Fibaro Universal Dimmer 500W
Operating Manual
Model: FGD-211 v2.1 - v2.3
Introduction
The Fibaro Universal Dimmer 500W (FGD-211) is a remotely controlled dimmer designed for the Fibaro System. It can operate with or without a neutral lead and can function as a switch in systems without a neutral lead.
As a dimmer, it supports the following loads:
- Conventional incandescent lamps
- Halogen 230V lamps
- Low voltage halogen 12V lamps (with electronic transformers)
- Dimmable LED lamps
- When used with FGB001, it can operate with any dimmable load up to 500W.
As an electronic switch, it can work with:
- Compact fluorescent lamps
- LED bulbs
- Fluorescent lamps with electronic stabilizers and most conventional stabilizers
- When used with FGB001, it can operate with any dimmable load up to 500W.
Note: For loads other than resistive, do not exceed 1.5A current.
Specifications
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Power supply | 110-240V ±10% 50/60Hz |
Output Power | 25-500 W (for resistive loads - 230V) 10-250W (for resistive loads - 110V) |
In accordance with EU standards | EN 55015 (noise) EN 60669-2-1 (operational safety) |
Overcurrent protection | 2.5 A |
Circuit temperature limits | 105 °C |
Operational temperature | 10-40 °C |
For installation in boxes | Ø ≥ 50mm |
Radio signal power | 1mW |
Radio protocol | Z-Wave |
Radio Frequency | 868,4 MHz EU; 908,4 MHz US; 921,4 MHz ANZ; 869,2 MHz RU; |
Range | up to 50 m outdoors up to 30 m indoors (depending on building materials) |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 42 x 37 x 17 mm |
Electricity consumption | < 0,8W |
Technical Information
- Controlled by FIBARO system devices or any other Z-Wave controller.
- Microprocessor control.
- Executive element: triac.
- Soft start function for gradual brightening.
- May operate in 3-way systems.
- Remembers the last lighting level settings.
- The device can be operated by momentary and toggle push-buttons.
Safety Precautions
[Danger] Danger of electrocution!
All works on the device may be performed only by a qualified and licensed electrician. Observe national regulations.
[Danger] Danger of electrocution!
Even when the device is turned off, voltage may be present at its terminals. Any works introducing changes into the configuration of connections or the load must always be performed with disconnected voltage (disable the fuse).
[Warning] Applied load and the Dimmer itself may be damaged if the values of applied load are inconsistent with the technical specifications.
The Dimmer requires a minimum load of 25 VA (or 0.5 VA when using FGB001 device) during operation – do not connect the power supply without a load. Only lighting devices may be connected to the Dimmer.
Connect only in accordance with the diagrams presented in the manual. Incorrect connection may cause risk to health, life, or material damage.
[Information] Tips:
- Do not connect the Dimmer to loads greater than those recommended (see technical specifications).
I. General Information About Fibaro System
Fibaro is a wireless system based on Z-Wave technology, offering numerous advantages over similar systems. While standard radio systems rely on direct connections that can be weakened by obstacles, Fibaro devices act as signal "duplicators," extending the network's reach. It is a bi-directional system, confirming signal reception for status checks, and its transmission security is comparable to wired systems.
Fibaro operates in a free frequency band, with specific frequencies varying by country. Each Fibaro network has a unique Home ID, allowing multiple independent systems to coexist without interference. Z-Wave is a recognized and binding standard, ensuring compatibility with solutions from various manufacturers, making the system open for future expansion. More information is available at www.fibaro.com.
The system creates a dynamic network structure, automatically updating device locations in real-time via status confirmation signals from devices operating in a "mesh" network.
The In-wall Universal Dimmer (referred to as Dimmer) is designed to control and dim lamps via radio waves, controllers, and directly connected push-buttons. It automatically recognizes connected loads, is protected against overcurrent and short circuits, operates noiselessly, and features a soft-start function for gradual brightening. For certain lamps like fluorescent types with starters or older transformers, dimming might not be possible, and only on/off functionality will be available.
