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What Is “Discrete ON/OFF” and When Should I Enable It?

This article explains the “Discrete ON/OFF” feature, which is specifically used for controlling non-dimmable loads. 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