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Caséta Wireless Product Selection Programming a Lutron Caseta System

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Programming a Lutron Caseta System

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This article details a high-level overview of the devices and steps needed to program a Caséta System. Included in the article are links to additional resources to assist in the installation and programming processes.


Knowledge Article Contents Part 1

Getting Started with Lutron Caséta

When to Use a Caséta Smart Hub (formerly Smart Bridge)?

Installing Caséta

Installation with Caséta Out of the Box Settings
Pairing a Pico Remote with Your Caséta System
Installation with Caséta Smart Hub (formerly Smart Bridge)

Adjusting Low-end and High-end Trim Settings

Customizing Caséta Light Switch & Dimmer Settings

Setting up Rooms and Zones in the Caséta App 
Programming On/Off Schedules and Timers
Creating Scenes for Different Moods and Activities

Getting Started with Lutron Caséta  

Lutron’s Caséta Wireless devices offer smart lighting at the switch for seamless control of your existing bulbs. 

Caséta dimmers, switches, fan controls, shades, and smart plugs can be controlled locally (standalone) through physical button presses of the device or by pairing them to a Pico wireless remote.

Pico remotes are an easy way to add another location to control your lights without having to run additional wiring.

Adding the devices into a system with the Caséta Smart Hub unlocks additional features, like control via the Lutron app wherever your smartphone has an active internet connection.

The Lutron app also allows you to schedule your lights to automatically turn on/off, program them to lighting scenes, and integrate with supported third parties (like Apple, Google, and Amazon).

For more information about using Caséta devices standalone vs in a system, review the high-level comparison below:

  

 All devices paired standalone (not in a system) to a Pico Scene Keypad will respond to every button of the keypad. 

 


When to Use a Caséta Smart Hub (formerly Smart Bridge)?

For more information about the Caséta Smart Hub check out the Smart Hub Advantage page and What is the Caséta Wireless Smart Hub and When Would I Need One? knowledge article.

 

 


Installing Caséta                    

Caséta switches and dimmers are designed to work with or without a smart hub. Simply install your switch or dimmer, pair a Pico remote if you’d like additional control, and start using your Caséta devices.

Note: The Pico remote and Caséta switch, or dimmer, should be within 30 feet of each other to reliably communicate.

View the Perfect Remote for Smart Lighting video for more info.

 

  

      • All Caséta switches and dimmers can be paired to up to 10 Pico remotes.
        • One Pico can control multiple switches and dimmers at the same time.
      • Some Caséta devices can be wired with a mechanical switch in a 3-way.
      • Certain Caséta switches and dimmers have their own accessory switches.
      • The Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug and Plug-in Lamp Dimmer plug in to a receptacle outlet.

For the most up to date installation diagrams, videos, and step-by-step instructions visit the Lutron Wiring Wizard.

 

The Pico smart remote adds an additional point of control with no wires or smart hub needed. Pair your Pico remote to your Caséta switches and dimmers and control them wirelessly with a press of the button. 

The Pico Smart Remote page and The Pico Remote and its use in the Caséta System article provide additional information.

 

Adding the Caséta Smart Hub to your system unlocks additional features:

      • Extend your systems range by adding a PD-3PCL plug-in lamp dimmer, or a PD-REP Caséta wireless repeater, to the smart hub if your devices are too far apart.
      • Schedule your lights and shades to activate automatically or control them through a voice assistant like Siri, OK Google, or Alexa.
      • Control your Caséta devices from anywhere your smartphone has an active internet connection with the Lutron app for iOS or Android: 

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Installation with Caséta Out of the Box Settings

  

All Caséta wireless in-wall dimmers or switches except for DVRF-AS accessory switches and Pico remote controls can be installed in a single-pole application.

  • If your device has a blue wire, simply cap it off for single pole installations as it is unused.
  • If the in-wall Caséta switch or dimmer has two black wires, they are interchangeable with the line (hot) and the load (switch leg) wires from your wallbox.

Click here for help installing a Caséta switch or dimmer in single-pole install.

  • If the Caséta switch or dimmer has one black wire and one red wire, the black wire from the device must connect to the line (or hot) wire and the red wire from the device must connect to the load (or switched leg) wire from your wallbox.
  • Caséta in-wall dimmers or switches with a white wire require neutral connections to function. 

All Caséta in-wall dimmers or switches, except for DVRF-AS accessory switches, can be installed in a three-way with a Pico remote.

Note: only one Caséta switch or dimmer can be installed per 3-way circuit. A 3-way mechanical switch, Pico Remote, or a Claro Smart Accessory Switch must be installed in the other location depending upon compatibility.

  • Caséta in-wall switches or dimmers with a blue wire can be installed in a three-way with a mechanical switch if the mechanical switch is properly rewired. For example, the PD-5ANS, DVRF-6L, or PD-10NXD.
  • Caséta in-wall dimmers or switches without a blue wire can only be installed in a three-way with a Pico remote. For example, the PD-6WCL (see Figure 4 above) or PD-5NE.

