How to use FIBARO Dimmer switch to control another Fibaro Switch with Association

One of the most powerful tools which Z-Wave protocol provides is Association.
The association function links two devices and enables them to interface and communicate directly without the need for a hub.
In this article we are going to see How to configure a Fibaro Dimmer to control another Fibaro Switch using Association.

The advantages of using this scheme are:
1- It is completely wireless and no extra wiring required.
2- Association continues working even if the central controller (Hub) is removed from the network.
The association enables the Dimmer 2 to control directly a device included in Z-Wave network e.g. other Dimmer, Relay Switch, Roller Shutter or scene (may be controlled only through a Z-Wave controller).
The Dimmer 2 provides the association of five groups:

1st Association Group „Lifeline” reports state of the device. Main Z-Wave+ network controller should be added to this group. The „Lifeline” group can handle only one device. It is not recommended to modify this group.
2nd Association Group „On/Off (S1)” is assigned to switch no. 1. Sends BASIC command class frame according to the state of the device.
3rd Association Group „Dimmer (S1)” is assigned to switch no. 1. Sends MULTILEVEL SWITCH command class frame. Allows sending dim/brighten command to associated devices.
4th Association Group „On/Off (S2)” is assigned to switch no. 2. Sends BASIC command class frame according to the state of the device.
5th Association Group „Dimmer (S2)” is assigned to switch no. 2. Sends MULTILEVEL SWITCH command class frame. Allows sending dim/brighten command to associated devices.
Once you have added the Fibaro Dimmer and Fibaro Switch into the gateway follow the below step to setup Association:

1-    Click Setting Icon on Dimmer 2

2-  Click on Advanced tab and scroll down and click on Setting Association button

3- Click on Endpoint 0 to expand and select the appropriate Association group (Group 2)

4- On the right hand side tick the device (test_Switch) which is going to be Associated with

5- Save changes.
6- Once the above steps are done you should be able to turn the “test_switch” on/off by turning the “Test_Dimmer” on or off.
7- If the associated device has more than one output you can tick or untick it in step 4 to control the specific output.

Note: It is not recommended to associate more than 10 devices in general, as the response time to control commands depends on the number of associated devices. In extreme cases, system response may be delayed.

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