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  • HAI UPB 8-Button House Controller (38A00-2) — Installation Manual

    September 08, 2026 4 min read

    Complete installation and operating instructions for the HAI UPB 8-Button House Controller, Model 38A00-2, for controlling lighting in up to 8 rooms.

    Full text manual (for reference)

    Installation and operating instructions for the HAI UPB™ 8-Button House Controller (Model 38A00-2), a powerline-communication device used to control lighting in up to 8 rooms using HAI UPB Wall Switches and Room Controllers.

    Overview

    The HAI UPB 8-Button House Controller is used to turn on or off lighting in up to 8 rooms in a house where HAI UPB Wall Switches and HAI UPB 6-Button Room Controllers have been installed. It can also control 8 individual loads or lighting scenes. It uses UPB two-way powerline communication technology to talk with an HAI controller, UPB Wall Switches, and other UPB devices on the network.

    The controller has eight pushbuttons labeled 1–8 (these may be custom engraved), each slightly backlit so buttons can be seen in a dark room. Depending on configuration, one or more pushbuttons will be distinctly illuminated to indicate that lights are on in the respective room(s). An unlit pushbutton means all lights in that room are off.

    Safety Warnings

    • Disconnect all power at the circuit breaker before installing. Installing with power on may expose you to dangerous voltage and may damage the device.
    • For indoor use only. Connect only copper or copper clad wire to this device.
    • Recommended that a qualified electrician perform this installation, per National Electrical Code and local regulations.

    Installation Steps

    1. Be sure all power at the wall box has been disconnected by turning off the circuit breaker.
    2. If applicable, remove the faceplate and existing device from the wall box, then disconnect the wires. Identify the "Line" (black) and "Neutral" (white) wires.
    3. Strip ¾" of insulation from each wire on the controller. Connect wires per the wiring diagram (Line/black to the incoming hot leg, Neutral/white to neutral).
    4. Ensure all wire connectors are firmly attached with no exposed copper.
    5. Place the wires and controller into the wall box with the "1" pushbutton at the top of the device. Attach to the wall box with the supplied screws.
    6. Restore power to the circuit for testing before installing the faceplate.
    7. After confirming proper local operation, install a Decora-style faceplate over the controller.

    Changing the Switch Bezel Color

    The controller ships with a white bezel; additional colors are available from your HAI distributor. To change it, disconnect all power first, then:

    1. Unscrew the two small Phillips screws (upper-right and lower-left corners) and remove the bezel from the back housing.
    2. Align the new bezel's mounting holes with the installation pins on the back housing, and secure with the two screws removed in step 1.

    Configuration Options

    Option Factory Default HAI Lighting Control (HLC)
    Pushbuttons 1-8 Super Toggle / Link 013–020 Each pushbutton toggles the lighting loads in its room on/off
    LED Indicators 1-8 Independent (multiple may be on at once) LED reflects on/off state of the room's lighting load(s)
    UPB Transmission Attempts 2 No change
    UPB ID NID = 255, UID = 096 HAI controller configures Network ID, Unit ID, Network Password, Room/Device Name, etc.
    LED Brightness High No change
    LED Backlighting Enabled No change

    Operation

    Linking Pushbuttons to HAI UPB Wall Switch Dimmer(s)

    1. Set the desired level(s) on the local rocker switch of the HAI UPB Wall Switch Dimmer(s).
    2. Tap the rocker switch on the Dimmer(s) five times quickly — the load flashes once and the LED blinks blue, indicating it's ready to link.
    3. Press the corresponding pushbutton on the House Controller five times quickly.
    4. Each linked Wall Switch flashes its load once to confirm the link and new light level.

    Unlinking Pushbuttons

    1. Tap the rocker switch on the desired Wall Switch Dimmer(s) five times quickly (ready-to-unlink indication: flash + blue blink).
    2. Press the corresponding pushbutton on the House Controller ten times quickly.
    3. Each unlinked Wall Switch flashes its load once to confirm.

    Toggling and Dimming

    Event LED Off → Action LED On → Action
    Single-Tap Linked dimmers go to preset lighting level; LED turns on Linked dimmers fade to 0% (off); LED turns off
    Double-Tap Linked dimmers snap to 100% (on); LED turns on Linked dimmers snap to 0% (off); LED turns off
    Hold Linked dimmers brighten; LED turns on Linked dimmers dim; LED turns off
    Release Linked dimmers stop brightening Linked dimmers stop dimming

    Setup Mode & Factory Reset

    Enter Setup Mode: Press and hold pushbuttons "1" and "8" simultaneously for at least 3 seconds — all LED indicators blink to confirm Setup Mode is active. Use an HAI controller or UPB UPStart software to configure while in this mode.

    Reset to Factory Defaults: Enter Setup Mode as above, then press and hold pushbuttons "2" and "7" simultaneously for at least 3 seconds. The LEDs stop blinking and pushbuttons "1" and "8" illuminate to confirm the reset.

    Specifications

    Model Number 38A00-2
    Number of Backlit Pushbuttons 8
    Connections 18 GA
    LED Indicators Yes
    Dimensions 4.1 x 1.7 x 1.5 in
    Weight 0.25 lb.
    Mounting Standard J Box
    Input Power 120 ± 12 VAC
    Input Frequency 60 ± 3 Hz
    Operating Temperature -40°F to 104°F

    Note: It is normal for this switch to make a slight buzzing sound during operation.

    Limited Warranty

    HAI warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship, under normal use, for 2 years from date of purchase. HAI will repair or replace at its sole option. This warranty does not cover removal/reinstallation costs, normal wear, damage while in your possession, improper installation, alterations, misuse, or abuse. No liability for incidental or consequential damages. For warranty/repair service within the continental US, send the defective unit (postage prepaid) with a description of the trouble to: HAI, Repair Department, 4330 Michoud Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70129.