How to Install the Kasa KS230 3-Way Smart Dimmer Switch

When You Set Up
Updated 04-05-2022 15:50:14 PM 38197
This Article Applies to: 

How to install the KS230 Kit

*Note: Before installing the KS230 please remember that you will be working with your home’s electricity. This can be dangerous, so if you are not comfortable with basic electrical wiring do not attempt to install. Contact a licensed electrician for assistance.

Preparing for installation

Tools you may need:

You may need the following tools:

  • Non-Contact Voltage Tester
  • Insulated Philips and Flathead screwdrivers
  • A set of wire nuts. (3 nuts are provided but you may need more)

Shutting off the Breaker

Locate your home’s electrical panel and shut off the relevant circuit breaker. You will only need to shut off the breaker that controls the 3-way switches you are replacing. After shutting off the breaker, test the switch before proceeding to ensure the power is off.

Installation:

Step 1: Remove faceplates from existing switches

Remove the faceplates from the existing switches. A screwdriver may be needed to do this.

Step 2: Remove the existing switches from the wall

Using a screwdriver, unscrew the switch to remove from the wall. Pull the switch from the wall and take a picture of how the switch is wired, for reference, in case you ever want to reinstall the existing switches in the future.

Step 3: Take a Picture

Take a picture of how the existing switch is wired for future reference.

Step 4: Test for voltage

Using the Non-Contact voltage tester, check each wire to make sure it is not energized.

*Note a Live wire typically has black or red insulation

Step 5: Identify your Wires

A 3-way switch will have 3 mandatory wires and 2 possible wires. The 3 mandatory wires are the 2 traveler wires and the line/load wire. The possible wires are the Ground and Neutral. The KS230 does require a Neutral wire to be present at the Line side of the 3-way run. If a Neutral wire is not present on the line side, the KS230 cannot be installed.

Step 6: Remove orignal switches

Remove your existing switches from the wires. We recommend placing wire nuts on the exposed wires for enhanced safety purposes.

Step 7: Turn power back on

Return to the breaker box and turn the relevant circuit breaker back on.

Step 8: Test wires for power to find the Line wire

You will want to restore power to the switch boxes, and then use the non-contact volt tester to find which wire is energized. This energized wire indicates which wire is the line and which switch will be installed in that swtich box. Please remember this switch box requires the neutral wire to be present.

Step 9: Turn off power again

Now that you know which wire is the Line, return to the breaker box and turn the power back off.

Step 10: Test and label Line wire

Use the non-contract voltage tester once again to ensure the wire no longer has power and is safe to handle. Once it is, place the Line label on the wire.

Step 11: Label the Neutral Wire

The Neutral may be a single wire, or cluser of wires and is typcially white wire. Once located place the neutral label on one of the wires.

Step 12: Label the traveler wires

Now you will want to label the traveler wires in both switch boxes. These wires will be different colors. Make sure to label the the same wire at both ends. For instance if you label the red wire in one box Traveler 1, then the red wire in the other box should also be labeled traveler 1.

Step 13: Label the Load wire

Iabel the remaining wire in the 2nd switch box as Load.

*Note: You may also have a green or copper wire present. That wire is the Ground.

Step 14: Find and label the Ground wire

Each switch box may or may not have a ground wire present. This wire is typically insulated green or may be an exposed copper wire. If present, label it with the ground label.

Step 15: Match and attach the wires

Using the provided, or physically attached wires, match to labeled wires and connect with provided wire nuts.

Step 16: Confirm wires are secure

Holding the wires, test each wire nut to ensure it is properly and safely secured.

Step 17: Attach the KS230 to the switch box

Carefully tuck the wires back into the switch box and push the KS230 into the box, then attach with the provided screws.

Step 18: Restore power

Return to the breaker box and turn the relevant circuit breaker back on.

Step 19: Connect the faceplates

Connect the provided faceplates. They utilize a snap on mechanism, so push firmly to secure in place.

At this point you have completed the installation of the KS230 Kit. You can now continue to the Setup process and connect your new switch to your home WiFi using the Kasa app.

As an additional resource please also view this Installation and Setup video

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