INSTEON Dimmer Module Owner's Manual

About Dimmer Module

The INSTEON Dimmer Module makes adding customizable, fully dimmable INSTEON (and X10) remote control to your lamps as easy as plug and play. It's home automation at its simplest and most convenient.

The module features an LED indicator, a paddle for manual control (top for on/brighten, bottom for off/dim), and a set button.

Features and Benefits

• Integrated dimmer with 32 brightness levels and 32 ramp rates
• Compatible with all INSTEON (and X10) controllers; can also act as an INSTEON (and X10) controller
• Super-easy setup with multi-color LED and beeper
• Dual-band communication simultaneously over both RF and powerline
• Stores setup state in non-volatile memory, so settings aren't lost during power outages
• Two-year warranty

Installation

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

Read and understand these instructions before installing and retain them for future reference.

This product is not designed or approved for use on powerlines other than 100-240VAC, 50Hz or 60Hz, single phase. Attempting to use this product on non-approved powerlines may have hazardous consequences.

• Use only indoors or in an outdoor-rated box.
• This product may feel warm during operation. The amount of heat generated is within approved limits and poses no hazards. To minimize heat buildup, ensure the area surrounding this product is as clear of clutter as possible.
• Each INSTEON product is assigned a unique INSTEON I.D., which is printed on the product's label.
• To reduce the risk of overheating and possible damage to other equipment, do not use this product to control loads in excess of the specified maximum(s) or install in locations with electricity specifications which are outside of the product's specifications. If this device supports dimming, please note that dimming an inductive load, such as a fan or transformer, could cause damage to the dimmer, the load bearing device, or both. If the manufacturer of the load device does not recommend dimming, use a non-dimming INSTEON on/off switch. USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DIMMING AN INDUCTIVE LOAD.

IMPORTANT! If you have any difficulties or questions, consult an electrician. If you are not knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, electrical circuitry, you should have a qualified electrician install the product for you.

Installation Steps:

1. Turn on lamp.
2. Unplug lamp and plug it into Dimmer Module receptacle.
3. Plug Dimmer Module into unswitched wall outlet.

The lamp will turn on. The Dimmer Module LED will turn green.

Using Dimmer Module Paddle

The Dimmer Module's paddle will control the load and any additional linked responders with tap, double-tap, and press-and-hold actions to initiate different behaviors.

Adjust Local Settings

Local On-Level

The local on-level is the brightness at which the connected load will come on when turned on at the local paddle. The default on-level is 100% brightness, but it can be set to any one of 32 fixed brightness levels (3% to 100%) or "resume dim" (brightness prior to last being turned off).

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a third time (LED will start blinking green).
4. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a fourth time (LED will start blinking red).
5. Tap Dimmer Module set button (LED will start double-blinking red).
6. Use Dimmer Module's paddle to adjust lamp to desired brightness when turned on at paddle (or turn off to enable resume bright).
7. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button to accept (Dimmer Module will double-beep and the LED will stop blinking).
8. Test by turning lamp off and then back on via Dimmer Module paddle. The light will turn on at the new local on-level.

Local Ramp Rate

The local ramp rate is the time it takes for the connected light to reach 100% brightness from full-off. The default local ramp rate is 0.5 seconds, but it can be adjusted from instant-on to 5 seconds (using set button) or up to 8 minutes (with software).

Note: If your local on-level is set to a brightness level that is less than 100%, the ramp rate will be faster than programmed. For example, if your light has a 50% local on-level and a ramp rate of 2 seconds, it will take 1 second for it to ramp from full-off to the local on-level.

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a third time (LED will start blinking green).
4. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a fourth time (LED will start blinking red).
5. Slowly tap set button 2 times (LED will continue blinking red).
6. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button to see the next available ramp rate (Load will ramp from off to on at the next available ramp rate, LED will continue blinking red).
7. If this is the desired ramp rate, tap Dimmer Module set button to accept (Dimmer Module will double-beep and the LED will stop blinking).
8. To see the next ramp rate, press and hold Dimmer Module set button again (Load will ramp from off to on at the next available ramp rate).

Ramp Rate Presets:

9. Test by turning off and then back on via the local switch. The light will ramp off and back on at the new local ramp rate.

Resume Dim

When resume dim is enabled, each time you turn on Dimmer Module it will go to the previously used dim level. By default, Dimmer Module will come on at 100% brightness, but to change the desired level, simply follow the instructions below. The next time you turn Dimmer Module off and on again, it will return to the last used dim level.

