INSTEON SwitchLinc 2476DH User Manual
SwitchLinc Dimmer
- 1000W
INSTEON-Enabled Dimmer Switch
For models:
#2476DH SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W
SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT SWITCHLINC DIMMER ..................................................................................................................4
What is INSTEON?.................................................................................................................................... 4
Key SwitchLinc Dimmer Features ............................................................................................................. 4
HOW TO INSTALL SWITCHLINC DIMMER................................................................................................5
Tools You Will Need .................................................................................................................................. 5
Preparing to Install SwitchLinc Dimmer..................................................................................................... 6
Installing SwitchLinc Dimmer ....................................................................................................................7
Installing SwitchLinc Dimmer in a Multi-Way Circuit ................................................................................. 8
HOW TO SET UP SWITCHLINC DIMMER TO REMOTELY CONTROL AN INSTEON DEVICE ............ 14
Linking SwitchLinc Dimmer to a Controlled INSTEON Device................................................................ 14
Unlinking a Controlled INSTEON Device from SwitchLinc Dimmer........................................................ 15
Creating an INSTEON Scene.................................................................................................................. 15
HOW TO SET UP SWITCHLINC DIMMER TO BE REMOTELY CONTROLLED BY AN INSTEON
CONTROLLER ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Linking an INSTEON Controller to SwitchLinc Dimmer ..........................................................................16
Unlinking SwitchLinc Dimmer from an INSTEON Controller................................................................... 17
HOW TO SET UP ON-LEVELS AND RAMP RATES................................................................................ 18
Setting the On-Level and Ramp Rates (Optional)................................................................................... 18
Setting the On-Level................................................................................................................................ 18
Setting the Ramp Rate ............................................................................................................................19
Locking In a Remote-Controlled On-Level and Ramp Rate.................................................................... 19
Locking In a Local On-Level and Ramp Rate..........................................................................................19
HOW TO CROSS-LINK MORE THAN ONE SWITCHLINC DIMMER....................................................... 20
Cross-Linking in a 3-Way Circuit ............................................................................................................. 20
ADVANCED FEATURES OF SWITCHLINC DIMMER.............................................................................. 21
Restoring Power to SwitchLinc Dimmer.................................................................................................. 21
Resetting SwitchLinc Dimmer to Its Factory Default Settings .................................................................21
X10 PROGRAMMING OPTIONS ............................................................................................................... 22
Setting the X10 Primary Address ............................................................................................................ 22
Removing the X10 Primary Address ....................................................................................................... 22
Setting the X10 On-Level and X10 Ramp Rate for the X10 Primary Address........................................ 23
Enabling and Disabling X10 Resume Dim ..............................................................................................23
ADVANCED X10 PROGRAMMING OPTIONS.......................................................................................... 24
Remotely Setting the On-Level for the X10 Primary Address................................................................. 24
Remotely Setting the Ramp Rate for the X10 Primary Address .............................................................24
About X10 Scene Address Programming................................................................................................25
Remotely Setting an X10 Scene Address and On-Level ........................................................................25
Remotely Removing an X10 Scene Address ..........................................................................................25
Remotely Setting the Ramp Rate for an X10 Scene Address.................................................................26
HOW TO USE SWITCHLINC DIMMER......................................................................................................27
Using the Paddle ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Using the Air Gap .................................................................................................................................... 27
COLOR OPTIONS FOR SWITCHLINC DIMMER...................................................................................... 28
Paddle and LED Colors are Changeable ................................................................................................ 28
How to Change Paddle and LED Colors................................................................................................. 28
ABOUT INSTEON ......................................................................................................................................30
Understanding Why an INSTEON Network Is Reliable........................................................................... 30
Further Enhancing Reliability ..................................................................................................................30
Using Smarthome’s Access Point to Upgrade Your INSTEON Network ................................................ 30
About INSTEON and X10........................................................................................................................ 31
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................................32
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 34
SwitchLinc Dimmer Specifications ..........................................................................................................34
Certification.............................................................................................................................................. 36
Limited Warranty .....................................................................................................................................36
SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
ABOUT SWITCHLINC DIMMER
Congratulations on purchasing the INSTEON® SwitchLinc™ Dimmer 1000W. With its elegant look,
smooth touch, and stylish LED Bar, you can not only control the lights that you wire it to, but you can add
remote control to all kinds of other INSTEON and X10 devices in your home to match your lifestyle.
