adorne Wireless Lighting System — Specification Guide

Overview

The adorne® Wireless Lighting Specification Guide (Legrand) covers the adorne Whole-House Wireless lighting system — a hierarchical wireless lighting control platform supporting scenes, groups, rooms, and house-wide control across dimmers, switches, plug-in modules, and remote controls, using the license-free 900MHz band.

⚠ Safety Considerations

• Lamp replacement: lighting loads must be electrically isolated before relamping. Use the air-gap switch to the right of the adorne device — move it upward; when the LED goes out, the load is safely isolated. Move the switch back down to restore normal operation.
• Dimmer derating (multi-gang installations): use pliers to break off the specified heat-sink fins, then de-rate the maximum load per the table below.
• Overload protection: devices feature overload and short-circuit protection. On overload, the device stops working and the status LED rapidly flashes red at 2Hz. Set the dimmer to off, disconnect loads exceeding the dimmer's rating, and try again.

System Range & Design

• Range: more than 100 feet (up to 300 feet with a repeater, model MRR2-G)
• Supports up to 100 loads

The system uses a three-level hierarchical structure:

• HOUSE: may contain any number of devices, GROUPS, and/or ROOMS. Whole-House Remote Controls and Repeaters are HOUSE-level devices.
• ROOM: contains one or more Room Remote Controls operating a combination of adorne devices and/or GROUPS.
• GROUP: any number of master switches, dimmers, plug-in modules, and remote switches/dimmers bound into an "intelligent" three-way or four-way switch circuit.

Configuring the System

Setting a House ID

All adorne devices must obtain a unique House ID to prevent interference with neighboring systems, achieved by placing devices into "learn"/"program" mode (press and hold the on/off button).

1. Ensure all status LEDs on all devices are solid AMBER.
2. Press the on/off button of any switch or dimmer for 5 seconds — its LED flashes AMBER, all other devices' LEDs flash GREEN.
3. Press the on/off button of the same flashing-amber device for another 5 seconds — all LEDs flash GREEN for 2 seconds, then turn solid WHITE.

Creating Groups

A GROUP is two or more devices bound together so each controls itself and others the same way (e.g., double-tapping on/off turns all devices on). A GROUP usually comprises a master switch/dimmer with one or more remote switches/dimmers. ROOM and HOUSE level devices (remote controls, repeaters) cannot be included in GROUPs. GROUPs are commonly used as a substitute for a four-way circuit with multiple control points, especially in retrofits.

Creating a new group:

1. Ensure all potential group members' LEDs are solid WHITE.
2. Press and hold the on/off button of one device until its LED flashes AMBER.
3. For each device to add, press and hold its on/off button for 5 seconds until the LED turns from GREEN to AMBER. Repeat for all devices to add.
4. Press and hold the first item's on/off button for 5 seconds and release — all devices flash GREEN for 2 seconds then turn solid WHITE.

Adding/removing a device from a group: ensure all LEDs are solid WHITE; press and hold one device until it flashes AMBER (group members flash AMBER, un-included devices flash GREEN); press and hold any item to include it (if flashing GREEN) or remove it (if flashing AMBER); press and hold the first item's on/off button for 5 seconds to confirm.

Setting Up Remote Controls

A ROOM is a set of adorne devices (except HOUSE-level devices/repeaters) bound together under one or more remote controls, which set/modify/recall up to four lighting scenes and control ROOM on/off and overall brightness. A ROOM scene has a default fade time of two seconds; scene info is stored in the device connected to the load, not the remote.

1. Ensure all status LEDs are solid WHITE.
2. Press and hold the +/− paddle on the remote for 5 seconds and release — the LED flashes AMBER.
3. All device LEDs flash GREEN unless already bound to the remote.
4. Press and hold any device's on/off button to include (if flashing GREEN) or remove (if flashing AMBER) it from the group. Note: binding one device from a GROUP to the remote binds all GROUP members.
5. Press and hold the remote's +/− paddle for 5 seconds and release — all devices flash GREEN for 2 seconds, then turn solid WHITE.

