--- title: What Is “Discrete ON/OFF” and When Should I Enable It? description: Learn about the “Discrete ON/OFF” feature in LightwaveRF devices, designed for non-dimmable loads. Discover how it improves reliability in smart home automations. --- [Skip to content](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge-base/what-is-discrete-on/off-and-when-should-i-enable-it#main-content) Open main navigation Close main navigation How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [Getting Started - What you need to know](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge-base/getting-started-what-you-need-to-know?hsLang=en) 3. 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It ensures that commands sent to the device explicitly turn it ON or OFF, rather than toggling its state—improving reliability and precision in smart home automations involving basic on/off devices. ### ⚠️ Neutral Wire Required To use this setting, the dimmer **must be wired with a neutral**. Discrete ON/OFF relies on consistent power flow and will not function correctly without a neutral connection. --- The **Discrete ON/OFF** setting is a calibration option available on Lightwave Smart Series dimmers. It changes how the dimmer operates by delivering instant full power on or off — with no fade or dimming curve. This setting is essential when working with devices that aren't designed for dimming, such as smart bulbs or fixed-output fittings/non dimmable. --- ### 🔍 What Does “Discrete ON/OFF” Do? When **ticked**, this setting: - Sends **100% voltage instantly** when switched on - Cuts power completely when switched off - Prevents any dimming ramp or modulation The dimmer effectively becomes a digital **on/off switch**, ideal for loads that can't or shouldn't be dimmed. --- ### ✅ When Should You Tick Discrete ON/OFF? Enable this option in the following scenarios: - 💡 You're using **smart bulbs** (e.g. Philips Hue) that manage dimming in software - 🔲 You're controlling **NON-Dimmable Lighting circuits ** - 🔁 You have **multi-bulb lighting circuits** with uneven dimming performance - ⚡ You're powering devices via **fixed-output LED drivers** or non-dimmable transformers > 🔌 For **high-wattage loads**, we recommend using a **Lightwave Smart Series Relay for (LP81, LP82, LP83)** instead of a dimmer, as any lighting circuit, dimmable or not, that is over 100W will cause our dimmers to fail over time due to overloading --- ### 🚫 When Not to Tick It Avoid ticking this option if: - You're using **standard dimmable LEDs, halogens, or incandescent bulbs** - You want **smooth dimming** or **scene-based brightness control** - Your installation does **not** have a neutral wire available --- ### 🔧 How to Tick Discrete ON/OFF 1. Open the **Lightwave app** 2. **Find the dimmer that you would like to edit** 3. **Press and hold the tile/icon for the dimmer ** 4. Tap the settings (⚙️) icon for your Smart Series dimmer 5. Navigate to **Calibration Settings** 6. **Tick the Discrete ON/OFF option** 7. Save changes and test the load for compatibility You can untick the setting at any time if you switch back to a dimmable load. --- ### 🧠 Summary Table | Scenario / Load Type | Tick Discrete ON/OFF? | Neutral Required | | --- | --- | --- | | Smart bulbs like Philips Hue | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | NON Dimmable Lighting circuits  | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Fixed-output drivers or non-dimmable loads | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | High-wattage lighting circuits (Over 100W) | ❌ Use a relay instead | — | | Standard dimmable LED or Halogen lights | ❌ No | Optional | | Scenes requiring dimming control | ❌ No | Optional | [![Chill listening crop-3](https://support.lightwaverf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lightwave%20Logo%20Green%20Small%20(320%20x%20132)-1.png?width=58&height=24&name=Lightwave%20Logo%20Green%20Small%20(320%20x%20132)-1.png "Chill listening crop-3")](http://lightwaverf.com) [mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com) Copyright © 2025, Lightwave