Besides controlling other devices, SwitchLinc Dimmer can itself be remotely operated from other
INSTEON or X10 Controllers, including other SwitchLinc Dimmers.
LED Bar
Brightness
Indicator
Trim Frame
Paddle Top
ON/BRIGHT
Paddle Bottom
OFF/DIM
Faceplate
SET Button (push)
Air Gap (pull)
What is INSTEON?
INSTEON is a simple, reliable, and affordable breakthrough in home control. Simple, because Plug-nTap™ setup is a breeze, and there are no wires to add – INSTEON uses existing powerline wiring as well
as radio-frequency for communication. Reliable, because every INSTEON device is a two-way repeater.
And affordable, not just because of low cost, but because INSTEON also works with legacy X10 devices.
An INSTEON home grows in value with every INSTEON device you add, making life more convenient,
safe and fun.
Key SwitchLinc Dimmer Features
• After installation, setup is easy – links to controlled devices and other controllers in minutes
• Controls all standard incandescent lamps, up to 1000 watts
• Paddle has true rocker action – top is ON or BRIGHT, bottom is OFF or DIM
• 9-level LED Bar shows brightness of lights
• Dims lights to 32 brightness levels
• Changes brightness at 32 ramp rates
• Paddle and Trim Frame colors are changeable to ivory, almond, black, brown, or gray with optional kit
(comes in white)
• White LED Bar color is changeable to green, blue, amber, or red with optional kit
• Responds to commands from X10 controllers and sends X10 commands to X10 devices
• Wires in like a standard wall switch (but also requires a NEUTRAL connection)
• Supports “virtual” 3-, 4-, or more-way circuits with multiple SwitchLinc Dimmers
• Warranted for two years
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SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
HOW TO INSTALL SWITCHLINC DIMMER
Caution
Read and understand these instructions before installing, and retain them for future reference.
SwitchLinc Dimmer is intended for installation in accordance with the National Electric Code and local regulations in the
United States, or the Canadian Electrical Code and local regulations in Canada. Use indoors only. SwitchLinc Dimmer
is not designed nor approved for use on power lines other than 120V 60Hz, single phase. Attempting to use SwitchLinc
Dimmer on non-approved powerlines may have hazardous consequences.
Do not install SwitchLinc Dimmer to control a receptacle or fluorescent lighting fixture. Connect only copper or copperclad wire to SwitchLinc Dimmer. Before installing, disconnect power at the circuit breaker or remove the circuit’s fuse to
avoid shock or possible damage to SwitchLinc Dimmer. It is recommended that a qualified electrician perform this
installation.
To reduce the risk of overheating and possible damage to other equipment, use SwitchLinc Dimmer to control 110V
incandescent lamps only. Dimming an inductive load, such as a fan or transformer, could cause damage to the dimmer,
the load device, or both. If the manufacturer of the load device does not recommend dimming, use a non-dimming
INSTEON switch such as SwitchLinc Relay. USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DIMMING AN
INDUCTIVE LOAD.
Tools You Will Need
• A flat screwdriver to remove the faceplate from the switch junction box.
• A Phillips screwdriver for the screws that hold SwitchLinc Dimmer in the junction box.
• A wire cutter and stripper if the switch you are replacing requires you to cut the wires to remove them.
• A small Phillips screwdriver if you will be changing the color of the trim frame and paddle.