Setting Up a Whole-House Remote Control

House Remote Controls look like Room Remote Controls but include a house icon. Typical placement: cradles inside exterior doorways and the garage doorway (or bedside for portability). The system supports up to four HOUSE scenes, commonly: pathway lighting, whole-house entertaining scene, sleep scene, away/off scene (with occupancy emulation), and arrival scene. HOUSE scenes differ from ROOM scenes in that they may include any/all devices and GROUPs in the house, may include a Repeater for occupancy emulation, and every device must be individually bound to the scene.

Creating a new house scene: adjust light levels to the desired setting, press and hold any of the four numbered remote buttons for 5 seconds and release — the LED flashes GREEN for 2 seconds then turns solid WHITE.

Removing a device from a scene: press and hold the +/− paddle for 5 seconds (LED flashes AMBER); all room/house members' LEDs flash AMBER; press and release the desired scene button; press and hold the on/off button on the device to remove for 5 seconds (LED flashes GREEN); press and hold the +/− paddle for 5 seconds — all LEDs flash GREEN for 2 seconds then turn solid WHITE.

Custom Settings

Dimmers: ensure all LEDs are solid WHITE, then press and hold the dimmer's on/off button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks GREEN (Setting #1). Tap the on/off button the desired number of times to select another setting (blinks = setting number).

Switches: ensure all LEDs are solid WHITE, then press and hold the switch's on/off button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes GREEN or RED (depending on existing setting status). Setting #1 (Locator Light On/Off, default On): press/hold on/off to toggle — GREEN = ON, RED = OFF. Exit custom settings by pressing and holding the on/off button until the light stays steady white, or wait 60 seconds to time out.

Expanding the System

RF and RF Range

adorne uses the 900MHz band for license-free, high-speed control communication, using multiple channels simultaneously to avoid interference. In an open field, devices communicate reliably over several hundred feet; in a conventional wood/steel frame building, typically up to 100 feet. Solid concrete walls/slabs and metal wall plates/back-boxes can reduce range — use plastic boxes where possible to maximize RF range.

Repeaters

A Repeater is recommended in all whole-house systems: it increases transmit/receive range and provides occupancy emulation. The Repeater has a large antenna that receives and retransmits messages with its own House ID up to 100 feet away. Locate a single Repeater near the vertical/horizontal center of the building; it uses an external power supply plugged into a 120-volt outlet. Up to two Repeaters may be used in very large buildings.

Interfacing with Other Systems

• RS232 Network Controller (MR232-G): connects adorne to external automation systems (home automation, home theater/whole-house audio, TV/movie lighting scenes) via a serial cable and standard ASCII protocol at 38.4 Kbd baud rate.
• Scene Interfaces (House: MRHC3-G / Room: MRRC3-G): connect adorne to external devices like sensors or security systems via a two-wire interface, with fixed scene assignments. Mode A is typically for momentary control signals; Mode B for maintained control signals. Common applications: security system integration (switch/flash lighting on alarm events, recall scene on disarm), and occupancy/vacancy sensors (Mode B typically: one scene on motion detected, another when unoccupied).
• IR to RF Interface (MRIR1): acts as a house/room remote control integrating with external IR systems (whole-house audio, home theater). Accepts IR data via internal sensor or external 3.5mm jack sensor; includes external 12V power supply and programming remote.

Operating the System

Dimmers

Plug-in Lamp Modules: same increase/decrease/fade behaviors as above. Switches: tap once to turn on from off, tap once to turn off from on. Plug-in Appliance Modules: tap once or press & hold to turn circuit on/off.

Room and House Remote Controls

Room and House Remote Controls have a paddle on the right and four scene buttons on the left (House Remotes have a house icon). Default scene button behavior: Button 1 → dimmers 100%/switches on; Button 2 → 75%; Button 3 → 50%; Button 4 → 25%. Press and hold a button to save current settings as that scene. Paddle: tap + once to raise all devices to 100% (on); hold + to raise current scene level; hold − to lower current scene level; tap − once to lower all room devices to 0% (off).

RF Lighting Control Key Fob: recalls room/house scenes or activates panic (flashing lights); button functions defined during setup; can be locked against accidental factory reset; unlimited fobs may be added to any installation.

Occupancy Emulation / Vacation Mode

The Repeater monitors network traffic and records a 7-day "loop" of events. When activated (via the Repeater's "away" button, or including the Repeater in a house scene), it replays the loop for realistic occupancy emulation. Emulation begins after a one-minute interval upon leaving; it stops and resumes recording as soon as any device is pressed upon return.