II. Assembling the Dimmer
[Danger] Danger of electrocution!
All works on the device may be performed only by a qualified and licensed electrician. Observe national regulations.
- Before installation, ensure the voltage supply is disconnected.
- Connect the Dimmer according to the provided wiring diagrams.
- Place all components within the switch box.
- Arrange the antenna. Tips for antenna placement are provided below the diagrams.
Wiring Diagrams
Fig. 1: Wiring diagram for connecting the Dimmer - 2-wire connection. This diagram illustrates a basic connection where Live (L) and Neutral (N) are supplied to the Dimmer. The output (O) connects to the lighting fixture. Terminals S1, S2, and Sx are for connecting switches, and B is the service button. It shows configurations for both single and double switches.
Fig. 2: Wiring diagram for connecting the Dimmer - 3-wire connection. This diagram shows a 3-wire setup, typically involving a switch connected between the Live (L) terminal and the Sx terminal of the Dimmer. The output (O) connects to the light.
Fig. 3: Wiring diagram for connecting the Bypass. This diagram shows how to connect the Bypass module. It connects in parallel with the dimmer, receiving Live (L) and Neutral (N) inputs and providing an output to the lighting fixture.
Notes for Diagrams
- L: Terminal for live lead.
- N: Terminal for neutral lead.
- O: Output terminal of the Dimmer (controls the connected lighting device or other load).
- Sx: Terminal for power supply to the switch connected to the Dimmer.
- S2: Terminal for key No. 2.
- S1: Terminal for key No. 1 (also used for entering learning mode).
- B: Service button (used to add or remove a device from the system).
[Information] Note:
- The length of wires used to connect the control switch should not exceed 20m.
- The terminal marked "L" may also be used for supplying power to the switch. Controlling a phase other than "L" is also acceptable.
Tips for Arranging the Antenna
[Information] Tips:
- Locate the antenna as far from metal elements as possible (e.g., connecting wires, bracket rings) to prevent interference.
- Metal surfaces in the direct vicinity of the antenna (e.g., flush-mounted metal boxes, metal door frames) may impair signal reception.
[Information] Do not cut or shorten the antenna; its length is perfectly matched to the Z-Wave band in which the system operates.
III. Activating the Dimmer
1. Installing the Dimmer [Adding/Removing to/from Z-Wave Network]
- STEP 1: Connect the device according to the wiring diagram (Fig. 1 or Fig. 2). Switch on the mains voltage (230V).
- STEP 2: Ensure the Dimmer is within the range of the Home Center controller, as adding mode requires direct communication.
- STEP 3: Identify key No. 1, which turns on the light (refer to NOTE II for toggle switch operation).
- STEP 4: Set the Home Center controller to add/remove mode (consult the controller's manual).
- STEP 5: The Dimmer enters inclusion/exclusion mode after pressing the push-button connected to S1 terminal (or push-button B) three times quickly. For toggle switches, perform 3 position changes.
[Information] WARNING!
- The Dimmer cancels the "learning" mode after key No. 1 is pressed once. Pressing key No. 1 four times will not add the device to the network.
- The Dimmer is set by default to operate with momentary switches. When adding with toggle switches, ensure all switch contacts are open (off), as closing them activates the push-button and prevents adding the device. For toggle switches, it is recommended to use service push-button B to enter inclusion/exclusion mode.
- STEP 6: The controller will indicate if the device has been correctly added to the network (refer to the Home Center controller manual).
2. Resetting the Dimmer
The Dimmer offers three reset methods:
- Method I: Reset via the procedure of removing the Dimmer from the existing Z-Wave network using a controller capable of adding/removing devices (consult the Home Center controller manual). The controller does not need to be part of the network from which the device is being removed.
- Method II: Reset by holding the 'B' button for 3 seconds after connecting mains voltage to the Dimmer.
3. Controlling the Dimmer by a Switch
Momentary Switch
- Turning the light on/off: Change the position of push-button No. 1. The Dimmer will activate at the previously set brightness.
