WS300 User Guide

Online manual for the WS300 (800 Series) In-wall Switch

This online manual supersedes the printed manual included with the WS300 as shipped

Overview

WS300 is a Z-Wave in-wall light switch that operates as an on/off switch. It must be installed with a neutral wire and it works with conventional 3-way switches in 3-way circuit configurations. This switch has been designed, tested and certified for use in the United States and Canada.

WARNING  RISK OF FIRE | RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK | RISK OF BURNS - DO NOT USE THIS SWITCH TO CONTROL ANYTHING THAT MAY PRESENT A HAZARD WHEN CONTROLLED REMOTELY OR USED IN AN UNATTENDED FASHION. DO NOT USE WITH MEDICAL AND LIFE SUPPORT INSTRUMENTS.

CAUTION:

• To Reduce the Risk of Overheating And Possible Damage To Other Equipment, Do Not Use with Loads that Exceed the Maximum Loads Specified Below.

Circuit Types

WS300 may be used with single pole (1-switch) circuits and multi-switch circuits, like the 3-way circuit shown below.

Single Pole Circuit
A single pole circuit is designed to control a light or device from one location. This is the most common circuit type in most homes.

3-Way Circuit
A 3-way circuit is designed to control a light or device from two separate locations. This is useful in areas like staircases, hallways, or large rooms where it’s convenient to operate the light from either end. While there are many ways to wire a 3-way circuit, the illustrations below show two common wiring configurations. In figure b, the load wires are present in the same (local) electrical box as the WS300. In figure c, the load wires are present in the other (remote) electrical box with the standard 3-way switch.

Note: If present, the ground wire (not pictured) should be connected to the green terminal on the top of the WS300.

CAUTION: If your wiring differs from these configurations, you may need to use a multi-meter to identify the wires and determine the correct wiring configuration. Always consult with a licensed electrician if you’re not sure how to proceed!

Installation

Tools required

• Medium Standard (flat head) Screwdriver

• Medium Philips Screwdriver

• Wire Cutter & Stripper

Steps

1. Shut off power to the circuit at the circuit breaker or fuse box.

   

   VERIFY power is OFF before continuing!

2. Remove existing switch’s wall plate and mounting screws. Carefully remove the existing switch from the electrical box but leave the wires connected.

3. There may be up to five wires connected to the existing switch. Make note of these wires and label, if necessary, to ensure correct installation of the WS300. You will need to match these wires with the corresponding screw terminals on the WS300.

   

   LINE, LOAD and NEUTRAL wires are required for every installation. Wires are usually color-coded fore easy identification. However, colors can deviate from what’s shown in the list below, depending upon the original installer. We recommend using a multi-meter to verify which wire is actually connected to power before wiring. In general, the colors follow the convention below.

   • LINE (120 VAC) - Black (connected to power)

   • NEUTRAL - White (this wire is often tied to other neutral wires and may require a jumper to connect with the WS300)

   • LOAD - Black (connected to load)

   • GROUND — Green or Bare

   • TRAVELER — Red/Other (only used in 3-way circuits)

4. Disconnect the wires from the existing switch and attach those wires to the WS300 using the screw terminal connectors on the back with the following procedure:

5. Strip 16 mm (5/8”) insulation from each wire*.

6. With a screw driver, loosen each screw terminal by rotating the screw counter-clockwise a few turns until resistance is felt.

7. There are two holes on the back of the switch near each screw terminal. Insert the stripped wire into one of these holes and tighten the screw terminal to secure the connection. Connections should be snug. *all wires should be 14 AWG or larger rated at 80°C or higher. Tightening torque should be 12 lbf-in (14kgf-cm). Use copper wire only.

8. Carefully install the wired switch back into the electrical box and reattach the trim plate.

Configuration

Z-Wave Inclusion or Exclusion

Follow this 2-step procedure to add (or remove) your new HomeSeer switch to (or from) your Z-Wave network:

1. Put your Z-Wave controller into inclusion (or exclusion) mode. Consult your controller’s manual if you’re unsure how to do this.

2. In rapid succession, tap the bottom paddle 2 times, then press & hold the bottom paddle for 3 seconds (tap-tap-press & hold). This will initiate the inclusion (or exclusion) process.

Note: The switch LED will blink magenta when in inclusion or exclusion mode.

Factory Reset

To be used only in the event that the network primary controller is lost or otherwise inoperable.

1. In rapid succession, tap the top paddle 3 times, then tap the bottom paddle 3 times. If the LED blinks 3 times, factory reset was successful. If not, repeat this procedure.

Note: Because this must be done very quickly, we recommend using 2 fingers for this operation; one on each paddle!

Association

This product supports Group 1 and Group 2 Associations with up to five Z-Wave devices per group.

• Group 1: Supports Lifeline Communication,

• Group 2: Supports Basic Set, refer to your controller manual for instructions on setting up these features.

Consult your smart home system manual for instructions on setting associations for the WS300.

Operation

Your new HomeSeer switch may be operated locally (by pressing the paddle) or remotely using a Z-Wave compatible hub or system

Local Control

• Press (tap) the top of the paddle to power the load.

