Configure LZW31 3 Way with Dumb Switch - Disable Relay doesn't work with Dumb Switch?

miker2069 · April 30, 2021, 1:13pm

Hi - I just setup an LZW31 in a 3 way config and opted to keep my dumb switch on the load line (per the wiring diagram). I set all the necessary options in settings (I have latest device handler) for 3 way config - all seems well with basic functionality. So I am pleased. I was eager to try the “disable internal relay” feature - as this is one of the top reasons for buying the Inovelli switches. I set disable internal relay to on/true and it works at the LZW31 switch (which is obviously on hot line). Pressing button on smart switch does not (as expected). I then pressed the dumb switch and it toggles my light. So it seems in this configuration, I can’t disable all the switches in my 3 way configuration (or can I?). I even tried disable local control of child devices (which I dont think I understand what a child device is just yet) and that didn’t work either.

So what’s the best way to disable all switches in a 3 way configuration? Do I need to get rid of the dumb switch and get an AUX switch or do I need another Inovelli Smart switch (making two smart switches in my 3 way config). I am open to either scenario or if possible making the dumb switch work too. It feels more like a software problem as the dumb switch is just sending a command to the smart switch and the smart switch should ignore it if configured to disable internal relay.

btw - I am using SmartThings…

Any guidance please?

kreene1987 · April 30, 2021, 1:33pm

Works with aux/momentary switch, but not with toggle. Your experience is as-expected. Need to get an aux for it to work how you desire.

Bry · April 30, 2021, 1:34pm

Unfortunately, even with the latest beta firmware, a dumb switch will override local protection disabled on an Inovelli. I don’t think that’s the case if you substitute an Aux, but someone that has tested this with the latest beta firmware should confirm. EDIT: @kreene1987 confirmed that an Aux is the solution.

miker2069 · April 30, 2021, 2:13pm

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a couple of GE AUX switches coming today from Amazon and will try them out to see if this works.

mamber · April 30, 2021, 2:21pm

What is the use case for having a 3-way with all the dumb switches disabled? If you don’t want the dumb switches to work, why not just bypass them?

Maybe if we understood the end goal there might be another solution

miker2069 · April 30, 2021, 2:48pm

I’d like to ability to disable the physical switch “on demand”. One use case is for a child or someone else who likes to play with the switch buttons. Disabling local control would solve this. Incidentally this use case if the primary reason a lot of people ended up with the inovelli switches as I think they’re the only smart switch that has this feature.

miker2069 · May 16, 2021, 4:37pm

I just finished installing the GE Enbrighten 46199 aux switch (paired up with Black Series Dimmer as mentioned in the original post). I can confirm as per kreene1987 suggestion, the AUX switch DOES honor local control disablement! Very happy with this. Note, I used the following aux wiring diagram where it looks like the common/hot and load wires are spliced together at the aux switch side (the first wiring didn’t work). Also I had to set the switch type to 3-way momentary.

Aux Wiring Diagram

When I used 3-way toggle, I could turn off but not back on at the aux switch. Anyway setting it to 3 way momentary it works like a charm. Now I can disable local control from both the master switch and the aux switch - very pleased (did I say that already).

Thank You for the suggestion.