Control4 C4FPD User Manual

™

Forward Phase
Dimmer
Installation Guide

Supported Model

• C4-FPD120 Forward Phase Dimmer

Introduction

The Control4® Forward Phase Dimmer operates independently or as part of a
Control4 home automation system. It installs in a standard wall box using typical
wiring standards and communicates to the Control4 system using a wireless
connection.

Box Contents

• Forward Phase Dimmer

• Wire Nuts

• Warranty Card

• ForwardPhaseDimmerInstallationGuide (this document)

Specifications and Supported Load Types

The specifications are described below.

Model Number C4-FPD120-xx

Power Requirements 120 VAC +/-10%, 50/60 Hz

This device can function with or without a
neutral AC connection depending on load type.
See load types and wiring diagrams below.

Load Types and Ratings

Supported Load Types Incandescent, Halogen, Electronic (Solid

State) Low Voltage (ELV) transformers,
Magnetic (Iron Core, Inductive) Low Voltage
(MLV) transformers*, Fluorescents, Compact
Fluorescents, LEDs.

Maximum Load 1 Gang 2 Gang 3+ Gang

Incandescent (Tungsten) 1000W 800W 600W

Halogen 1000W 800W 600W

Fluorescent* 1000W 800W 600W

Compact Fluorescent (CFL)* 1000W 800W 600W

LED* 200W 200W 200W

Minimum Load (with neutral)

Incandescent (Tungsten) 25W

Halogen 25W

Fluorescent* 25W

Compact Fluorescent (CFL)* 25W

LED* 25W

Minimum Load (without neutral)

Incandescent (Tungsten) 25W

Halogen 25W

Fluorescent* N/A

Compact Fluorescent (CFL)*

LED* N/A

Environmental

Operational Temperature 32˚ F - 104˚ F (0˚ C - 40˚ C)

All load ratings are based on an ambient
temperature of 25˚ C.

Humidity 5% to 95% non-condensing

Storage -4˚ F - 158˚ F (-20˚ C - 70˚ C)

Miscellaneous

Control Communications ZigBee, IEEE 802.15.4, 2.4 GHz, 15-channel

spread spectrum radio

Wallbox Volume 5.75 cubic inches

* NOTES:
(1) The maximum and minimum load requirements for fluorescent, CFL
and LED loads can vary greatly depending upon the specific fixture and/
or bulb being used. At higher wattages, these load types have significant
in-rush current which can trip the protection circuitry on the device. At
low wattages, some CFL and LED loads will not be able to completely
shut o.
(2) In both cases, the quality and performance of these load types varies
greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. When using these load types,
we recommend testing in advance. If problems are found, simply changing
to a dierent bulb manufacturer may solve the problem.
(3) Additionally, we do not recommend the use of fluorescent, CFL, or
LED loads without a neutral wire connected to the dimmer due to the
capacitive nature of these load types.

N/A

Warnings and Considerations

WARNING! This device must be installed by a licensed electrician in

accordance with all national and local 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 SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH, turn OFF

local electrical power before installing this product.

WARNING! Use this device only with copper or copper-clad wire. Do not

use aluminum wiring. This product has not been approved for use with
aluminum wiring.

WARNING! This device must be protected by a circuit breaker (20A max).

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of overheating and possible damage

to other equipment, do not install to control a receptacle or a motor
operated appliance.

IMPORTANT! This product generates heat during normal operation.

IMPORTANT! Using this product in a manner other than outlined in this

document voids your warranty. Further, Control4 is NOT liable for any
damage incurred with the misuse of this product. See “Troubleshooting.”

IMPORTANT! Do NOT use a power screwdriver to install this device. If you

do, you may overtighten the screws and strip them. Also, overtightening
the screws may interfere with proper button operation.

IMPORTANT! This is an electronic device with intricate components.

Handle and install with care!

Installation Instructions

1 Ensure that the location and intended use meet the following criteria:

• Do not exceed the load capacity requirements of the dimmer. In multi­gang installations, a reduction of the dimmers’ capacity is required to allow
the dimmers to be installed side-by-side. Refer to the load ratings in the
specifications above for details.

• Install in accordance with all national and local electrical codes.

• 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.

2 If installing in a multi-gang scenario, use pliers to remove the inner-side

breakaway tabs. Bend each tab back and forth until it breaks o. Remove
the inner-side 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.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH,

turn OFF local electrical power before installing this product.

3 Turn o the local electrical power by either switching o the circuit breaker or

removing the fuse from the fuse box. To ensure the wires do NOT have power
running to them, use an inductive voltage detector.

WARNING! As with any electrical device, improper use or installation can

cause SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH. It is important that you understand the
particular wiring configuration of your installation before proceeding.

NOTE: The wallbox wiring shown in this document is an example. Your

wire colors and functions may dier. If you are not sure which wires
are the Hot, Neutral, Load, Traveler, and Ground wires, have a trained
electrician perform the installation.