• Press (tap) the bottom of the paddle to cut power to the load.

Remote Control

On / Off control is available remotely using wireless Z-Wave commands. Consult your controller manual for details.

HomeSeer Compatibility

Your new HomeSeer switch is Z-Wave certified and is ready to be used with a wide variety of home automation hubs and controllers. All features are fully supported by HomeSeer systems but some Advanced Features (see below) may not be fully supported by other controllers. If you’re using another brand of controller, be sure to check with that company to determine compatibility.

Advanced Features

Your new HomeSeer switch includes advanced features that may be accessed with HomeSeer and other systems.

Multi-tap scene control or event triggering

Tapping the top or bottom of the paddle 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 times in rapid succession will broadcast Z-Wave central scene commands to the hub. These commands may be used to trigger automations (like HomeSeer events).

RGB LED Indicator

The color of the LED indicator may be controlled with Z-Wave parameter commands from the hub. This may be done manually or via automations, if supported by the hub. HomeSeer hubs are designed to send these parameter commands with event actions. 

• Normal mode: LED indicator glows to reflect the on/off status of the connected load using a palette of 7 possible colors (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow, white).

• Status mode: LED can be controlled to reflect the status of nearly anything in the home. For example, the LED can be programmed to glow red when the garage door is open and green when it is closed.

• Switching between normal mode and status mode: WS300 switches operate in normal mode by default unless or until a status command is received. When that happens, normal mode is suspended and the switch goes into status mode. It will stay in status mode until the LED status is turned off. At that point, the switch will revert to normal mode.

Toggle Mode

When Toggle Mode is enabled, WS300 functions like a single push-button switch. The load will be toggled on and off, regardless of which part of the paddle you press. This is especially useful for switches that are installed into dark locations or where users may have accessibility issues. This feature is set using Z-Wave parameter commands (see table below for details).

Smart Bulb Mode

This feature is designed to disable load control when the paddle is pressed. Instead, power is always supplied to the load, and paddle presses are only used to send Z-Wave commands to the controller. This feature is especially useful for circuits that are powering smart bulbs.

If your smart bulb is powered by this switch, be sure to turn the switch on (by pressing to the top of the paddle) before enabling the smart bulb feature.

Non-HomeSeer Compatibility

The special features of this switch are supported using a number of different Z-Wave technologies. HomeSeer systems are designed to support these technologies and will provide the most seamless operation of these features. However, other systems may also provide satisfactory results depending on the level of support they provide for these same technologies. If you’re using a non-HomeSeer system, use the information below and consult with your system manufacturer to determine the level of compatibility.

Multi-tap scene control or event triggering

This feature uses the Z-Wave CENTRAL SCENE command class. If the system supports this command class AND utilizes a general interrogation process for inclusion, this feature should work. However, if the system employs an inclusion process based on the Z-Wave product ID, then specific product support would need to be implemented.

RGB LED Indicator

This feature is supported using Z-Wave parameter commands. Most Z-Wave certified systems provide a method for issuing parameter commands to individual products. HomeSeer systems simplify the use of this feature by providing event actions to send parameter commands. A complete list of parameters may be found below.

Instant Status

This feature is supported using a Z-Wave SWITCH BINARY REPORT and the CENTRAL SCENE command class. All Z-Wave certified systems should support the SWITCH BINARY REPORT feature.

Z-Wave SmartStart

SmartStart enabled products can be added into a Z-Wave network by scanning the Z-Wave QR Code* with a controller providing SmartStart inclusion. No further action is required and the SmartStart product will be added automatically within 10 minutes of being switched on in the network vicinity.
*QR Code is located on the WS300 metal yoke under the switch paddle.

Interoperability

This product can be operated in any Z-Wave network with other Z-Wave certified devices from other manufacturers. All mains operated nodes within the network will act as repeaters regardless of vendor to increase reliability of the network

Z-Wave Parameters

Use the parameters below to adjust WS300 configuration settings

Specifications

Warranty

HomeSeer warrants to the original purchaser that this product, for the warranty period, will be free from material defects and workmanship. This warranty is subject to proper installation and operation of the product. HomeSeer’s sole obligation, under this warranty, is to repair, replace or correct any defect that was present at the time of delivery. This warranty does not extend to consequential or incidental damage to other products that may be used with this product. Warranty claims must be submitted in writing directly to HomeSeer at HomeSeer.com.  Warranty period: limited 2 years from date of purchase

FCC statements:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: The Caution: The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between
the radiator and any part of your body."

IC statements

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

L’émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
(2) L’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

This equipment complies with ISED RSS-102 radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and any part of your body.

Pour se conformer aux exigences de conformité CNR 102 RF exposition, une distance de séparation d'au moins 20 cm doit être maintenue entre l'antenne de cet appareil ettoutes les personnes."

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity

47 CFR 2.1077 Compliance Information
Responsible Party – US Contact Information
10 Commerce Park North, Unit 10
Bedford, NH 03110 United States
Model: WD800
https://homeseer.com/support-home

This product employs or practices certain features and/or methods of the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Patent Nos.6,891,838, 6,914,893 and 7,103,511.