- Brightening/dimming the light: Hold key No. 1 down.
[Information] NOTE:
- When a button is held down for smooth light intensity change, the Dimmer will always reach an extreme value (1% or 100%).
- When one button is held down, the second button does not respond.
- Turning the light off completely (100%): Fast double-click push-button No. 1. The Dimmer will set the load at 100%, and the previously set value will be reset.
Toggle Switch
- Turning the light on/off: Shortly press push-button No. 1. The Dimmer will activate at the previously set brightness.
- Turning the light to 100%: Fast double-click push-button No. 1 (re-position the switch up or down twice). The Dimmer will switch the light to 100%.
[Information] NOTE:
- Push-button No. 2 may be assigned for controlling other devices (see ASSOCIATION).
4. Controlling the Dimmer using ALL ON / ALL OFF Commands
The Dimmer responds to ALL ON/ALL OFF commands sent by the Home Center controller or other Z-Wave controllers. These commands are typically used to control the entire system. By default, both commands are accepted. Settings can be changed via configuration register No. 1.
5. Controlling the Dimmer by the Main Controller (Home Center)
After adding the Dimmer to the network, it is represented in the Fibaro controller by a specific icon (see Fig. 4). Dimming/brightening is performed using a slider, and the current status is shown on a bar indicator. ON/OFF icons are used for complete dimming/brightening.
Fig. 4: Dimmer icon shown by the Home Center controller. Depicts the graphical representation of the dimmer in the Fibaro interface with controls for ON/OFF and a slider for dimming.
IV. Association
Association allows the Dimmer to directly control other Z-Wave network devices, such as other Dimmers, Relay Switches, or Roller Shutters. The main controller is not involved in this direct communication.
The Dimmer supports three association groups:
- 1st group: Assigned to key No. 1.
- 2nd group: Assigned to key No. 2.
- 3rd group: For controllers like Home Center for state reporting.
The Dimmer can control up to 5 normal devices and 5 MultiChannel devices in groups 1 and 2. Group 3 has only one field, reserved for the network controller.
To add an association (using the Home Center controller): Navigate to device options, select the "device options" tab, and specify the group and devices for association. Sending information to associated devices may take a few minutes.
[Information] NOTE:
- When the device sends control commands and a push-button is pressed again, the current command transmission is interrupted to send new commands.
The FGD211 Dimmer supports multi-channel devices, which are physical units containing two or more circuits.
V. Configuration
Configuration settings are available as simple options within the Fibaro interface. Access them via device options.
Key Configuration Parameters:
- Parameter No. 1: Activate/deactivate ALL ON/ALL OFF functions. Default: 255 (both active). Options: 255 (ALL ON & ALL OFF active), 0 (inactive), 1 (ALL OFF active), 2 (ALL ON active).
- Parameter No. 6: Sending commands to control devices assigned to the 1st association group (key No. 1). Default: 0. Options: 0 (commands sent on on/off), 1 (commands sent on off; double-click sends 'turn on', dimmer memorizes last state), 2 (commands sent on off; double-click sends 'turn on', dimmer sets to 100%). Note: Parameter 15 must be set to 1 for double-click functionality.
- Parameter No. 7: Check device status before sending a control frame from key No. 2. Default: 1 (checked). Options: 0 (not checked), 1 (checked). Info: Prevents lack of reaction on pressing key No. 2. Not possible if roller blind switch is chosen in parameter 14 (value 2). If status is checked, parameter 19 should be 0.
- Parameter No. 8: Percentage of dimming step at automatic control. Default: 1. Options: 1-99.
- Parameter No. 9: Time of manually moving the Dimmer between extreme dimming values. Default: 5. Options: 1-255 (10ms-2.5s).
- Parameter No. 10: Time of automatic moving the Dimmer between extreme dimming values. Default: 1. Options: 0-255 (0ms-2.5s). Note: Value 0 disables smooth change, required for inductive/capacitive devices unsuitable for dimming (e.g., fluorescent lamps, motors).
