their respective owners. Part Number: 200-00035 Rev A (Draft 4)