How to Configure 2-Way & Multiway/Intermidiate Switching with Smart Dimmers

A two-way switching wiring and automation setup is used during the initial configuration of your smart lighting system to ensure that your smart dimmers operate cohesively, enabling coordinated control from multiple points. Before configuring this setup, verify that your devices are properly connected to the app—follow the steps in this article for guidance.

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Two-way switch lighting refers to a circuit where more than one switch controls the same lights—a common setup for staircases, for example. In the Smart range, all smart dimmers are inherently two-way, so no additional specialized switches are required. If you’re not comfortable performing these steps, please consult a qualified electrician.

Before You Begin:

1. Ensure you have the necessary Lightwave smart dimmers. You will need a Lightwave dimmer for each point of your 2-way/multi-way circuit.

2. Shut off the power to the lighting circuit you’ll be working on.

3. Familiarize yourself with the existing wiring and take photos for reference during the installation process.

4. Consult a qualified electrician if you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring.

Important Notice:

Wiring can differ between properties and is often not uniform. Factors such as location, property age, and previous modifications can affect wiring configurations. Safety is the top priority when handling electrical wiring. If you are unsure, hire a qualified electrician.

Identifying Your Wires

Understanding your wiring is crucial. Here are the common wire types:

• Live Wire: Typically brown (UK/EU) or black (US). Carries power from the source.

• Switched Live Wire: Often the same color as the live wire but marked with red/brown tape. Only live when switched on.

• Neutral Wire: Typically blue (UK/EU) or white/gray (US). Returns current from the fixture.

Not all households will have a neutral wire at the switch, but Lightwave dimmers can function without one if used with dimmable bulbs.

Assessing Two-Wire vs. Three-Wire Systems

There are two primary two-way switch wiring methods:

• Two-Wire Control: Older method, with L1 and L2 terminals connected directly between switches.

• Three-Wire Control: Modern method, where COM terminals are connected and L1/L2 terminals are wired separately to the light and AC supply.

Tip: If a switch has more than one wire in both L1 and L2 terminals, you have a two-wire system. If each terminal has only one wire, it’s a three-wire system.

Wiring a Two-Way Switch

Two-Wire System Installation:

1. Move Live wires to the L terminal on the Lightwave switch.

2. Move Switch Live wires to the X terminal on the Lightwave switch.

3. Any traveler wires are not required and can be terminated or removed.

Three-Wire System Installation:

1. Move Live wires to the L terminal on the Lightwave switch.

2. Move Switch Live wires to the X terminal on the Lightwave switch.

3. Move all wires connected to the C terminal to the L terminal on the Lightwave switch.

Multi-Way Switching (Intermediate Switching):

If more than two switches are in the circuit, one switch will have two sets of L1 and L2 terminals.

• Move one set of L1/L2 wires to the L terminal on the Lightwave switch.

• Move the other set of L1/L2 wires to the X terminal on the Lightwave switch.

For a detailed visual demonstration of the wiring process, please refer to the following video: 

Before You Begin:

• Ensure the power to the lighting circuit is turned off.
• Remove the dimmer from the wall and document the existing wiring by taking photos.

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Creating the Automation on the Lightwave Link Plus App

After completing the wiring, you’ll need to automate your devices through the app so that when one smart dimmer is activated, the other responds accordingly.

Automation Setup Steps:

1. Launch the Lightwave Link Plus app. You will begin on the Favourites page.
   
2. Tap the green plus (+) icon and select Automations.
   
   
3. Choose Two-way Switching.
   
4. Your rooms and devices will then be displayed; select the devices that are configured for two-way operation.
   
5. Tap "Next."
   
6. Choose the master device from the list.
   
7. Click "Next"
   
8. Enter a name for your automation and tap "Done."
   
9. After tapping "Done," the dimmer will flash green and white as it enters the calibration process. Once the flashing stops and the dimmer returns to the off state, your setup is complete and ready for use.

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