Designing a System

1. Determine project scope — from a few lights to all interior/exterior lighting, appliances, and home automation integration.
2. Determine lighting load types (incandescent, fluorescent, low voltage, CFL, LED, etc.) and whether a neutral is present — all adorne devices except incandescent dimmers require a neutral.
3. Specify devices needed: power devices (dimmers, switches, plug-in modules) for every load; control devices (remote controls) for additional control points; interface accessories (RS232, Scene Interface) for automation integration; Repeaters for range/occupancy emulation; plug-in appliance/lamp modules for coordinated device control.

Tip: include at least one extra Plug-in Lamp Module and one extra Plug-in Appliance Module in any bill of materials — homeowners find more uses for them over time (holiday lights, coffee machines, TVs, etc.).

Product Overview (Selected)

Technical Specifications

• All wireless devices/accessories are UL listed and FCC approved as required.
• Switches incorporate multicolor LED pilot lights (white when circuit off, optionally disabled) and pressure-plate backwire terminals.
• Tru-Universal dimmers incorporate automatic load-sensing firmware, shutting down and signaling an error on overload/short circuit without fuses or damage; configurable for Forward or Reverse Phase dimming; incorporate a means to isolate the load for relamping without tools.
• Incandescent dimmers are rated for incandescent loads only, inserted in series with a resistive load, and do not require a neutral connection.
• Plug-in Lamp Module: functions as a Universal Dimmer, max load 300W, senses the connected load and switches on when the load circuit is opened/closed. Plug-in Appliance Module: functions as a switch, max load 800W; can be configured to sense load similarly for non-dimmable lamps.
• Wireless network: bi-directional communication at ≥9600 baud, dynamically operating over at least five channels in the 900MHz band to avoid interference and message contention. Automatically establishes a system (House) ID; no special tools/computers required to configure. Supports at least 255 discrete House IDs, 127 rooms per house, 1023 devices/groups per house; recommended maximum load capacity is 100 (contact Legrand support beyond that).
• Wireless Room Control: up to fifteen lighting scenes per room; remote incorporates four scene buttons, no tools/coding required, no aiming required.
• Wireless House Control: up to 10 house scenes per network; can record actual network usage for at least seven days and play it back to emulate occupancy.
• RS232 Interface: standard ASCII protocol, 38.4 Kbd baud rate, accessible via any PC running a terminal emulator.
• Scene Interface/Contact Closure: house and room level devices with a 2-wire interface, two operating modes (maintained/momentary), three inputs for up to six functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is adorne's Top Dog protocol the same as or compatible with Zigbee or Zensys (Z-Wave)?

No. Top Dog is a frequency-agile platform designed specifically for Legrand wireless lighting systems, used for adorne Wireless Lighting and the legacy Legrand RF Lighting Control system.

Can adorne interface with other home automation systems (time clocks, occupancy sensors, touch screens)?

Yes. Two primary means: the MR232 Network Controller for RS232-protocol systems, and Room/House Scene Interfaces (MRRC3/MRHC3) for contact closure outputs. An IR to RF interface can invoke scenes with a learning remote for home theater applications.

Since adorne operates on 900MHz, can it interfere with or be interfered with by WiFi/other RF products?

The system is designed to operate dynamically across multiple channels to avoid interference with other 900MHz devices (see Technical Specifications above).

What is the capacity of a system installation, and how does it compare to other RF systems?

The system supports up to 100 load-controlling devices. If a system requires more, consult Legrand technical support.

Do I need to use a repeater?

Typically not necessary for partial home lighting control or smaller homes; recommended for homes greater than 2,500 square feet or where obstructing material (concrete walls/floors) is present. Up to two repeaters may be used for very large homes; best practice is at least one repeater per house.

What other functions does the repeater provide?

Besides increasing RF range, the repeater's away mode emulates the last seven days of house usage — helpful for making a vacant house appear occupied.

Contact

Legrand, North America — 60 Woodlawn Street, West Hartford, CT 06110, 1.877.BY.LEGRAND (295.3472), www.legrand.us. Canada: 570 Applewood Crescent, Vaughan, Ontario L4K 4B4, 905.738.9195, www.legrand.ca. Project services: 315.468.8413, adornemyproject@legrand.us.