Advanced Wiring Guide for the Caséta by Lutron Smart Switches

[@TechWithBrett]

I'm hoping this is a helpful guide to help you go from beginner to Smart Home Pro in no time! Let me know if there is anything I missed covering.

[@mbda1]

line and load are not always obvious in the box. what was it about yours that felt obvious? did you check with a meter before?

[@TechWithBrett]

When looking at the wires in the box there are a few tricks but not these are not always the case. The line is typically coming from an outlet below so the wire is coming up from the bottom of the box. Also the line might be branches off from other lines in the box, so multiple black wires together let me know that was the line. For the load that is going to light and it is usually going out the top of the box. You could also turn off power, remove the old old switch, cap lines, turn power on and use a voltage tester to see where power is. If you are using a Diva Dimmer it doesn't which line/load goes with which one on a single pole switch.

[@mean1979Jusitn]

Comprehensive guide. Thanks Brett. There's very little in the way of options in the UK at the moment for smart switches. I've recently installed Aqara switches but functionality more limited. I said this to Brian from automate your life recently but it's really good to have decent guides for electrical work. Really valuable. Thanks

[@markfrye9178]

Wow that wiring wizard is great! Never saw anything like it before.

[@WHATSINSIDEFAMILY]

very cool. I need to do this in my home. Love it. But might need you to come install them....

[@TechWithBrett]

Did you have Lutron switches at the old place? You know I'd be up for it!

[@WHATSINSIDEFAMILY]

@@TechWithBrettwe had control 4 switches but don’t want to use that in the next home. We did have Lutron shades though and loved them!

[@TechWithBrett]

@WHATSINSIDEFAMILY Another option with Lutron is RadioRA 3. They have a bit fancier switches but allow you to have deep smart home integration like Control 4.

[@dmw802]

I would also recommend radio ra 2 select as a test if on the fence about ra3. Since it is very similar to caseta but more robust and all the switches are compatible with ra3. With any lutron system a main advantage is keypads whether that be picks or hardwired.

[@dankelley9361]

Great job Brett going over various switch setups. How about you cover another that is often found in a home that has three or more switches that control hallway or other lighting.

[@TechWithBrett]

I was hoping to cover that in this but my home doesn't have any switches like. Maybe I'll drop by the old house and do some rewiring...

[@dmw802]

Over all good video, this type of content is definitely missing from youtube. A few things I would recommend to you and other caseta users. First I highly recommend using the lutron 4 button scene keypads especially since you have shades included in your setup. Something that I felt was missing from the video was a brief explanation of trim settings available at the switch with a specific button press. I also felt that the explanations of what each wire in a 3 way switch was doing was lacking. I also would have liked to see onscreen diagrams of what was being discussed, preferably just screen shots from lutrons advanced guide. If someone is wanting to learn more about advanced lutron caseta setups I would highly recommended reading through lutrons advanced setup pdf, it is very long but covers most use cases. I had thought from my previous research that lutron killed the ability to use a dumb toggle switch with the diva and clara switches. How is that working for you, any reliability issues?

[@TechWithBrett]

Thanks for watching and the feedback. So the scene controller isn't readily available so I have never promoted because I have never found one. It looks like Ebay or some lighting stores do have it. One of main things promoted for the Claro and Diva was the ability to use it with existing mechanical switches. I had one issue with a Claro switch but I think because I was crossing my neutrals and it worked fine when I wired from 2nd location.

[@dmw802]

@TechWithBrett That makes sense. I believe they are primarily for their other systems and only sold through dealers and less available to the average consumer. That being said, they are really amazing to use with caseta and truly add a high-end feel to a regular smart home. I use these in my kitchen and it is really nice to only have to press one button to set all the lights to logical levels and reduces complexity for guests once they realize how it works. I would recommend adding some to your home if you can source them even if you don't feel they aren't content worthy due to the difficulty of purchasing.

[@ronthehandyman]

As a licensed electrician, just to be clear, your voltage tester is actually a NCV, non contact voltage. Means that you don’t know the actual voltage, but that voltage is present without physical contact. Another find is that on newer built homes you would have power (line side) coming in from the bottom and attached to the bottom of the switch, and (load, light etc.) attached to the top of the switch. Older homes might actually have power coming from the light fixture itself, also on some three-way systems one side might be what they call a “dead man switch” and not have a neutral in it. I can’t tell you how many places I’ve gone to and people try to do switches themselves and wound up calling an electrician. KZbin videos are very informative and a lot of times precise, but other times it winds up costing the consumer more in the long run if the videos aren’t explained completely as to what you might encounter. Electricity is nothing to play with, it’s fire waiting to happen. So if you feel uncomfortable, please call a licensed electrician.