                        Click here for help installing a Caséta switch or dimmer in a three-way install.

 

The Diva Smart Dimmer (DVRF-6L) or Claro Smart Switch (DVRF-5NS) are the only Caséta devices that can be installed with the DVRF-AS Claro Smart Accessory Switch in a three-way.

Click here for help installing a DVRF-6L with a DVRF-AS in a three-way.

Click here for help installing a DVRF-5NS with a DVRF-AS in a three-way.


All Caséta devices, except for DVRF-AS accessory switches, can be installed in a multi-location installation with up to 10 Pico remotes.

Note: only one Caséta switch or dimmer can be installed per multi-location circuit.

Click here for help installing a Caséta switch or dimmer in a multilocation install.

  • The DVRF-6L or DVRF-5NS can be installed in a multi-location installation with up to 10 DVRF-AS accessory switches.
  • The Original style of push button Caséta devices (model numbers starting with “PD”) cannot be installed with accessory switches and accessory switches will not work if installed alone.

Click here for help installing a DVRF-6L with 2 DVRF-AS in a multilocation.

Click here for help installing a DVRF-5NS with 2 DVRF-AS in a multilocation.

 

For the most up to date installation diagrams, videos, and step-by-step instructions visit the Lutron Wiring Wizard.


Pairing a Pico Remote with Your Caséta System

The Caséta system supports different types of Pico wireless remotes for controlling lights, shades, fans, and compatible audio devices.

Pico Scene Keypads can be used to set multiple devices to specific levels with a single button press. This is helpful when it’s time to watch a movie, while entertaining guests, or turning all your lights off at once.

Check out the Power of Pico brochure for more information.

 

Adding a Pico Remote using a wall mounting kit (PICO-WBX-ADAPT) is a simple process. Review the link above for a video demonstration.  

Pairing a Pico Remote to a Caséta switch or dimmer is just as easy. Click the link above for a video demonstration or follow the steps below:

 

1. Press and hold the off (bottom) button on your Caséta dimmer or switch until the LED indicator lights on the switch start blinking. Once they are blinking release the off button.

2. Press and hold the off (bottom) button on the Pico remote until the lights that the dimmer or switch is controlling flash three times.

 

Your Pico remote is now paired to your Caséta switch or dimmer! Repeat these steps to pair additional Pico remotes to the same switch or dimmer.

 

Note: The Pico remote and Caséta switch, or dimmer, should be within 30 feet of each other to reliably communicate.

View the Perfect Remote for Smart Lighting video for more info.


Installation with Caséta Smart Hub (formerly Smart Bridge)

Setting up the Caséta Smart Hub is as easy as installing a switch or dimmer:

  1. Plug your hub into an available LAN port on your router using the included ethernet cable.

 

  1. Plug the hub into a power outlet with the supplied power adapter.

 

 

  1. Activate the hub by following the steps in the Lutron app.

 

  1. Add the Caséta devices to the smart hub by following the steps in the Add a device to the system video to finish setting up your Caséta system.

 

For more information review the Caséta Smart Hub Setup and Install article.


Adjusting Low-end and High-end Trim Settings

Caséta dimmers have optional settings like low-end and high-end trim to adjust the light level when the dimmer is at its brightest or dimmest. This is helpful if the lights you are controlling flicker when the dimmer is set to its brightest or dimmest level.

To adjust the low-end trim settings, select the appropriate Caséta dimmer below:

            PD-6WCL low-end trim settings

                        PD-10NXD low-end trim settings

                        PD-5NE low-end trim settings

                        PD-3PCL low-end trim settings

DVRF-6L low-end trim settings

                       

            To adjust the high-end trim settings of your Caséta dimmer choose an option below:

            PD-6WCL high-end trim settings

            PD-10NXD high-end trim settings

            PD-5NE high-end trim settings

            PD-3PCL high-end trim settings

Note: The high-end trim settings of the DVRF-6L are adjusted through the Lutron app.


Customizing Caséta Light Switch & Dimmer Settings

PD-5NE Caséta ELV+ Dimmer with wallplate.

The PD-5NE Caséta ELV+ dimmer is the only phase-selectable dimmer in the Caséta product family. That means this dimmer’s phase can be changed to support either magnetic low-voltage or electronic low-voltage transformers or drivers.

Click here to change the phase of a PD-5NE Caséta ELV+ Dimmer.

 

It is the only Caséta dimmer with a programmable favorite light level button. This circular button is in the center of the dimmer between the raise and lower buttons.

Click here to change the favorite light level of PD-5NE ELV+ Dimmer.

PD-3PCL Caséta Plug-in Lamp Dimmer

The Caséta Plug-in Lamp Dimmer can be reprogrammed to switch lights on and off when dimming isn’t needed. A common example is seasonal holiday lights.