- Parameter No. 11: Percentage of dimming step at manual control. Default: 1. Options: 1-99.
- Parameter No. 12: Maximum Dimmer level control. Default: 99. Options: 2-99.
- Parameter No. 13: Minimum Dimmer level control. Default: 2. Options: 1-98. Note: Max level cannot be lower than min level.
- Recommended values for Parameters 12 & 13:
- AC motors: [min 60%, max 99%]
- Fluorescent lamps, LED [min 98%, max 99%] (with parameter 10 set to 0).
- Parameter No. 14: Switch type. Default: 0. Options: 0 (momentary switch), 1 (toggle switch), 2 (Roller blind switch - UP/DOWN).
- Parameter No. 15: Double click option (set lighting at 100%). Default: 1 (enabled). Options: 0 (disabled), 1 (enabled).
- Parameter No. 16: Saving the state of the device after a power failure. Default: 1 (saves state). Options: 0 (returns to "off"), 1 (saves state).
- Parameter No. 17: 3-way switch function (for key No. 1). Default: 0 (disabled). Options: 0 (disabled), 1 (enabled). Allows control by two toggle push-buttons or infinite momentary push-buttons.
- Parameter No. 18: Synchronizing the light level for associated devices. Default: 0 (disabled). Options: 0 (disabled), 1 (enabled). The Dimmer communicates its position to associated devices.
- Parameter No. 19: Assigns bistable key status to the device status. Default: 0. Options: 0 ([On/Off] device changes status on key status change), 1 (Device status depends on key status: ON when key is ON, OFF when key is OFF). Info: Remote control from Fibaro System is still possible. Useful for displaying external device status.
- Parameter No. 20: Function enabling change of control impulse length. Default: 110 (50Hz) or 101 (60Hz). Options: 100-170. This function allows decreasing the minimum dimming level by extending the control impulse, potentially enabling full dimming of LED bulbs. Not all LED bulbs support dimming.
- Parameter No. 30: Alarm response for any type (general, water, smoke, temperature). Default: 3 (ALARM FLASHING). Options: 0 (DEACTIVATION), 1 (ALARM ON), 2 (ALARM OFF), 3 (ALARM FLASHING - periodically changes status).
- Parameter No. 39: Active flashing alarm time. Default: 600. Options: [1-65535][ms].
- Parameter No. 40: Updating the dimming level without input from the switch. Options: 1 to 99. Value changes depending on the dimming level.
- Parameter No. 41: Scene activation functionality. Default: 0 (deactivated). Options: 0 (deactivated), 1 (activated). Allows sending commands compatible with Scene Activation Command Class, enabling scenes via associated devices (e.g., Home Center 2). Specific Scene IDs are assigned to different button actions (single click, double click, triple click, holding down, releasing).
[Warning] Wrong setting of the function may cause incorrect operation of the Dimmer.
VI. Additional Functionality
Operating Alarm Data Frames
The Fibaro system allows devices to respond to alarm situations (ALARM_REPORT and SENSOR_ALARM_REPORT data frames). The Fibaro Dimmer responds to the following alarm types:
- General Purpose Alarm - GENERAL PURPOSE ALARM [0x00]
- Smoke Alarm - ALARM CO2 [0x02], ALARM CO [0x01], ALARM SMOKE [0x03]
- Water Flooding Alarm - ALARM WATER [0x05]
- Temperature Alarm - ALARM HEAT [0x04]
Alarm data frames are sent by system sensors (e.g., flood sensors, smoke detectors, motion detectors). The device may respond in configured ways (see Section V Configuration):
- 0 - DEACTIVATION: The device does not respond to alarm data frames.
- 1 - ALARM ON: The device turns on after detecting an alarm.
- 2 - ALARM OFF: The device turns off after detecting an alarm.
- 3 - ALARM FLASHING: The device periodically changes its status to the opposite (lights on/off alternately) when it detects an alarm.
VII. Operating the Dimmer
The Dimmer can be operated using various control elements:
- Any controller compatible with the system (e.g., Home Center controller).
