X10 PRO PLW01 — Wall Dimmer Switch Installation Guide

Installation and wiring instructions for the X10 Pro PLW01 Wall Dimmer Switch — a wireless-remote-controllable dimmer receiver for incandescent lighting, part of the X10 PRO power-line control system.

Overview

The PLW01 Wall Dimmer Switch controls incandescent bulbs only, rated 40–500W. Bulbs rated below 40W may flicker or operate erratically. A local pushbutton provides On/Off control and manual bright/dim operation. A Power Cutoff Switch located directly below the On/Off pushbutton is provided for bulb changing — both switches should line up for normal operation.

DO NOT USE WITH: appliances, motors, low voltage lights, or fluorescent lights.

Specific Requirements: 120VAC, 40–500W, incandescent bulbs only.

Optional / Supplementary Devices

• XPT2D Wall Transmitter
• PMC01 Desktop, Plug-in Mini-Controller
• PHK05 RF Wireless Handheld Remote Kit
• XPMT1 Desktop, Plug-in Digital Clock Timer

X10 Protocol

House Code Dial — Letters A–P. Unit Number Dial — Numbers 1–16. Each X10 Receiver Module is set to a unique (or shared) Unit Number. Each X10 Controller operating a specific set of Receiver Modules must be set to the same Letter Code as the Receivers it controls. Responds to the ALL LIGHTS ON command.

Electrical Protocol: Most residential homes are wired split-phase — each 120V phase is not directly connected to the other. If a Receiver doesn't respond to a remote Controller after installation, check that the breaker serving the Receiver is on the same phase as the Controller; the breaker can be moved to the opposite phase if needed. Alternatively, install a Phase Coupler to improve remote communication throughout the home (see x10pro.com > Technical Support > PLC Troubleshooting).

Installation — Single-Pole Switch

1. Turn power OFF at the circuit breaker.
2. Pull out the existing wall switch from the switch box.
3. Remove the existing wall switch. Two wires remain: one is HOT (Line), the other goes to the light (Switched Leg) — they may be the same color.
4. With the breaker ON, use a voltmeter between ground and each wire individually to determine which is HOT (120V vs 0V).
5. With the breaker OFF, connect the HOT wire to the BLACK wire, and the light (switched leg) wire to the BLUE wire.
6. Re-check all connections, turn power back ON, and slide the Power Cutoff Switch to the ON position.
7. Press the switch button once — the light should turn ON; press again — it should turn OFF.
8. The switch is now ready for remote control (Desktop, Wireless Handheld, Security Panel, etc.). Default address is "A1". Change the Address Code with a small flat screwdriver on the Code Dials if needed.
9. Attach the switch cover plate.

3-Way Installation — Create New (No Traveler Wires)

A 3-Way/4-Way system means two or more existing wall switches operating one light (or set of lights). In a "Create New" installation, there are no traveler wires between switches — the XPT2D Transmitter connects to HOT and NEUTRAL only and communicates with the Master Switch via existing power wiring. The XPT2D provides ON/OFF and Bright/Dim control.

1. Turn power OFF at the circuit breaker.
2. Pull out and remove the existing wall switch, exposing the HOT and Switched Leg wires.
3. With the breaker ON, identify the HOT wire with a voltmeter (120V vs 0V).
4. With the breaker OFF, connect HOT to BLACK, and the light wire to BLUE.
5. Re-check connections, restore power, and set the Power Cutoff Switch to ON.
6. Press the switch once to turn the light ON, again to turn it OFF.
7. Install the XPT2D Wall Transmitter Switch in a switch box with power run to it.
8. With the breaker OFF, connect the XPT2D black wire to HOT and the white wire to Neutral. Restore power.
9. Press the XPT2D "ON" position — light should turn ON; press "OFF" — light should turn OFF.
10. To change the XPT2D Address Code, remove the keypad (pulling from the bottom) and turn the dials with a small flat screwdriver. Keep the PLW01 and XPT2D Address Codes identical.
11. The PLW01 is now ready for control via any X10 Remote Control Module. Default address is "A1".
12. Attach the switch cover plates (PLW01 uses a standard wall plate; XPT2D uses a decorative wall plate).

Additional XPT2D Wall Transmitter Switches can be added for 4-Way or greater systems — each needs a switch box with power and connects to HOT and Neutral.

Soft Start On / Fade Off / Bright-Dim Control

• On/Off: A short key press turns the switch on at full dim and fades up to full intensity (~3 seconds); another short press fades off (also ~3 seconds).
• Dimming from ON: Press and hold to reach the desired dim level, then release. The dimming direction toggles on release (next press-and-hold brightens instead). A short press from any dimmed level fades the switch off. A dimmed switch resumes its prior intensity when turned back on (e.g., dimmed to 50% and turned off, it resumes at 50%).
• Full-intensity resume: To make the switch always resume full brightness on power-up, press and hold the key until full brightness is reached before releasing; a subsequent short press will fade off.
• Any X10 Controller can remotely operate the full On/Off and Bright/Dim functions of the switch.

Warranty

Two Year Limited Warranty. thehomeautomationstore.com (THAS), a division of Authinx Inc., warrants this product to be free from defective material and workmanship for two years from the original date of purchase at retail. THAS will repair or replace, at its sole discretion, a defective product returned within the warranty period with proof of purchase. For warranty service: call 1-888-423-8972, visit www.thehomeautomationstore.com, or email info@thehomeautomationstore.com.