[@bl9531]

Wise words ,,, thx for posting. One example of the limits of the NCV … I have some solar panels feeding some 12v lights … the NCV doesn’t even register the current. 12v current is not dangerous but the apparent lack of current can be confusing. My father was an electrician and I was his helper. I know basic residential wiring very well. It’s very simple … if you have had someone show you how it is done. As my father liked to say … a little knowledge is dangerous 😂😂

[@lance3198]

Great video, only question that I really have is what is the max wattage that a diva or the specific lutron switch can handle. I've had some issues with other smart light switches not being able to handle the wattage in the circuit

[@TechWithBrett]

It is rated for: Incandescent/Halogen: Max 600 W LED (120 V~ Rated)³: Max 150 W From what I have seen, these perform very well.

[@lance3198]

@@TechWithBrett Thank you. I have a halogen tube, a LED tube and an LED light bulb and I've had other smart light switches not work so interested to see if this would be good. I'll try to see how many wattages it is. Your statement wasn't 600 w plus 150 w right?

[@TechWithBrett]

@@lance3198 Might be worth trying out. Yeah, 600 W maximum on Halogen and a minimum of 25 W.

[@johnnyreeves1990]

Very well done video! I am in the middle of a complete remodel and I am going with all Lutron switches and blinds. It will be a little pricey but I believe worth it. Will the Claro fan/light ON/OFF switch work to control a bathroom vent and light that are on a single switch?

[@TechWithBrett]

I believe that would work just fine. Is the how it is currently wired?

[@johnnyreeves1990]

@@TechWithBrett It is a newly wired bathroom. That is how it is wired now.

[@Paulster1969]

Hello I have 3 bathroom that use regular 3 switches. 2 of the 3 switches control the mirror light and ceiling lights. The 1 switch control the fan (not a ceiling fan). Does your product work in each of my bathroom and what product should I get?

[@TechWithBrett]

Hello, yes the Caseta lights can work in your room. You can get the Diva Smart Dimmer if you want to dim lathe lights, or you can go with the Claro Smart Switch to just have the lights turn on and off. The Claro Smart Switch would also control the fan.

[@daktusdurggery5505]

What’s that one remote in the middle with 5 buttons?

[@TechWithBrett]

That is the Caseta Fan Control PD-FSQN. It does have a note: Not for use with fans that have integrated fan speed and / or light control modules, DC motor fans, fans with remote controls, bathroom or kitchen exhaust type fans.

[@lloydtoussaint8307]

This is so helpful! Great vid

[@JavierLopez-zg8gz]

after wiring my caseta dimmer switch everything works perfect only that when dimmer is at 100% lights are not at full brightness, how can i make lights at 100%

[@TechWithBrett]

You need to adjust the High End trim. I don't have a guide on this but you can find details in the advanced wiring guide.

[@rokypacome8612]

hello thanks for the video,it was really helpful,please i have a question, does the lutron hulb have a determined or limited distance at home for connection with the switches,like a big home where the hub is at the basement and the are bout 3 upstairs story, can one hub be enough to cover the whole house or u can add hubs at diiferent stages of ur home, and the connection of the wireless pico remote specially

[@TechWithBrett]

Yes the Hub has a specific range but for the most part it is enough for 3 stories. I have my hub in the basement and on the second floor my switches operate fine. I did have one corner of them home where it struggled to pair, so I added a plug in dimmer switch on the 1st floor and it acts repeater to extend the range by another 30 feet.

[@kem8374]

Hey Brett another helpful video for how to install smart switches. But I noticed at time 21:17 you have the Zooz scene switch. Will you be doing a separate video for that install and what scenes you've set up? I'm trying to decide between the Zooz scene switch and the Topgreener scene switch, which has more scene buttons. How do you like the Zooz so far?

[@TechWithBrett]

Eagle eye. I will be making another video on it down the road but testing with a non scene compatible hub right now. Easy install and I have liked my other Zooz devices.

[@wscottfunk]

Hey Brett, nice job! Question.. is there a decora style Lutron option to control Philips Hue bulbs? I don't have any toggle type switches in my home and don't like the look of the knob look of the Aurora. dimmer. I'd prefer for all of my switches to remain decora style. Thanks!