- A mobile phone (e.g., iPhone and phones from other manufacturers with appropriate software).
- A tablet (such as iPad).
- A PC, using a web browser.
- Push-buttons connected to inputs S1 and S2.
- The service button B, located inside the housing (activates learn mode).
VIII. Procedures for Malfunctions
The device does not respond to a pre-programmed transmitter:
- Make sure that the maximum range is not exceeded and the signal path is not obstructed by metal surfaces (e.g., metal cabinets).
- Ensure the device is not in programming mode, or repeat the programming process.
IX. Guarantee
1. Provider: FIBAR GROUP Sp. z o.o. (Manufacturer), based in Poznan, Poland. Registered in the National Court Register.
2. Warranty Period: The Manufacturer is responsible for equipment malfunction due to physical defects for 12 months from the date of purchase.
3. Manufacturer's Obligation: During the guarantee period, the Manufacturer will remove defects free of charge by repairing or replacing defective components with new or regenerated ones. If repair is impossible, the Manufacturer may replace the device with a new or regenerated unit of equivalent or better condition.
4. Replacement with Different Device: In cases where the exact device type is unavailable, the Manufacturer may replace it with a device of similar technical parameters. The Manufacturer will not refund money paid for the device.
5. Submitting a Guarantee Claim: Before submitting a claim, contact technical support remotely (over 50% of issues are resolved this way). If remote support is insufficient, fill out the guarantee claim form on the website (www.fibargroup.com) to obtain authorization and an RMA number.
6. Telephone Claims: Claims can also be submitted by phone; calls are recorded, and the customer is informed. An RMA number will be provided immediately.
7. Authorized Guarantee Service (AGS): A representative of AGS will contact the customer upon correct submission of the claim form.
8. Repair Time: Defects will be removed within 30 days from the delivery of the Device to AGS. The guarantee period is extended by the time the Device is kept by AGS.
9. Required Documents: The faulty device must be provided with complete standard equipment and proof of purchase.
10. Replaced Parts: Parts replaced under guarantee become the Manufacturer's property. The guarantee for replaced parts is equal to the original device's guarantee period and is not extended.
11. Delivery Costs: Costs of delivering the faulty device are borne by the Customer. Unjustified service calls may incur charges for travel and handling.
12. Claim Rejection: AGS may reject a claim if the device was misused, the manual was not observed, the device is incomplete, the fault is not a material/manufacturing defect, or the guarantee document/proof of purchase is invalid.
13. Liability Limitations: The Manufacturer is not liable for damages to property caused by a defective device, nor for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, savings, data, or third-party claims.
14. Guarantee Exclusions: The guarantee does not cover:
- Mechanical damages (cracks, fractures, impact damage, improper use).
- Damages from external causes (flood, storm, fire, natural disasters, war, theft, water damage, extreme temperatures, etc.).
- Damages caused by malfunctioning software, viruses, or failure to update software.
- Damages from power surges, improper connection, or use of unrecommended devices.
- Damages from operating or storing in adverse conditions (high humidity, dust, extreme temperatures).
- Damages caused by using unrecommended accessories.
- Damages from faulty electrical installation or incorrect fuses.
- Damages from failure to provide maintenance and servicing.
- Damages from spurious spare parts, unauthorized repairs, or alterations.
- Defects caused by operating a faulty Device or accessories.
15. Excluded Services: Guarantee repairs do not include periodic maintenance, cleaning, adjustments, operational checks, error correction, or parameter programming. Natural wear and tear of components with defined operational life are also not covered.
16. Uncovered Defects: For defects not covered by the guarantee, the Manufacturer may remove them at their discretion.
17. Customer Rights: This guarantee does not exclude, limit, or suspend the Customer's rights when the provided product is inconsistent with the purchase agreement.
[Information] This Device may be used with all devices certified with Z-Wave certificate and should be compatible with such devices produced by other manufacturers. Any device compatible with Z-Wave may be added to Fibaro system.
Contact: For any technical questions, contact the customer service center in your country. Visit www.fibargroup.com.