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a third time (LED will start blinking green).
4. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a fourth time (LED will start blinking red).
5. Slowly tap Dimmer Module set button three times (LED will start double-blinking red).
6. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it double-beeps (LED will stop blinking).
7. Test by turning off and then back on via the local switch. The light will ramp off and back on at resume dim level.

Change LED Brightness (or turn it off)

Default = 50% brightness level

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a third time (LED will start blinking green).
4. Tap Dimmer Module set button once (LED starts double-blinking green).
5. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will turn green at the brightness of the connected load).
6. Use the Dimmer Module's paddle to brighten or dim LED to desired brightness.
7. Tap Dimmer Module set button to accept (Dimmer Module will double-beep and return to ready mode).

Error Blink

Default = enabled. This setting is only adjustable via software or a central controller. Dimmer Module LED will blink red once if one or more responders do not acknowledge a message and will blink green once if all responders are successful.

Blink on Traffic

Default = disabled. This setting is only adjustable via software or a central controller. Dimmer Module LED will blink red if it detects noise that could disrupt communication.

Beep on Button Press

Default = disabled. This setting is only adjustable via software or a central controller. Dimmer Module will beep every time its paddle is tapped.

INSTEON Setup

Some products have subtle differences in their setup procedures. Please refer to the other devices' owner's manuals for details.

INSTEON Controllers, Responders and Links

Let's define a few terms:

• The INSTEON "transmitter" is called a controller.
• The INSTEON "receiver" is called a responder.
• The association between the controller and responder is called a link.

A link is one way. If you wish to have control "the other way," simply add a link "the other way."

Diagram Description: A simple diagram shows a box labeled "Controller" connected by an arrow labeled "Link" to a box labeled "Responder".

Configure INSTEON Settings

Most Dimmer Module links and settings can be configured locally—during installation with the module's set button or after installation using the switch connected to the module—or remotely via software (sold separately). All Dimmer Module settings can be managed remotely via software (sold separately).

Make Dimmer Module a Responder

1. Press and hold controller set button until it beeps (Controller LED will start blinking green). You will have four minutes to complete the next steps before linking mode times out.
2. Turn on lamp connected to Dimmer Module and adjust to desired brightness level.
3. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it double-beeps (Controller will double-beep and its LED will stop blinking).
4. Test link by tapping controller button on and off or pressing and holding to brighten/dim. The lamp connected to Dimmer Module will respond appropriately.

Note: The link just created is one way. See "Make Dimmer Module a Controller" or "Groups" to add another link to keep the two products in sync. If you wish the load to be off when link is activated—such as for an "all off" scene—turn off the load in step #2.

Make Dimmer Module a Controller

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (Dimmer Module LED will start blinking green). You will have four minutes to complete the next steps before linking mode times out.
2. Adjust responder to desired state.
3. Press and hold responder set button until it double-beeps (Dimmer Module will double-beep and its LED will stop blinking).
4. Test link by tapping or pressing and holding Dimmer Module paddle to turn on/off or brighten/dim. The responder will respond appropriately.

Note: The link just created is one way. See "Make Dimmer Module a Responder" or "Groups" to add another link to keep the two products in sync. If you wish the load to be off when link is activated—such as for an "all off" scene—turn off the load in step #2.

Groups

Devices in a group share all the same settings (e.g., on-level, ramp rate). This keeps all group members synchronized. Every device in a group is both a controller of, and responder to, all the other devices. The most common example of a group is a 3-way lighting circuit (2 switches). For simplicity, we will assume that the desired group level is on.

The following steps will create a virtual 3-way circuit including device "A" and device "B":

1. Turn A and B on.
2. Press and hold A set button until it beeps (A status LED will start blinking green).
3. Press and hold B set button until it double-beeps (A will double-beep and its LED will stop blinking).
4. Press and hold B set button until it beeps (B LED will start blinking green).
5. Press and hold A set button until it double-beeps (B will double-beep and its LED will stop blinking).
6. Test by turning load on and off from A and then B. The load(s) and both A and B LEDs will remain in synch.

Scenes

Devices in a scene can each have different settings. This provides for advanced scene creation. Software is recommended for scene management.

Example of a scene with 1 controller and Dimmer Module as a member:

1. Press and hold controller set button until it beeps (Controller LED will start blinking green).
2. Tap controller set button (Controller LED will start double-blinking green).
3. Adjust Dimmer Module to desired brightness level.
4. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it double-beeps.
5. For each additional scene member: a) Adjust member to desired scene brightness, b) Press and hold set button until it double-beeps.
6. Tap controller set button (Controller will beep and LED will stop blinking).
7. Test by tapping controller button on and off. Dimmer Module and other scene responders will all respond appropriately.

