In this article we will go over the basics needed to install a Deako System.

Wiring Types

Three main wiring types

There are three standard types of wiring; single-pole, 3-way & 4-way.

 

Single-pole wiring

If there is one switch that controls the light(s), you have a single-pole circuit.

 

3-way wiring

If there are two switches that controls the light(s), you have a 3-way circuit. 3-way circuits consist of a 3-way line switch and a 3-way load switch (see How to identify line & load locations for more).

 

4-way wiring

If there are more than two switches that control the light(s), you have a 4-way circuit. 4-way circuits consist of a 3-way line switch, any number of 4-way line switches and a 3-way load switch (see How to identify line & load locations for more).

 

Types of wires used in switches

The picture above is an example of the wires in a 4-way switch.

The junction boxes in your walls can have five different types of wires:

Wire type	Description
Neutral wires	Typically white and often bundled together for switches on the same circuit breaker
Ground wires	Typically green or bare copper. It is usually attached to the green screw terminal on existing switches.
Hot-in (common) wires	Connect to the source of electricity for the switch. They are usually black and are connected to brass terminals in existing switches. If the switch is part of a 3-way or 4-way, your previous electrician may have coiled this wire around the other necessary wires.
Load (switch-leg) wires	Connect the switch to your lights. This wire is often red and connected to brass terminals in existing switches.
Traveler wires	Connect your switches in 3-way and 4-way configurations.

Tip: If you are not familiar with wires, take the time to label each wire before disconnecting your existing switch.

 

How to identify line & load locations

If you have Deako Backplates installed in your home, follow the steps below to identify your line and load locations.

 

Required Tools

• Deako Backplates installed

• The correct amount of Deako Smart Switches and/or Smart Dimmers for the circuit (see our buying guide for info about what switches are needed in each configuration)

Tip: The load location is often the switch closest to your light fixture. The line location is often the switch closest to your electrical panel.

 

1. Identify all switches that control the same light(s)

If there is one switch that controls the light(s), you have a single-pole circuit. If you have single-pole circuit, there is no need to identify line & load locations.

If there are two switches that controls the light(s), you have a 3-way circuit.

If there are more than two switches that control the light(s), you have a 4-way circuit.

 

2. Remove all switches in the circuit

Remove the faceplate by pulling outward from one of the corners.

Remove the switch by pulling the blue tab outwards and then pulling the switch out of the backplate.

 

3. Install a Deako Smart Switch or Smart Dimmer

Install a Deako Smart Switch or Smart Dimmer into one of the backplates in the circuit. To do this, align the blue tab with the slot on the top of the Deako Switch. While pressing the switch inwards, push in the blue tab to lock the switch.

 

4. Determine if this is the line location

If the LEDs light up on the switch:

• If the LEDs light up on the switch, this is the line location of the circuit. Leave the switch in place, press it like you would when turning on the lights, and move to the next location.

If the LEDs do not light up on the switch:

• If the LEDs do not light up on the switch, this is either the load location or another line location (if it is a 4-way circuit) of the circuit. Remove the switch (as shown in step 2), then repeat step 3-4.

 

5. Install another Deako Smart Switch or Smart Dimmer

Install another Deako Smart Switch or Smart Dimmer into one of the backplates in the circuit (as shown in step 3).

If the LEDs light up on the switch:

• If the LEDs light up on the switch in a 3-way circuit, this is the load location. You have now identified both line and load locations of the circuit.
• If the LEDs light up on the switch in a 4-way circuit, this is the second line location. Leave the switch in place and move to the next location.

If the LEDs do not light up on the switch:

• If the LEDs do not light up on the switch in a 4-way circuit, this is either the load location or another line location. Remove the switch (as shown in step 2), then repeat step 5.

 

6. Repeat step 5 until all switches are identified

The last switch that lights up in a 4-way circuit is your load location. You have now identified both line and load locations of the circuit.