The backplate must be wired correctly and completely during installation to support different switch types in that location.
The below information is a helpful reference of switch behaviors in different incorrect wiring scenarios. Some of these switch behaviors may he possible if a switch is installed in a circuit it is not compatible with, or if the switch itself has an issue.
| Common | Common | Very Rare | Very Rare | Very Rare | |
| Wiring Issue | Neutral Not Connected can occur in single pole or multiway |
Line and Load Reversed can occur in single pole only |
4-Way Used Instead of Load can occur in single pole only |
Black Traveler Used Instead of Load can occur in single pole only |
Hot and Neutral from Opposite Phases can occur in single pole or multiway |
| Device | |||||
| Single Pole Rocker | Functions normally | Functions normally | Will not control house light | Will not control house light | Functions normally |
| 3-Way Rocker | Functions normally | Functions normally | Will not control house light | Functions normally | Functions normally |
| 3 & 4-Way Rocker | Functions normally | Functions normally | Functions normally | Functions normally | Functions normally |
| Simple Nightlight | Controls house light; LED nightlight will not illuminate | Controls house light; LED illuminates only when rocker is on and photo sensor is covered | Will not control house light | Will not control house light | Trips breaker when installed |
| Simple Timer | Will not control house light; 10/30/60 buttons will not illuminate | Functions normally | Will not control house light | Will not control house light | Trips breaker when installed |
| Simple Astronomical Timer | Will not control house light and is not programmable | If display shows info before install, switch is on backup power (battery charged); programmable but display won’t illuminate, and switch won't control light. If display is blank (battery not charged), switch is not programmable and won’t control light. | Will not control house light | Will not control house light | Trips breaker when installed |
| Simple Motion | White LED indicating motion will not illuminate; unable to control house light; house light stays on or off depending on relay state | Capacitor won’t recharge; if charged, switch works normally until charge is depleted (10-15 cycles) | Boots up, motion indicator LED functions normally, but house light won’t turn on | Boots up, motion indicator LED functions normally, but house light won’t turn on | Trips breaker when installed |
| Simple Ceiling Fan Controller | Functions normally | Functions normally | Will not control load | Will not control load | Functions normally |
| Simple Dimmer | Functions normally | Functions normally | Will not control house light | Functions normally | Functions normally |
| Single Pole Smart Dimmer | Unable to control house light; no response upon install (green config light won’t flash) | Same as Neutral Not Connected | Turns on but won’t control house light | Turns on but won’t control house light | Trips breaker when installed |
| Master Smart Dimmer | Unable to control house light; no response upon install (green config light won’t flash) | Will not turn on; switch is not single-pole compatible | Will not turn on; switch is not single-pole compatible | Will not turn on; switch is not single-pole compatible | Trips breaker when installed |
| Remote Smart Dimmer | Unable to control house light; no response upon install (green config light won’t flash) | Turns on; switch is not single-pole compatible | Turns on; house light turns on and stays on; switch is not single-pole compatible | Turns on; house light turns on and stays on; switch is not single-pole compatible | Trips breaker when installed |
| Smart Switch | Unable to control house light; no response upon install (green config light won’t flash) | - | - | - | Trips breaker when installed |