A Helpful Tool – Voltmeter or Voltage Tester
During the installation of SwitchLinc Dimmer, it may be necessary to identify the wires inside the junction box. Knowing
for sure which wire is the LINE (sometimes called HOT) can reduce the guesswork when installing a single switch, and it
is absolutely necessary when working with multi-way lighting circuits. A voltmeter is ideal for this application. Many of
the digital models can also read current so you can measure how much power is being drawn by the switch’s load.
A simpler measurement tool, available at most home improvement centers, is a voltage sensor. This device, often
costing less than $20, can sense voltage when placed near a wire. The tip of the voltage sensor can tell if voltage is on
the wire without touching the bare copper conductor or breaking the insulation.
When using these tools, be certain to read and understand the safety instructions. Often when these tools are used, the
power to the circuit will need to be turned on. When working around live electrical wires, take your time and concentrate
on the task.
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SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
Preparing to Install SwitchLinc Dimmer
IMPORTANT!
If you are not knowledgeable about and comfortable with electrical circuitry, you should have a
qualified electrician install SwitchLinc Dimmer for you. Additionally, SwitchLinc Dimmer requires the
presence of a neutral wire in the installation location. Your will not be able to use SwitchLinc Dimmer
without a neutral wire. If there is no neutral wire available, or if you are unsure if you have a neutral
wire, please contact SmartLabs Tech Support for information and assistance.
SmartLabs Tech Support
800-762-7846
Before installing SwitchLinc Dimmer, please familiarize yourself with the following and take the necessary
precautions listed here:
• Be sure that you have turned off the circuit breaker or removed the fuse for the circuit you are
installing SwitchLinc Dimmer in. Installing SwitchLinc Dimmer with the power on will expose you to
dangerous voltages.
• SwitchLinc Dimmer requires a small amount of power to operate, which it receives from a connection
to the NEUTRAL electrical wire (usually white). If you are replacing a standard mechanical switch
with SwitchLinc Dimmer, the switch you are replacing will normally not have a connection to the
neutral wire. However, most junction boxes will contain a NEUTRAL wire that you can connect
SwitchLinc Dimmer to. If your junction box does not contain a neutral wire, please call SmartLabs
Tech Support at 800-762-7846, or consult an electrician.
• Don’t use SwitchLinc Dimmer to control low-voltage lighting with electronic transformers, fluorescent
lights, or motors. These are inductive loads, which SwitchLinc Dimmer is not designed to control.
Use a SmartLabs SwitchLinc Relay instead.
• Don’t use SwitchLinc Dimmer to control an electrical outlet, because non-dimmable or inductive loads
may be plugged into it.
• SwitchLinc Dimmer may feel warm during operation. This includes the exaggerated mounting fins,
which are designed to aid in heat dissipation. The amount of heat generated is within approved limits
and poses no hazards. To minimize heat buildup, ensure that the area surrounding the rear of
SwitchLinc Dimmer has adequate ventilation by clearing away excess insulation.
• If the dissipation fins prevent SwitchLinc Dimmer from fitting in the desired installation location, the
fins can be removed by grasping the edge of each fin with pliers, and bending the fin back and forth
along the score line until the fin breaks off. The removal of each individual fin reduces SwitchLinc
Dimmer’s rated capacity by 100W, since removing the fins reduce the heat dissipation capacity.
Removing a single fin reduces SwitchLinc Dimmer’s rating to 900W, removing two fins reduces
capacity to 800W, and removing all four fins reduces capacity to 600W. Please note: dissipation fins
cannot be reattached once removed.
Heat dissipating mounting fins
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SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
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Installing SwitchLinc Dimmer
1. For best INSTEON Network performance, be sure you have properly installed at least two Access
Point Signal Enhancers.
2. At the circuit breaker or fuse panel, disconnect the power for all of the circuits in the switch junction
box. Verify that power is off by trying to turn on the lights controlled by the switches.
3. Remove the faceplate from the switch junction box, then unscrew the switch you are replacing and
pull it out from the junction box.
