4-way: failed detection of on/off state

[vandebo]

I really hope someone can help - this is driving me bonkers.

I’m using switch VTM31-SN with firmware 1.1.5., installed in the “line” box, then to 3 dumb 4-way switches, and then a dumb 3-way switch, with the load connected after that; effectively this diagram. I buzzed out the wires to make sure.

When the dumb switches are flipped so that the load is being powered through the red/traveller wire, it works correctly, but flipping any of the dumb switches so that the load is powered through the black/load wire makes the smart switch think that it is always on, making the up paddle do nothing and the down paddle work like a toggle.

• I have factory reset it (with up paddle + config button for 20 seconds).
• It is configured in dumb 3-way dimmer mode with down paddle + config 3 times, and down paddle + config 5 times.
• None of the dumb switches are illuminated.

I noticed that when off in the working configuration, the power sensor reads 0.00 watts, however when off in the problematic configuration (voltage delivered to the load output), the power sensor reads 0.02 watts.

From this, gemini suggested I try installing a incandescent bulb in the load to absorb the phantom current. I had a hard time finding an incandescent bulb - I think I found one; it reads 33 Ohms on my DMM - but it didn’t help.

I don’t know how the switch detects on/off state - if it’s using the power sensor mechanism, it seems like a configuration to be able to turn up the minimum on power would help with this?

–

Steve

[andrewk]

@vandebo

I don’t know how the switch detects on/off state - if it’s using the power sensor mechanism, it seems like a configuration to be able to turn up the minimum on power would help with this?

This is a known issue for some. There is a beta version out there (1.1.6r1) for both HA and Apple users that allows you to tune the switch to the specific dumb switch installation. With HA there is a mode-select dropdown called “Dumb Test”. For Apple Home since it does not support mode-select you need to use quick tap sequences.

More info here:

White Series Dimmer Switch Firmware Changelog | VTM31-SN

V1.1.6r1 (beta) - March 26, 2026 Added a quick configuration button combo: When Switch Type is Aux: Cycle through “Aux Test” — Hold Up + Tap Config 9x = Yellow When Switch Type is Dumb: Cycle through “Dumb Test” — Hold Up + Tap Config 9x = Purple Added EP32 Mode Select (Dumb Test) Reduced the debounce count for button recognition Fixed some cases where the switch would exit all fabric without factory reset V1.1.5 (production) - February 13, 2026 Note: Please review this article before updat…

And here:

White Dimmer Can't ID Power State After 1.1.5 Update

This is an issue that some others of seen and has been discussed in another topic here in the last week or so. It relates to how the Dimmer detects the status of Dumb switches. There is a 1.1.6r1 Beta version out there (currently for HA only I believe). This version allows a “Dumb Test” parameter to be changed from HA and provides tap sequences for platforms like Apple Home that do not support mode-select parameters. I assume that it will roll out via test-net as a beta (which will make it a…

If you are an Apple Home rather than HA user you will need to contact @EricM_Inovelli by PM for installation info.

[koadic]

@vandebo

None of the dumb switches are illuminated.

I have to ask, what specifically do you mean by this? Are they supposed to illuminate and they don’t? or are you just stating that they are not illuminated switches?

I have no idea how Inovelli switches behave with these type of switches, but for the majority of others that I’ve looked into, I believe they are discouraged or just outright unsupported.

It’s been awhile since combing through install instructions where I have seen this type of switch mentioned though, so I may be misremembering.

It’s also possible that this may have absolutely no bearing on your issue and be a complete red herring, but I thought I’d mention it just in case.

EDIT: If you are stating that you have illuminated switches and they are not illuminating as expected, then know that after looking back through the install instructions that it states specifically that:

If you are just reiterating that as per instructions that you are in fact not using illuminated switches, then you can completely ignore this entire comment

[vandebo]

Thank you for pointing that out. I’ll give it a try.

[vandebo]

Yup - just saying that I’m not using illuminated switches, like the instructions say.

[vandebo]

After a bit of wrangling, I got the 1.1.6r1 firmware installed. Setting “Dumb Test” to 50 resolved the issue. Thank you all for the help.

[andrewk]

Excellent! Was that the only setting that worked or would any of the lower settings work also?

[vandebo]

The lower settings did not resolve the issue, only 50 - the highest settings - resolved the issue.

FYI for those that might also want to try it and use home assistant, you don’t need to contact EricM, you just need to enable the “beta” matter server (the js based one instead of the the python one), and enable the testnet DCL.