Control4 Essential Switch 120V/277V Installation Guide

Overview

The Control4 Essential Switch (Model C4-V-SW120277) is a smart lighting control device designed for 120V/277V electrical systems. It allows users to convert a standard single-pole switch into a multi-location switch setup by pairing with Control4 Essential Auxiliary Keypads. The switch offers manual and remote control capabilities, auto line/load detection, and over-the-air updates via a Control4 Zigbee network.

It is designed for use with permanently installed fixtures and requires a neutral connection for operation with auxiliary keypads.

For a list of compatible devices and more information, visit control4.com.

Safety Warnings

Risk of Fire, Electrical Shock, Burns

WARNING:

• Ensure power to the branch circuit is turned OFF at the service panel before making any wiring connections to avoid personal injury or damage to the switch.
• This device is intended for installation in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC) and local regulations in the United States, or the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and local regulations in Canada. Consult a qualified electrician if unsure.
• Caution: Do not exceed the device's electrical ratings.
• Do not use this switch to control devices where unintended operation could cause unsafe conditions (e.g., heat lamps, sun lamps).
• Do not use this switch to control receptacles.
• This device is for indoor use only.

Important Note on RF Exposure: To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, no modifications to the antenna or device are permitted. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the device.

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice due to continuing product improvement.

Getting to Know Your Device

• Manually turn ON/OFF or remotely control through other Control4 devices.
• Can be included in multiple groups and scenes.
• Supports single-pole installation or multi-location setups with up to four Control4 Essential Auxiliary Keypads (3-, 4-, or 5-way wiring).
• Features auto line/load detection.
• Includes an interchangeable rocker switch.
• Uses a standard Decora faceplate (not included).
• Screw terminal installation requires wiring for Line (Hot), Load, Neutral, and Ground. A traveler wire is required for 3-way or 4-way installations.
• Supports over-the-air (OTA) updates once joined to a Control4 Zigbee network.
• Features an LED status indicator that shows light state and pairing process status.

Tools You Will Need

• Pliers
• Wire strippers
• Screwdriver

Installation

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD

Turn OFF the power to the branch circuit for the switch and lighting fixture at the service panel. All wiring connections must be made with the POWER OFF to avoid personal injury and/or damage to the switch.

Single-Switch Wiring

For a standard single-pole installation (one switch controlling one fixture):

1. Shut off power to the circuit at the circuit breaker or fuse box. IMPORTANT: Verify power is OFF to the back box before continuing.
2. Remove the faceplate.
3. Remove the switch mounting screws.
4. Carefully remove the switch from the back box. DO NOT disconnect the wires.
5. Identify the screw terminals on the Control4 Essential Switch:
   • A. GROUND: Green or bare copper wire.
   • B. LINE OR LOAD: Black wire connected to power or lighting.
   • C. LINE OR LOAD: Black wire connected to power or lighting.
   • D. TRAVELER: Red or other colored wire (only used in 3-way or 4-way installations).
   • E. NEUTRAL: White wire.
6. Match these screw terminals to the wires connected to the existing switch. Disconnect the wires from the existing switch and label them according to their previous terminal connection.

Multi-Switch Wiring (3-way, 4-way, or 5-way)

For 3-way or 4-way installations, Control4 Essential Auxiliary Keypads are required. Please refer to the Control4 Essential Auxiliary Keypad manual for specific wiring instructions for these configurations.

Important Note: Connecting the traveler terminal of this switch to a standard, non-Control4 switch will cause damage or result in improper function. If this switch is part of a 3-way or 4-way multi-switch installation, do not connect the traveler wire or apply power until Control4 Essential Auxiliary Keypads are correctly installed. For expanded wiring diagrams and more information, see ctrl4.co/essential-wiring.

Wiring Diagram Description

The diagrams illustrate the basic wiring connections. Power comes from the breaker box to the switch's Line/Load terminal, and the Load terminal connects to the light fixture. A Neutral wire connection is also required. For multi-location setups, a Traveler wire connects between switches and auxiliary keypads. The instruction "Insert wires into holes, do not wrap wires around screws" is prominent, along with "Do not remove screws."

Observe Important Wiring Information

IMPORTANT: This switch is rated for and intended to be used only with copper wire.

Wire Gauge Requirements: Use 14 AWG or larger wires suitable for at least 80° C for line (hot), load, neutral, ground, and traveler connections.

Installation Steps (General)

1. Wire Strip Length: For enclosure holes, strip insulation 5/8 in. (16 mm). For screw terminals, strip to 1 in. (UL specifies tightening torque of 14 Kgf-cm or 121 bf-in).
2. Connect the green or bare copper ground wire to the GROUND terminal (A).
3. Connect the black wire from the light fixture to either LINE/LOAD terminal (B or C).
4. Connect the black wire from the electrical service panel (hot) to either LINE/LOAD terminal (B or C).
5. Connect the white wire to the NEUTRAL terminal (E). A jumper wire may be needed.
6. Note on Traveler Terminal (D): This terminal is only used for 3-way or 4-way wiring. It should remain insulated if the switch is installed in a 2-way system (one switch and one load).
7. Insert the switch into the back box, being careful not to pinch or crush wires.
8. Secure the switch to the box using the supplied screws.
9. Mount the faceplate (not included).
10. Reapply power to the circuit at the fuse box or circuit breaker and test the system.

Basic Operation

The connected light can be turned ON/OFF in two ways:

• Manually from the front panel rocker switch.
• Remotely through other Control4 devices.

Manual Control:

• To turn the connected fixture ON, press and release the top of the rocker (F).
• To turn the connected fixture OFF, press and release the bottom of the rocker (G).

Adding the Switch to a Control4 Project

For best results, ensure your Control4 controller is running OS 3.1.2 or newer.

Network Pairing

1. In Composer software, add the driver for the Control4 Essential Switch (C4-V-SW120277) to your project.
2. Navigate to the Network > Zigbee Network view. Double-click the driver for the Essential Switch to open the Identify window.
3. Restore power to the Control4 Essential Switch at the circuit breaker.
4. Follow Composer's on-screen instructions to identify the switch. To initiate pairing, press the top of the rocker (ON Switch) 4 times quickly.
5. The LED status indicator will blink as the switch scans the network for a compatible controller.
6. Once the Control4 Essential Switch is successfully joined to the Zigbee network, the LED status indicator will stop blinking, and the switch's address will appear in Composer.
7. The switch is now paired and ready for control.

Note: The LED blinks until the switch is successfully added to a Control4 project. If the switch does not join the network, the auto-scan process will time out, and the LED will stop blinking. To restart the pairing process after a timeout, press the top button 4 times quickly.

Resetting the Switch (Remove from Zigbee Network)

From Composer: Navigate to the Network > Zigbee Network menu, select the Essential Switch, and click "Disconnect." The switch will be removed from the Zigbee network, and all configuration parameters will be reset.

Manual Reset Procedure: To manually reset and remove the switch from the Zigbee network, tap the top of the rocker (ON Switch) 13 times quickly, then tap the bottom of the rocker (OFF Switch) 4 times quickly, and finally tap the top of the rocker again 13 times quickly.

Multi-switch Installation Notes

An Essential Auxiliary Keypad is required for multi-switch 3-way or 4-way installations. A neutral connection is required to use the Control4 Essential Switch with an Essential Auxiliary Keypad.

Changing the Rocker Color

This step is optional and can be performed before or after installation.

1. To release the rocker, push the side tabs in on one side, then the other. Lift the cover up and off.
2. To install a new rocker, simply place it onto the switch, inserting the side tabs and snapping it securely into place.

After changing the rocker color, please return to the installation steps (Section 3).