Signal range
The point-to-point indoor range is ± 10 m. In open spaces, the RF range reaches 30 m. The meshing capability of 230 V powered Zigbee® devices can extend the RF range.
For more information see Zigbee® network principle.
The maximum point-to-point RF range of the connected dimmer to a Zigbee® receiver depends on:
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The materials used in the building or room,
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The indoor position of the connected dimmer, Zigbee®, and
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Sources of interference.
Materials and obstructions
Radio waves can be attenuated by materials inside a building or room.
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Wood, plaster, uncoated, without metal |
Brick, concrete |
Ferroconcrete, lightweight hollow walls filled with insulating wool on metal foil, metallic heating insulation sheets, metallic surfaces, glass with a metal coating, floor heating systems, metal faceplates |
Confined metal space |
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Loss: 5-20% |
Loss: 20-40% |
Loss: 40-90% |
Loss: 90-100% |
A human body can obstruct the Zigbee® radio path since its operating frequency band (2.4 GHz) resonates well with water particles. The Zigbee® meshing capability will generally remain intact after a radio path distortion, but take caution when a lot of people, or an object containing large volumes of water (e.g. an aquarium), are located in a room.
Position
Avoid installing the Zigbee® device:
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In a narrow room with thick walls,
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On the same wall as another Zigbee® repeating or receiving node,
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Close to the ground (the recommended mounting height is 110 cm),
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On a metal or moist surface or in a damp environment, or
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In so-called 'dead spots', caused by radio reflections from nearby conductive materials or obstacles such as, metal cupboards, doors with a metallic foil or items containing water (e.g. aquariums).
Sources of interference
A Zigbee® connected dimmer is generally not disrupted by low-power electronic devices (e.g. DECT telephones, smartphones, WLAN routers, analogue radios, electronic ballasts, controllers, TVs, videos, computers, remote controls), and vice versa. Zigbee® is a robust and reliable RF technology thanks to its meshing capability and ability to capture radio telegrams from noisy environments.
Mind that a high-power electronic device in a room may interfere with the radio telegrams of a connected dimmer. Should this occur, identify the interfering source and remove it. If removal is not possible, consider relocating the connected dimmer or add a Zigbee® repeating node (e.g. connected switching socket outlet Zigbee® (170-3xx05) or another 230 V powered Niko Zigbee® device).
Wiring scheme
Switch off the mains.
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Manual use |
Connected use |
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All mechanical push-button extensions wired to the same terminal, will show the same behaviour (either the standard behaviour of the actor or a programmed behaviour). It is not possible to configure the behaviour of these extension switches separately. The maximum total wire length for all extension buttons connected to the Zigbee® dimmer is 50 m.
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Also respect a minimum distance of 2 m between a Zigbee device (including the smart hub) and another RF transmitter (for example a Wi-Fi device) or devices such as motors, pumps, electronic LED transformers, solar panel inverters, home battery storage ...
Installation of the connected dimmer
Note that the installation of a flush-mounting box and the electrical wiring is required prior to installing the connected Zigbee® device. For more information, check the Specifications on Connected dimmer, Zigbee®, 3 - 200 W, 2-wire.
To install the connected dimmer, proceed as follows:
Switch off the mains.
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Action |
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Attach the central plate in the desired colour |
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Press the faceplate evenly until a click is heard |
Claws can be removed with a screwdriver without removing the screws.