4 Prepare each wire. Wire insulation should be stripped back 5/8 of an inch

from the wire end (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Strip Wire Insulation

5 Identify your wiring application, and then see the appropriate wiring diagram

in the “Sample Wiring Configurations” section below.

WARNING! Ground the keypad in accordance with the National Electric

Code (NEC) requirements. DO NOT rely solely upon the yoke plate’s
contact with a metal wallbox for adequate grounding. Use the keypad’s

ground wire to make a secure connection to the safety ground of the
electrical system.

IMPORTANT! Not grounding this product according to the preceding

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

6 Identify and connect the dimmer wires to the wallbox wires using the wire

nuts.

IMPORTANT! The yellow wire is not a traditional traveler. It cannot directly

power a lighting load. It must be used only to connect to a Control4
Auxiliary Keypad. See “Sample Wiring Configurations.”

NOTE: Wallbox wires can dier depending upon how the box was wired

by your electrician.

7 Fit the wires back into the wallbox. Bend the wires in a zigzag pattern so that

they easily fold into the wallbox (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Bend the Wires

8 If you are using a Control4 push-on (screwless) wall plate:

a. Align the dimmer to the wallbox (the load rating label should be at
the bottom) and fasten it with screws. Tighten the screws until the
back side of the yoke plate is even with the wall surface, but no
further. Overtightening can warp the dimmer and cause
mechanical malfunction.

TIP: In multi-gang installations, leave the screws that attach the dimmer

to the wallbox slightly loose until the faceplate’s sub-plate is attached
to all the devices. This allows all devices in the multi-gang box to be
aligned before securing them to the wallbox. See the Control4 Faceplate
Installation Guide for details.

b. Install the Control4 Faceplate following the instructions in the
Faceplate Installation Guide.

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

a. Align the dimmer to the wallbox and fasten it with screws.
b. Tighten the screws until the back side of the yoke plate is even with
the wall surface but no further. Overtightening can warp the dimmer
and cause mechanical malfunction.
c. Fasten the faceplate to the dimmer with screws.

10 Turn ON power at the circuit breaker or replace the fuse

from the fuse box.

Operation and Configuration

On initial power up, all LEDs on the dimmer will illuminate green indicating that the
device has power. To set up this dimmer for use with a Control4 system, refer to
the Composer Pro User Guide.

To operate this dimmer as a stand-alone device:

• Click the top button to turn the light on.

• Click the bottom button to turn the light o.

™

• Press and hold the top button to ramp the light up. Release the button at the
desired light level.

• Press and hold the bottom button to fade the light down. Release the button
at the desired light level.

Air Gap Switch

During routine lamp replacement, remove power from the lamp by engaging the
air gap mechanism. To engage, press on the right side of the top actuator bar until
the left side pops out. All LEDs on the dimmer will turn o and the dimmer will no
longer control the light when the air gap mechanism has been engaged.

Button Tap Sequences

The button tap sequences are defined in the table below. Button tap sequences
that require a single (1) button should use the top-most button installed on the
dimmer. Button tap sequences requiring two (2) buttons should use the top-most
and bottom-most buttons installed on the dimmer.

Function Sequence Button

Identify 4

ZigBee Channel 7

Reboot 15

Factory Reset 9-4-9

Leave Mesh and Reset 13-4-13

About this Document

Part Number: 200-00307, Rev A 11/12/2012

Wiring Diagrams

Figure 3. Single Device Location, With Neutral Connection

Figure 5. Multiple Device Location Using Auxiliary Keypad, With Neutral
Connection

Figure 6. Multiple Device Location with Auxiliary Keypad, Without Neutral
Connection

Troubleshooting

If the 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 that the circuit breaker is not turned OFF or tripped.

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

• For help on the installation or operation of this product, email or call the
Control4 Technical Support Center. Please provide your exact model number.
Contact [e-mail] or see the web site www.control4.com.

Care and Cleaning

• Do NOT paint the dimmer or its wall plate.

• Do NOT use any chemical cleaners to clean the dimmer.

• Clean surface of the dimmer with a soft damp cloth as needed.

Regulatory/Safety Information

To review Regulatory information for your particular Control4 products, see
the information located on the Control4 website at: http://www.control4.com/
regulatory/.

Patent Information

Figure 4. Single Device Location, Without Neutral Connection

Figure 7. Multiple Device Location Using Configurable Keypad, Neutral Required

Protected under U.S. Patents 7,106,261, 7,336,463 and licensed under U.S. Patents
5,905,442 and 5,982,103.

Warranty

For complete warranty information, including details on consumer legal rights as
well as warranty exclusions, review the Warranty card or visit www.control4.com/
warranty.

Copyright ©2013 Control4. . All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo, the Control4 iQ logo and the Control4 certified logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation in

the United States and/or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective owners Pricing and specifications are subject to change without notice