4. Disconnect the wires from the switch you are replacing. If the wires cannot be detached by
unscrewing them, cut the wires where they enter the switch, then strip ½” of insulation off the ends.
5. If you are installing SwitchLinc Dimmer into a standard two-way circuit (where only one switch
controls the load), follow the diagram below to identify and connect the LINE, LOAD, NEUTRAL, and
GROUND wires. If the colors of the wires do not match the diagram, be sure you have identified the
wires correctly before connecting them.
6. If you are installing SwitchLinc Dimmer into a multi-way circuit (where more than one switch controls
the same load), follow the instructions in the section Installing SwitchLinc Dimmer in a Multi-Way
Circuit, below, to identify and connect the LINE, TRAVELER, NEUTRAL, and GROUND wires.
Main Panel
LINE
Usually Black
GROUND
Bare Coppe
GROUND
Bare Copper
LINE
Black
NEUTRAL
Usually White
LOAD
Usually Red or Blue
LOAD
Red
Fixture(s)
NEUTRAL
White
Light
NOTE
The NEUTRAL wire will not
normally be connected to the
switch you are replacing. If there is
no NEUTRAL wire in the junction
box (SwitchLinc Dimmer will not
function without a neutral), please
consult an electrician or call
SmartLabs Tech Support
800-762-7846
120 VAC
7. After you have connected all of the wires, ensure that all of the wire connectors are firmly attached
and that there is no exposed copper except for the GROUND wire.
8. Orient SwitchLinc Dimmer with the LED Bar at the left, gently place it into the junction box, then screw
it into place.
9. Turn the circuit breaker back on or re-install the fuse.
10. After the bottom LED in the LED Bar comes on, test that SwitchLinc Dimmer is working properly by
turning the light on and off.
11. Reinstall the faceplate.
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SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
Installing SwitchLinc Dimmer in a Multi-Way Circuit
Understanding Multi-Way Circuits
If more than one switch controls a single set of lights (called a LOAD), the switches are part of a multi-way
circuit. A 3-way circuit uses two switches to control a LOAD, a 4-way circuit uses three switches, and so
forth. Most homes have one or more 3-way circuits, with two switches located in hallways, stairwells, or
two different entrances to a room. Less commonly found are circuits that are 4-way or above.
You can use SwitchLinc Dimmers to replace switches in multi-way circuits that are already wired in, or
you can use them to create virtual multi-way circuits where there is no existing wiring.
Here is how a wired-in three-way circuit (with two switches) works:
A wired-in four- or more-way circuit (with three or more switches) has additional switches added in the
middle of the circuit. In the diagram below, the additional switch is shown in one position in the upper box
and in the other position below.
To learn more about multi-way circuits, go to Google.com or another search engine on the Internet and
enter the search terms “three-way switch” or “four-way switch.”
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SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
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Using SwitchLinc Dimmers in Virtual Multi-Way Circuits
In a virtual multi-way circuit, only one SwitchLinc Dimmer, called the SwitchLinc Primary, actually controls
the LOAD in the multi-way circuit. Any additional SwitchLinc Dimmers, called SwitchLinc Secondaries,
are not connected to the LOAD, but only to the powerline (by being wired to the LINE and NEUTRAL). All
of the SwitchLinc Dimmers can communicate with one another using INSTEON networking on the
powerline. After wiring in the SwitchLinc Dimmers, you create the virtual multi-way circuit by setting up all
of the SwitchLinc Dimmers to control each other (see HOW TO SET UP SWITCHLINC DIMMER TO
REMOTELY CONTROL AN INSTEON DEVICE, below).
The diagram below shows how you convert a wired-in three-way circuit into a virtual three-way circuit
using two SwitchLinc Dimmers. Step-by-step instructions for wiring in the SwitchLinc Dimmers are in the
next section.
