How to install your Wemo WiFi Smart 3-Way Light Switch, WLS0403 in a 2-Way configuration

Although the Wemo® WiFi Smart 3-Way Light Switch, WLS0403 is designed to be used in conjunction with another 3-Way light switch, it can also be used alone in a 2-Way configuration. Below is a sample diagram.

This article will assist you in installing your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch as a replacement for a standard 2-Way light switch. For your convenience, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to install your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch.

IMPORTANT: While the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch can be installed by anyone, it is recommended to consult a professional electrician if you do not feel comfortable working with or you are not familiar with electrical wiring.

Tools required to install

You will need the following:

Phillips screwdriver
Standard screwdriver
Pliers
Wire stripper
Voltage tester

Before you begin

To install your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch, you will need to work with your home electrical wiring. When working with electrical wiring, there is always a risk of electric shock. Before removing any existing light switches, shut OFF power to the circuit powering your light switch, the main circuit breaker, or the fuse panel of your home.

Once you have verified that the power has been turned OFF from the circuit you will be working with, you can begin removing your existing light switch and installing your new Wemo 3-Way Light Switch.

Removing the existing light switch

Step 1: Remove the faceplate of your existing light switch. Using your voltage tester, confirm that your existing light switch has no power by testing the wires connected on both sides of the switch. If your voltage tester reads positive for voltage, you may need to turn OFF more than one circuit breaker or remove more than one fuse panel.

Step 2: Use your screwdriver to remove two screws that are securing the light switch to the gang box in your wall. Once the screws are removed, gently pull out your light switch to detach it from the wall. Do not unscrew any of the wiring at this point.

Step 3: Confirm that you have neutral wires in your gang box. These are typically white and are not connected to the light switch. A neutral wire is required to install your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch. If the neutral wire is not present, STOP the installation and consult a professional electrician.

NOTE: A ground wire is optional.

Step 4: Use your voltage tester to confirm that there is no power in the neutral wires from any neighboring circuits. If your voltage tester reads positive of voltage, you may need to turn OFF additional circuits at your breaker panel or fuse panel.

Step 5: Remove the incoming AC line/load wire coming from your circuit breaker panel or fuse panel. This wire is usually black but, depending upon the wiring used, you may have a different wire color in your gang box.

QUICK TIP: Included in the package of your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch is a quick start guide with a black line/load sticker which can be used to label the wire for future reference.

Step 6: Remove all other wires connected to the existing light switch to remove it from the wall. Any wire nuts that are connected to the wires such as the grounding wire or the neutral wire should be removed.

Installing the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch

Step 1: Remove the included faceplate from the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch. Peel off the safety sticker from the back of the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch to free the five wires in preparation for connecting to your in-wall wiring.

Step 2: Connect the BLACK line/load wire from the back of the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch to the wire you labeled earlier with the line/load sticker using a wire nut. This will supply power to your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch.

Step 3: Using another wire nut, connect the BLUE traveler 1 wire from the back of the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch to the load wire connected to your light fixture. The load wire is usually black but, depending upon the wiring used, you may have a different wire color in your gang box.

NOTE: The RED traveler 2 wire will not be used since you are installing this in a 2-Way configuration. Cap off the red wire using a wire nut.

Step 4: Connect the WHITE neutral wire from the back of the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch to the neutral wires in your gang box. The colors of the neutral wires are usually white but you may have a different wire color in your gang box.

NOTE: If you have a ground wire or ground screw in your gang box, it should be connected to the GREEN ground wire on the back of the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch. This ground wire is usually green or bare copper but you may have a different color in your gang box. The ground wire is not required so if you do not have it, simply cap off the ground wire using a wire nut.

Step 5: Installation is almost complete. Double check that all connections are secure and then carefully tuck the wires back into your gang box behind the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch. Using the screws included with your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch, secure it to the gang box. Once you have secured the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch to the gang box, a faceplate can be installed. Simply snap on the included faceplate or attach your own decorative style faceplate.

QUICK TIP: If you will be using an iOS device such as an iPhone® or iPad® to set up your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch, take note of the Apple® HomeKit™ code before securing it to the gang box. You can also find the HomeKit code in the following locations:

at the front panel of the Wemo Light Switch
in the Quick Install Guide

Step 6: It's now time to turn ON your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch. Return to your breaker panel or fuse box to turn the power back ON to the circuits you turned off before installation.

Step 7: Check your Wemo 3-Way Light Switch to confirm if it has been installed correctly and is receiving power. The status light on the front of the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch should blink WHITE while it is powering ON, and then it will turn BLUE when it is ready for setup. To learn more about the Wemo 3-Way Light Switch's light behavior, click here.