Dimmer 2 connection diagram

[Guest azevenhuizen]

I used to have a dimmer 1 connected as per below.

Because I have only 2 wires going upstairs, I use L (phase) as common for the switches.

 

Can this still be done with dimmer 2?

 

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[jbarnas 0]

Following the manual it's not recommended connection in Dimmer 2. There is no guarantee that it will be working properly.  

[Guest azevenhuizen]

Thanks for your reply.

 

I read the manual, that's why I ask.

Thing is, it is almost impossible to pull one extra wire.

[petergebruers 1,268]

I've done quite some tests with dimmer two and I'm rather pessimistic about this case. Two 230 volt relays near the dimmer will solve it, but they are big and you won't be able to fit them in the box.

Out of curiosity, how long is the cable from the dimmer to the furthest switch?

[Guest azevenhuizen]

well, it works like a rocket on dimmer 1.

just took the plunch and it also works on dimmer 2.

I am sure I read somewhere this was an option, but I cannot find this article anymore.

question remains, is it reliable and safe to put 230vac on S1 and S2 contacts.

(ps. cable lenght is appr 10mtr including al curves and bends and round trips that go upstairs)

[petergebruers 1,268]

Thanks! In a perfect world, Sx and L would be the same thing. In Dimmer 1 and 2 these pins are at the same level. But in real world, the cables marked "L" can carry a current to other loads. For example, other lights, or a heater. But cable "Sx" must not connect to anything besides the switches. The Sx wire carries almost no current. No current means the switches connect to the same reference as the dimmer. But if you use "L", that would cause the whole circuit to carry current, shifting the voltage at the switches, and thus at the inputs of the dimmer(s). Because of that, it might fail to detect an action (push/release) correctly. If you know the load is light, over L, using L instead of Sx, you might get away with that. But I would test it thoroughly before concluding it's 100% OK. Via web and with other loads on that circuit switched on and off. Also please stick to the adagio: "switches have to be connected to Sx" as a rule.

So I am assuming you when you say "230 V" you are actually saying "L". Because the difference between "L" and "Sx" is small, you are not really putting 230 V on that circuit. So that's OK. If you are thinking... petergebruers is wrong because "N" is neutral so "L" surely means "230 V", I can understand that. But everything in/on the dimmer is referenced to "L". Neutral means, "neutral to ground level". Not "zero volt on the dimmer".

Is safe to (accidentally) connect "N" (instead of L or Sx) to S1? Only Fibaro can answer that, You need to know the design, to confirm it can withstand that. I know the input is high impedance and can take high voltages, but I cannot guarantee anything!

[Guest azevenhuizen]

thanks for the insight (again

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It looks like I have a few options to consider.

- leave it as is and see if can get away with it.

- use only 1 switch instead of 2 for controlling the dimmer.

- or install a second dimmer and associate the 2 together.

I'll think it all over and see what fits best.