APNT-94 - Using a Secondary Switch with an Aeotec Nano Dimmer

This application note explains how to use the secondary (S2) switch input of the Aeotec Nano Dimmer modules to directly control other Associated Z-Wave devices.

Secondary Switch Input

The module have two switch inputs. S1 is normally used to control the local load physically connected to the module, while S2 can be used to control the local load as well as other Z-Wave devices:

  • Control the local load as part of 2-way and multi-way lighting circuits - for more information see Standard Lighting Circuits
  • Control any other Z-Wave device that is Associated with the module.

This feature makes the module very versatile and yet easy to configure.

Using the Secondary Switch

By using the secondary (S2) switch input you can easily control other Z-Wave devices.

The following shows a simplified diagram where an Aeotec Nano Dimmer module is able to control a number of Z-Wave devices Including other modules, wall plugs and dimmer sockets.


Aeotec Nano Dimmer S2


Note: Connections for the local load are not shown in the above diagram - the module must be connected to a local load!

Association Groups

Once you have wired the modules into your installation, you need to Associate the module to other Z-Wave device(s).

Note: For step-by-step instructions on how to create Associations between both devices follow Application Note 19 - Associating Devices in Z-Wave Controllers.

The Aeotec Nano Dimmer has 3 Association Groups to choose from depending on how you want to control the associated device:

  • Group 2 - forwards Basic command class frame (On/Off) or Multilevel Switch command class frame (Dimmer) received from the Z-Wave controller to associated devices
  • Group 3 - assigned to S1 and sends Basic command class frame (On/Off) or Multilevel Switch command class frame (Dimmer)
  • Group 4 - assigned to S2 and sends Basic command class frame (On/Off) or Multilevel Switch command class frame (Dimmer)