Make Dimmer Module a Controller of Multiple Responders

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Tap Dimmer Module set button (LED will start double-blinking green).
3. For each responder you are adding: a) Adjust responder to desired scene brightness/state, b) Press and hold set button until it double-beeps.
4. Tap Dimmer Module set button (Dimmer Module will beep and LED will stop blinking).
5. Test by tapping Dimmer Module paddle on and off. All the responders will turn on and off.

Remove Dimmer Module as a Controller

If you no longer want Dimmer Module to control another device (or are removing Dimmer Module from your network), it is important that you follow the instructions below for each responder.

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold responder set button until it double-beeps (Dimmer Module will double-beep and LED will stop blinking).
4. Test by tapping Dimmer Module on and off. The former responder will not respond.

Remove Dimmer Module as a Responder

If you no longer want a controller button to control Dimmer Module, follow these directions. Note: If you ever wish to uninstall Dimmer Module, it is important that you remove all Dimmer Module responder links. Otherwise, controllers will repetitively retry commands, creating network delays.

1. Press and hold controller button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold controller button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it double-beeps (Controller LED will stop blinking).
4. Test by tapping controller button on and off. Dimmer Module will no longer respond.

Remove Dimmer Module as a Controller of Multiple Responders

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Tap Dimmer Module set button (LED will start double-blinking red).
4. For each responder you are removing: Press and hold set button until it double-beeps.
5. Tap Dimmer Module set button (Dimmer Module will beep and LED will stop blinking).
6. Test by tapping Dimmer Module paddle on and off. None of the former responders will respond.

Factory Reset

All settings, links, and scenes will be erased.

1. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button until it beeps a third time (LED will start blinking green).
4. Slowly tap Dimmer Module set button three times (LED will start double-blinking green).
5. Press and hold Dimmer Module set button. Do not let go. Dimmer Module will begin to emit a long beep.
6. After beep stops, release Dimmer Module set button. After a few seconds, Dimmer Module will double-beep.

X10 Setup

Dimmer Module ships with no X10 address assigned.

Add X10 Address

1. Press and hold set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Send the X10 address 3 times (with or without commands). Example: A1-AON-A1-AON-A1-AON or A1-A1-A1-AON. Dimmer Module will double-beep and LED will stop blinking.
3. Test by sending X10 on and off commands. The lamp will turn on and off.

Remove X10 Address

1. Press and hold set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Send the X10 address 3 times (with or without commands). Example: A1-OFF-A1-OFF-A1-OFF or A1-A1-A1-AOFF. Dimmer Module will double-beep and LED will stop blinking.
4. Test by sending X10 on and off commands. Dimmer Module will not respond.

Specifications

General

INSTEON

X10

Mechanical

Electrical

Troubleshooting

Phase Bridge Detect Beacon/RF Range Test

Dimmer module automatically bridges the electrical phases in your home (via communications with other dual-band devices on the "other phase"). This is only important in 2-phase homes with powerline-only INSTEON products or buildings with both 2- and 3- phase circuits. The phase bridge detect beacon can also be used as an RF range test to see if your devices are within communication range. You will need at least one other INSTEON dual-band device installed.

1. Press and hold set button until it beeps (LED will start blinking green).
2. Press and hold set button until it beeps a second time (LED will start blinking red).
3. Press and hold set button until it beeps a third time (LED will start blinking green).
4. Slowly tap set button 2 times (LED will continue blinking green).
5. Press and hold set button until it beeps (Micro module will start beeping once per second, LED will turn solid green).
6. Check the LED behavior of other dual-band devices:
• Phase Bridge Detect Beacon:
• If the other dual-band device is blinking green, it is on the other phase: Device provides a phase bridge to Dimmer module.
• If the other dual-band device is blinking red, it is on the same phase: Device does not provide a phase bridge to Dimmer module. Relocate if necessary (and practical).
• If the other dual-band device is not blinking: Device is not within RF range of Dimmer module so it does not provide a phase bridge. Relocate if necessary (and practical) or add an additional dual-band device.
• RF Range Test:
• If LED is blinking: Device is within RF communication range.
• If LED is not blinking: Device is not within RF communication range. Relocate if necessary (and practical) or add an additional dual-band device.
7. Tap set button (Dimmer module will stop beeping, other device LEDs will stop blinking).

If you have tried these solutions, reviewed the owner's manual, and still cannot resolve an issue you are having, visit http://www.insteon.com/support or call INSTEON Support Line at 866-243-8022.