[@TechWithBrett]

From Lutron, the option would be to remove the light switch, wire for constant power and replace with the Aurora Wallplate Bracket that is decora style. Then you can attach the Aurora Dimmer on it. Hue has a switch too, but I'm not sure if it would go over the existing switch. geni.us/AuroraWallBracket

[@wscottfunk]

@@TechWithBrett Thanks for taking the time to reply. Unfortunately, it's that knob. That's a no-go for the spouse approval factor. If you're in communication with Lutron, let them know that there's a market for a hue friends compatible standard decora paddle style switch/ dimmer that matches their other switches.

[@TechWithBrett]

Totally understand, will do!

[@dmw802]

If you have homeassitant or something similar you can use a pico and just not assign it to a light in lutron then map it to control the bulb in homeassitant.

[@wscottfunk]

​@@dmw802I use Home Assistant and do some similar things like your suggestion. I'm really interested in direct control. I already have multiple Inovelli switches that have direct binding control (and will work even if HA is down) but I appreciate you taking the time to offer a suggestion.

[@k-money70]

Great video as usual, Brett. You have the b@lls of a god for getting up on that ladder to take the remote out of that fan, my friend.

[@TechWithBrett]

That 16' Fiberglass A frame ladder was actually pretty sturdy to climb up on. Figuring out how to transport it and put it up in the house were the hard parts.

[@daktusdurggery5505]

So it’s my understanding that most fans now have a DC motor, and a DC motor will not work correctly with a wall switch speed control. Only the AC motor will function properly with wall fan speed switch. Please explain this with your set up

[@lalitkumar1224]

I am also waiting for IR and RF Device, which will control to fan

[@michaelcharach]

Hey Brett, Its me again. I am happy you removed that those nasty switches, but it's been 11 months since you made this video and I sincerely hope that you order some matching Lutron screwless plates for those 4 gangs.

[@TechWithBrett]

Now that you are caught up... I do have a 2 gang screwless Claro wall plate but I somehow have not had time to put it on in the last 11 months.

[@gkalisa1]

Great video, Great explanation but I think I need a pre-requisite (beginner) video before I watch this. Those 3-way switches got me confused.

[@TechWithBrett]

Good idea. I do have some other videos on 3 ways that might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6uqmYKsZbWKoJI

[@olahansen]

Was the painter blind?

[@TechWithBrett]

Haha! There are many things in the home I say that to. They just don't build them like they used to.

[@josefrapa6340]

Nice video. I watched video when You show before add walls. Then I think thats will be castle... do not understood haw You agree with speckling job in brand new house. All switches whats I using is Insteon (before lutron world). I think is still better than any other company.

[@TechWithBrett]

Yeah, spackling is interesting but nothing stood out as very bad until I took off the wall plates....

[@alexander.stehly]

Wow nice house.

[@Devilcity6275]

Looks like chaos, please stay safe . ❤

[@dronedadinc]

Great video:) Just done the same on all our switches. Try some Wago 221 instead of wirenuts:)? Bit safer:)

[@TechWithBrett]

I should probably pick some of those up. It has been a fun project to finally get done.

[@dronedadinc]

There is a bit more to pick from on the US marked i see:) We dont get those switches in Norway. Wagos are great, and every wire get a solid connection. Think there was a whole bunch wires into one single wirenut one time one your video there. A 5-hole Wago would be alot better i think:)

[@tonyjoffre2909]

Darnn nice house

[@chrisesposito5472]

did not include caseta

[@TechWithBrett]

Caseta is the line of Lutron Smart Switches that work with the Lutron Hub. Diva Smart Dimmer and Claro Smart Switch are both a part of the Caseta line. But yes, I didn't include the older models but do have videos on those if you need help.

[@RJRhoades1]

Umm. YOU did a good job with explanations BUT that switch Bo’s is a mess!

[@elalacran37]

What happened to the Caseta? Never talked about it. 😂

[@fritzmiller9792]

Unfortunately, someday someone will be injured (or worse) and they will successfully sue and all these how to videos for electrical installs will be removed almost overnight. A little bit of knowledge is often times very dangerous.... electricity is invisible dynamite - don't mess with it unless you are either trained formerly or invested hundreds of hours of self teaching...the ways to be electrocuted and the steps/knowledge/experience to prevent it can't be covered in one video. Don't trust a proximity voltage detector and don't do electrical work with barely any knowledge. (Yes, I am an electrician 38 years experience.)

[@sqeekykleen49]

Hopefully the days of diaper wearing handyman can afford their adhd pills and learn enough about simple 120v light switches not to burn their children alive and try to collect off it... Xi won't pay, he does not have to.... LLC.... ❤.

[@tug5098]

:)

[@TechWithBrett]

(: