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How to Wire a Smart Wireless Switch and Anywhere Companion

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Wiring a Smart Wireless Switch and Wire-Free Smart Switch Anywhere Companion

In the smart devices wiring series, we take a step further into advanced automation with hassle-free installation i.e. installation of wireless smart switch and wire-free smart anywhere companion devices for multi-way switching control.

In this wiring tutorial, we will show the installation tutorial of wire-free smart switch companion devices, as well as the wireless smart switch with Netatmo for 3-way, 4-way or multi-way control of the connected load point.

Table of Contents

Wireless Smart Switches

Wireless Smart Switch with Netatmo – By Legrand

The Legrand radiant wireless smart switch with Netatmo (WNRL23WH) is a battery-powered wire-free switch. It is designed to provide flexible multi-location smart lighting control without the need for additional wiring. Instead of directly switching the electrical load, it wirelessly pairs with a compatible radiant smart switch, dimmer, or plug-in device. It allows you to add convenient control points anywhere in the room.

The wireless smart switch is an Ideal for retrofits or spaces without traveler wiring. It mounts easily using adhesive (double sided stickers) or screws and operates over a dedicated Netatmo mesh network. In short, it is used to control the same light from an additional location which is a perfect choice for smart home automation.

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Good to Know:

Wireless smart switch by Legrand is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit, Google Home and home automation systems.
A Smart Gateway is required for the Legrand wireless smart switch. For proper operation, it must also be paired with an adorne® or radiant® smart switch with Netatmo, or a smart plug-in switch with Netatmo.

Wire-Free Smart Swathes Anywhere Companion – By Leviton

The Leviton smart switch anywhere companion (DAWSC) are battery powered and totally wire-free smart control devices. These are designed to add convenient ON/OFF switching locations without the need for additional wiring.

Smart anywhere switch companion pairs wirelessly with compatible Decora® Smart Wi-Fi switches, dimmers, or plug-in devices to create multi-way (3-way, 4-way, or more) control points in areas where running traveler wires is impractical or impossible.

These switches mounts directly on the wall or existing wall box. While it can’t be used to control a direct load point, instead, it can be used with other smart devices to control the same load points from additional location. Thus, it is a suitable choice for basement, staircase and hallways to provides a simple and efficient solution for expanding lighting control anywhere in residential installations.

Good to Know:

Smart switch anywhere companion (DAWSC) is compatible to wirelessly pair with smart devices by Leviton such as smart switches (D215S, D315S & DN15S), smart dimmers (D36HD, DW6HD, DH6HD, D26HD, DN6HD & D2710), motion sensing dimmers (D2MSD), fan speed controller (D24SF), smart scene controller (D2SCS), smart phase selector (D2ELV), smart outlets (D215R) and mini plug-in switches and dimmers (D215P, D23LP & D215O) etc. with MLWSB for 3-way and multi-way switching..
Smart Switch Anywhere Companion does not directly control a load. It requires primary Smart Wi-Fi 2nd Gen devices for multi-way switching.
It offers wire-free connection and can be mount anywhere on the wall or fix in the wall switch box with other smart devices for 3-way, 4-way, 5-way or multi-way switching.

Wiring a Smart Wireless Switch

A wireless smart switch in the Legrand radiant with Netatmo system is fundamentally different from a conventional wired switch. It is battery-powered and communicates wirelessly. This way, it does not require line, load, or traveler conductors, but only ground wire. Instead, it must be paired with a wired smart switch or gateway that actually controls the load.

This warless smart switch replaces traditional 3-way or multi-way switching with a low-power RF mesh network. Hence, it can be used without extra wires as an additional ON/OFF control point for smart dimmer, switches and outlets.

To wire a smart wireless switch:

Even though the wireless switch itself has no line voltage wiring, turn OFF the breaker if installing near an existing electrical box. This safety precaution ensure safe handling of any exposed conductors.
Choose a location near an existing switch or any convenient wall position. Align the device with existing switches for proper aesthetics. If mounting near a box, ensure wires inside are neatly folded.
If installed over a metal box, connect the ground wire to the box grounding conductor using a wire connector. This is only for grounding continuity, not for operation.
Mount the wireless smart switch as follow:
- Adhesive Mounting: Remove the backing from the double-sided adhesive. Stick the device directly onto a smooth wall surface.
- Screw Mounting: Use screws if surface is uneven, mounting to drywall or electrical box. Install subframe (if provided), then snap on the wall plate.
Remove the battery insulation tab to activate the switch. The device is powered by a long-lasting internal 3V battery.

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Pairing & Testing the Wireless Switch

Pair the wireless switch with a wired smart switch, and the Netatmo Smart Gateway. For this purpose, use the Home + Control app by Legrand for pairing.

Press and hold the switch button. Wait for LED indication (blinking indicates steady) and confirm pairing with the system.

Connect the primary smart device to the home network by following the on screen instruction in the app.

To test the smart warless switch:

Press the wireless switch. The paired light or load should turn ON/OFF. Verify operation from multiple locations in multi-way control.

The EZ button on the device is used to initiate the the switch in setup mode. The status LED indicates the current state of the device during setup in the network. When the status LED flashes Green, it indicates the device is ready and attempting to pair to the network.

To delete a device from the network or reset to the factory default, press and hold the EZ button for 15 seconds until the LED blinks Green and Red. Release the button and the LED will turn OFF. It means all the paired devices are unpaired now.

Good to Know:

No electrical wiring required (Line, Load, Neutral or Travelers wires are not used). Only ground wire is needed if wiring in metal box for grounding continuity.
The wireless switch does not directly control the load (lamp or fixture). Instead, it acts as a remote control for a wired smart switch. The wireless switch functions as a wireless multi-location controller i.e. to control the device from additional location.
A Smart Gateway for network communication and wired smart switch to control the load points must already be installed in the system.

Wiring a Wire-Free Smart Switch Anywhere Companion

A Wire-Free anywhere companion switch by Leviton is not wired in the traditional electrical sense. It is a battery-powered wireless control device that communicates with a wired Decora® Smart switch or plug, which actually controls the load (light or appliance).

Smart anywhere companion switch replaces traditional 3-way traveler wiring with a wireless control topology, where primary device is a power switching node and the anywhere companion acts as a control interface node.

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Before installation, make sure a compatible primary device (list given above) is already installed.

Here is how to wire a wire-free smart switch anywhere companion device:

Even though no wiring is involved, turn OFF the breaker if installing over an existing wall box to prevent accidental contact with live conductors.
Choose a location within 50 ft (15 m) of the primary smart device such as staircases, hallways, multi-entry rooms etc.
Mount the companion switch as follow:
- Surface Mount: Apply the adhesive tape on the back of the device. Align using molded corner guides. Press firmly onto the wall surface
- Mount on Wall Box: Align the switch with screw holes of the wall box. Ensure correct orientation (TOP marking). Secure using mounting screws. In this method, no wires are connected inside the box i.e. it is purely mechanical mounting.
Remove the battery tab to activate the switch. It uses two replaceable long life coin-cell battery (2 x CR2025).

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Pairing with Smart Device, Powering & Testing

The primary smart device will automatically pair with the Anywhere Switch Companion when the Companion is in pairing mode and within wireless RF range. Once paired, the Anywhere Switch Companion’s status LED will briefly light up solid green to confirm a successful connection.

The companion must be linked to a Decora® Smart switch, dimmer, or plug. To pair:

After removing both pull tabs for each battery, press and hold the companion switch button. The status LED will flash Green which indicates it is ready to pair.
Follow pairing steps on the primary smart device using My Leviton app.

No Wi-Fi is required for basic pairing in many setups. The status LED shows paring, connectivity and OFF during normal operation.

To test the operation, press:

- Top rocker: ON
- Bottom rocker: OFF

Verify that the connected load responds correctly as per requirement. During operation, the status LED on the device Indicates:

Green or No light: Normal operation
Amber: Not connected to any smart device
Red: Low battery

To rest to the factory default, press the top rocker for 14 seconds. The LED will flash amber and then quickly flash red. Release the rocker and the switch is restore to the factory default which means all the paired devices are unpaired.

Performance may degrade in metal boxes or metal wall plates due to RF shielding.

By using the smart switch anywhere companion device, it effectively converts a conventional hardwired multi-way switching circuit into a distributed wireless control system.

Hence, it reduces wiring complexity, installation cost and retrofit constraints.

Good to Know:

No Line, Load, Neutral, Traveler wiring, Wi-Fi, App or hub is required.
The device does not connect directly to the light/load.
It must be paired with a Decora® Smart Wi-Fi (2nd Gen or No-Neutral) primary device. It can be paired with up to three additional anywhere companions when used with smart Wi-Fi devices.
Operates within 50 ft via RF wireless communication (battery powered) using 2.4GHz network.
Up to six anywhere companion devices can be paired with one smart Wi-Fi bridge MLWSB in accordance with smart no-neutral devices.

Instructions & Precautions

Make sure to disconnect the power supply by switching OFF the breaker in the main panel before doing any electrical work.
The wire length from smart switch to other companion device should not exceed 300 ft (90 meters).
Smart devices are only suitable for indoor use, and should not be used for medical applications.

Disclaimer:

The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous. If you are unsure, contact a licensed electrician to do it according to the local area codes.

Resources:

Smart Devices Wiring Series

Wiring Standard GFCI & Breakers

Wiring General Outlets & GFCI/AFCI Receptacles

Switches Wiring

Sizing Breakers, Wires & Panels

Finding the Number of Breakers/Outlets in a Circuit

How to Wire a Smart Wireless Switch and Anywhere Companion