TRAVELER 1
LINE
Black*
GROUND
Bare Coppe
GROUND
Bare Copper
LINE
Black
Red* or Blue*
TRAVELER 2
Black*
LOAD
Red
NEUTRAL
White
LINE
Black
GROUND
Bare Coppe
LOAD
Red* or Blue*
LOAD
Red
NEUTRAL
White
Light
Fixture(s)
NOTE
Wire colors
marked with a *
are the usual
colors and may
differ in some
homes.
NEUTRAL
White*
SwitchLinc
Primary
Main Panel
SwitchLinc
Secondary
Notice that one of the TRAVELER wires (number 1, the red one) is not used, so you will cap it off at both
ends with a wire nut.
The other TRAVELER (number 2, the black one) you will convert to a LINE wire. In the junction box
where the SwitchLinc Secondary is, connect TRAVELER 2 to the existing LINE and also to the
SwitchLinc Secondary’s LINE wire. In the other junction box at the other end, you will connect
TRAVELER 2 to the SwitchLinc Primary’s LINE wire.
The SwitchLinc Primary’s LOAD wire gets connected to the actual lights that are being controlled.
The LOAD wire for any SwitchLinc Secondaries that you will be installing will not be connected to
anything, so cap those LOAD wires off with a wire nut.
All SwitchLinc Dimmers, whether they are Primaries or Secondaries, must be connected to NEUTRAL
and to GROUND. Note that the switches you are replacing will not normally have a connection to
NEUTRAL. If there is no NEUTRAL wire in the junction box (SwitchLinc Dimmer will not function without
a neutral), please consult an electrician or call SmartLabs Tech Support, 800-762-7846.
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SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing Multi-Way SwitchLinc Dimmers
When replacing a three-way mechanical switch, each switch will have three wires connected to it from the
wall box. Four-way or greater circuits will have four wires connected to the switches in the center of the
circuit. For this tutorial, we will follow the most commonly used wire colors for homes in North America.
1. Find the LINE wire. Your first task is to find out which
switch junction box is the one where the electricity comes
into the circuit. This box will contain the LINE wire
(sometimes called HOT).
a. Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker panel.
b. Pull all the switches in the multi-way circuit out of their
junction boxes. Each switch should have three wires
connected to it. If the circuit is a four-way or greater,
some of the switches will have four wires.
c. Disconnect the wires from the old switches. If the wires cannot be detached by unscrewing them,
cut the wires where they enter the switch, then strip ½ inch of insulation off the ends.
d. Making sure that none of the wires are touching anything and that no one is around the wall
boxes, turn the electricity back on.
e. Using a voltmeter or voltage sensor, individually test each wire for voltage. When you measure
120 Volts AC, that wire is the LINE wire. LINE wires are usually black.
f. The other two wires, usually black and red, are the TRAVELERS and go to the next junction box.
TRAVELER wires are usually in the same cable sheath.
g. Turn off the electricity to resume installing the new SwitchLinc Dimmers.
2. Connect the SwitchLinc Secondary’s LINE Wire. The SwitchLinc Dimmer that will be the
Secondary goes in the junction box where you found the LINE wire. Connect the black LINE wire that
you found, the black TRAVELER, and the Black LINE wire on SwitchLinc Dimmer all together with a
single wire nut.
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SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
3. Cap the other TRAVELER wire. The other TRAVELER
wire, usually red, will not be used, so put a wire nut on the
end of it.
4. Cap the red LOAD wire from the SwitchLinc Secondary. Put a wire nut on the end of the
SwitchLinc Secondary’s LOAD wire to ensure that it won’t connect to anything.
5. Connect the SwitchLinc Secondary’s NEUTRAL Wire.
Locate the group of NEUTRAL wires, usually white, in the
rear of the box. The old switch should not have been
connected to the NEUTRAL wires, but SwitchLinc Dimmer
requires this connection in order to draw a small amount of
power for itself (SwitchLinc Dimmer will not function without a
neutral). Connect SwitchLinc Secondary’s white NEUTRAL
wire to the other NEUTRAL wires with a wire nut.
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