Certification and Warranty

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Hereby, INSTEON declares that this device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the following Directives:

1. Low Voltage Equipment Directive 2006/95/EC
2. Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2004/108/EC
3. Hazardous Substance Directive 2005/95/EC

Technical data and copies of the original Declaration of Conformity are available and can be obtained from INSTEON; 16542 Millikan Ave, Irvine, CA, USA.

User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

This document contains important information for users with regards to the proper disposal and recycling of INSTEON products. Consumers are required to comply with this notice for all electronic products bearing the following symbol:

Environmental Information for Customers in the European Union

European Directive 2002/96/EC requires that the equipment bearing this symbol on the product and/or its packaging must not be disposed of with unsorted municipal waste. The symbol indicates that this product should be disposed of separately from regular household waste streams.

It is your responsibility to dispose of this and other electric and electronic equipment via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or local authorities. Correct disposal and recycling will help prevent potential negative consequences to the environment and human health. For more detailed information about the disposal of your old equipment, please contact your local authorities, waste disposal service, or the shop where you purchased the product.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY TO R&TTE DIRECTIVE 1999/5/EC for the European Community, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein

Product category: general consumer (category 3).

English: This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the European R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC

Deutsch [German]: Dieses Gerät entspricht den grundlegenden Anforderungen und den weiteren entsprechenden Vorgaben der Richtlinie 1999/5/EU.

Nederlands [Dutch]: Dit apparaat voldoet aan de essentiele eisen en andere van toepassing zijnde bepalingen van de Richtlijn 1999/5/EC.

Svenska [Swedish]: Denna utrustning står I överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv 1999/5/EG.

Français [French]: Cet appareil est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux autres dispositions pertinentes de la Directive 1999/5/EC

Español [Spanish]: Este equipo cumple con los requisitos esenciales asi como con otras disposiciones de la Directiva 1999/5/CE.

Português [Portuguese]: Este equipamento está em conformidade com os requisitos essenciais e outras provisões relevantes da Directiva 1999/5/EC.

Italiano [Italian]: Questo apparato é conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed agli altri principi sanciti dalla Direttiva 1999/5/CE.

Norsk [Norwegian]: Dette utstyret er i samsvar med de grunnleggende krav og andre relevante bestemmelser i EU-direktiv 1999/5/EF.

Suomi [Finnish]: Tämä laite tyttää direktiivin 1999/5/EY olennaiset vaatimukset ja on siinä asetettujen muiden laitetta koskevien määräysten mukainen.

Dansk [Danish]: Dette udstyr er i overensstemmelse med de væsentlige krav og andre relevante bestemmelser i Direktiv 1999/5/EF.

Polski [Polish]: Urządzenie jest zgodne z ogólnymi wymaganiami oraz szczególnymi warunkami okreslonymi Dyrektywą UE: 1999/5/EC

Limited Warranty

Seller warrants to the original consumer purchaser of this product that, for a period of two years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship and will perform in substantial conformity to the description of the product in this Owner's Manual. This warranty shall not apply to defects or errors caused by misuse or neglect. If the product is found to be defective in material or workmanship, or if the product does not perform as warranted above during the warranty period, Seller will either repair it, replace it, or refund the purchase price, at its option, upon receipt of the product at the address below, postage prepaid, with proof of the date of purchase and an explanation of the defect or error. The repair, replacement, or refund that is provided for above shall be the full extent of Seller's liability with respect to this product. For repair or replacement during the warranty period, call 866-243-8022 with the Model # and Revision # of the device to receive an RMA# and send the product, along with all other required materials to:

INSTEON
ATTN: Receiving
16542 Millikan Ave.
Irvine, CA 92606-5027

Limitations

The above warranty is in lieu of and Seller disclaims all other warranties, whether oral or written, express or implied, including any warranty or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Any implied warranty, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, which may not be disclaimed or supplanted as provided above shall be limited to the two-year of the express warranty above. No other representation or claim of any nature by any person shall be binding upon Seller or modify the terms of the above warranty and disclaimer.

Home automation devices have the risk of failure to operate, incorrect operation, or electrical or mechanical tampering. For optimal use, manually verify the device state. Any home automation device should be viewed as a convenience, but not as a sole method for controlling your home.

In no event shall Seller be liable for special, incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from possession or use of this device, including without limitation damage to property and, to the extent permitted by law, personal injury, even if Seller knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or the exclusion or limitation of damages, in which case the above limitations and/or exclusions may not apply to you. You may also have other legal rights that may vary from state to state.

Protected under U.S. and foreign patents (see www.insteon.com)

Copyright 2013 INSTEON, 16542 Millikan Ave., Irvine, CA 92606, 866-243-8022, www.insteon.com