                        Click here to convert the PD-3CPL Plug-in Lamp dimmer to switch mode.


Setting up Rooms and Zones in the Caséta App

Rooms will automatically appear in the Lutron app when switches, dimmers, Picos, and other Caséta devices are added to the app.  

They can be reorganized by pressing and holding on the name of the room and dragging and dropping it to a new location in the Devices tab of the Lutron app.

Note: Individual devices within rooms cannot be reordered.

For more information on rooms in the Lutron app, review the following articles:

How to reorder rooms and scenes in Caséta or RA2 Select.

How to add custom rooms in Caséta/RA2 Select.

Zones can be controlled by creating a Scene in the Lutron app to control multiple Caséta switches, dimmers, and shades or with a Scene Pico Keypad.

For more information about Scenes, review the Setting up Scenes page.


Programming On/Off Schedules and Timers

The Caséta system supports up to 50 scheduled events through the Lutron app with the Caséta Smart Hub.

Note: Schedules are organized chronologically in the Lutron app and cannot be reordered.

Each event requires its own schedule in the Lutron app. One schedule cannot turn the same light on at one time and off at another.


For example, if you wanted your front porch light to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise you would have to create one schedule that turns the light on and another schedule that turns it off at the specified times. 

 

For detailed steps on creating schedules review the How to create a schedule in Caséta or RA2 Select article. 


Creating Scenes for Different Moods and Activities

The Caséta system supports up to 100 personalized scenes to control multiple lights and shades together at the touch of a button. For example:

      • A “movie” scene that dims lights and lowers shades as the movie begins.
      • A “goodnight” scene that turns off all your lights and closes shades before you drift off to sleep.

Scenes can be activated in the Lutron app by tapping on the scene’s icon.

Smart Away, Arriving Home, and Leaving Home scenes can be activated automatically based on time of day and/or your smartphone’s geolocation depending on the scene. Click here to learn how to program a scene.

For more information on programming scenes, review the following articles:

How to setup a Geofencing scene with Caséta or RA2 Select.

How to edit a scene’s programming with Caséta/RA2 Select.

How to setup Smart Away in Caséta or RA2 Select.


Knowledge Article Contents Part 2

Advanced Programming Tips for a Caséta System

Using Lutron Caséta with Voice Assistants
Adding Smart Devices to Caséta System
Geofencing and Arriving/Leaving Home

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Further Resources for a Well Programmed System


Advanced Programming Tips for a Caséta System

Caséta devices support integration with 3rd party voice assistants, advanced features like turning lights on and off based on your smartphone's geolocation, and Smart Away to simulate like someone is home while you're away. Continue below for more information on advanced programming options.

 

Using Lutron Caséta with Voice Assistants

The Caséta Smart Hub is compatible with Apple HomeKit for wireless control of your Caséta devices through the Apple iOS system including the Siri personal voice assistant. For more information visit Smart Lighting Control for Apple HomeKit.

Review the following articles for setting up and troubleshooting Caséta and the Apple HomeKit integration:

Connecting the Alexa voice service to Caséta allows you to manage your smart home with voice commands simply by asking Alexa. For more information visit Smart Lighting Control for Alexa.

For more information on setting up and troubleshooting the Amazon Alexa integration in Caséta, review the following articles:

Caséta easily integrates with Google Home so your smartphone or the Google Assistant voice service can control your lighting and other smart products. For more information visit Smart Lighting Control for Google Home.

Review the following articles for help setting up and troubleshooting the Google Home integration in Caséta:

In addition to Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, the Caséta Smart hub also supports other connected home solutions. Visit the Caséta Works With page for more information. 

 

Adding Smart Devices to Caséta System

Up to 75 Caséta devices (including the smart hub) can be added to the Lutron app. Follow the steps in the Add a device to the system video for step-by-step instructions.

 

Geofencing and Arriving/Leaving Home

Certain scenes can be activated through the Lutron app based on your phone’s geolocation. As a reminder, the Caséta Smart Hub is needed to use the Lutron app.

For example, Arriving Home and Leaving Home scenes can automatically activate programmed lights or shades without the physical press of a button or icon whenever you leave or come back home.

Smart Away randomly turns lights on and off to imitate someone being home for additional peace of mind. This can be programmed to automatically activate when you are away from home and during select hours.

For more information on Smart Away visit Setting Up Smart Away.


Troubleshooting Common Issues

Below is a list of resources to help troubleshoot some of the most common Caséta issues that users experience:

Miswires and 3-way/multi-location wiring:

                        Pairing/activating devices:

                        Caséta Smart Hub connection issues:

                        Lights randomly turning on/off:

                        Flashing/flickering lights:

 

Further Resources for a Well-Programmed Lutron Caséta System

 

            For additional Caséta support resources visit the Caséta Support Site.

            To learn more about Caséta features and benefits visit the Caséta Wireless Site.

            For advanced programming information review the Caséta Advanced Install Guide.