ABB-free@home Dimmer Switch, 2-Wire (ABDS31xx) — Installation & Operation Guide

Installation and operation instructions for the ABB-free@home™ Dimmer Switch, 2-Wire (model ABDS31xx) — a wireless dimmer that controls dimmable lighting loads without requiring a neutral wire, connecting to the ABB-free@home smart home system.

Intended Use

The ABB Dimmer Switch, 2-wire controls dimmable lights via a wireless control unit that connects it to the ABB-free@home system. For information about the many functions of this device, see the system manual at www.abb.com/freeathome.

Important: Only use with fixed lighting loads. Do not install to control a receptacle, a motor-operated appliance, or a transformer-supplied appliance — doing so risks overheating and damage to other equipment.

Safety Warnings

• Installation: Must be performed by a licensed electrician or electrical professional. Improper installation can cause property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
• Fire: Work performed incorrectly can cause fires. Use the device only in a certified wall box — Carlon® products (high safety standard) are recommended.
• Damaged device: If the device shows any damage to its body or wiring insulation, immediately turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse and replace the device. Do not attempt to repair it.
• Shock hazard: Turn power OFF at the circuit breaker before installing.
• Safety-Off switch: May result in serious injury or death if misused. This switch lets a user turn off power to safely replace a lamp — but the rocker may be configured to operate a different lamp than the one switched off by Safety Off. Before replacing a lamp, verify the wires do not have power: turn the lamp on, then operate the Safety Off; if the lamp turns off, it's safe to replace.

Technical Data

Load Table (Max)

Wiring Connections

Installation Steps

1. Turn the power OFF at the circuit breaker before installing.
2. Remove the old wall plate from the wall, then remove the old switch/dimmer from the wall box.
3. Disconnect all three wires from the old switch/dimmer.
4. Connect the Dimmer Switch per the wiring diagram (single-location or 3-way installation).
5. Mount the Dimmer Switch using a screwdriver and the screws provided.
6. Replace the wall plate.
7. Turn the power ON at the circuit breaker.
8. The device carries out a short light configuration when switched on after power-up.

Operation

• Short press (top of rocker): Switch ON
• Long press (top of rocker): Brighter
• Short press (bottom of rocker): Switch OFF
• Long press (bottom of rocker): Dim down

Replacing the Rocker and Bezel

The rocker and bezel can be exchanged. Turn power OFF before removing the adapter bezel with a screwdriver; turn power back ON after reassembly.

Setup / Network Pairing

1. To complete setup you'll need the ABB-free@home System Access Point (SysAP) and a computer (tablet, laptop, or desktop).
2. Walls, ceilings, and electrical equipment (especially steel reinforcements or large metal objects) can affect wireless communication. Keep high-frequency devices (computers, wireless routers, audio/video systems) at least 3 ft. from this device.
3. When first powered, the device is in discovery mode for 30 minutes, allowing the SysAP to see and connect to it.
4. After 30 minutes, the device exits discovery mode automatically. To re-enter, turn power OFF then back ON — this restarts a 30-minute discovery window.
5. Once added to a network, the device won't re-enter discovery mode at power-up. To add it to a new network, first reset it to factory settings.

Factory Reset Procedure

1. Press and hold the bottom of the rocker for at least 25 seconds.
2. The bottom LED will start flashing after 10 seconds.
3. After another 10 seconds the LED flashes rapidly; after another 5 seconds it turns off.
4. Release the bottom of the rocker within the next 10 seconds.
5. Press the bottom of the rocker again — the lower LED stays on. Press again; all actions must be completed within 5 seconds.
6. The device returns to factory settings and restarts.

Codes & Grounding

Install according to national and local electrical codes. When there is no ground connector in the wall box, the National Electrical Code (NEC®) allows a control to be installed as a replacement only if: (1) a non-metal, non-burning faceplate is attached with non-metal screws, OR (2) the circuit is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). When installing, cap or remove the green wire before screwing the control into the wall box.

Cleaning

Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use any chemical cleaning solutions.

Support

Customer Service: 800-816-7809, 7:00am–5:30pm CST Mon–Fri, elec_custserv@tnb.com
Technical Support: 888-385-1221 option 1, 7:00am–5:00pm CST Mon–Fri, freeathome_techsupport@us.abb.com

ABB Electrification Products, 860 Ridge Lake Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38120. © 2019 ABB Inc.