How to install your Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch (Tapo S515)

Tapo S515 Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch supports 3 types of connection: single-pole connection, 3-way connection, and 4-way connection. This article provides detailed instructions on the 3 types of connection.

Before You Start

Do Not use two Tapo smart switches together for 3-way or 4-way connection.
Tools You’ll Need

Get to know the wires.

The wire colors used in this guide are recommended by the National Electric Code (NEC). Your actual wire colors may vary.

Line (Live/Hot): Usually black. One end is connected to the circuit breaker, the other to your FIRST 3-Way switch.

Load: Usually black. One end is connected to the light fixture, the other to your SECOND 3-Way switch.

Travelers: Usually one is black and the other is red. The two terminals are opposite each other with the same color screws.

Neutral: Usually a bundle of white wires and not connected to the dumb switch. They may be folded up in the very back.

Ground: Usually green or copper.

Note: If you are unsure, consult a qualified electrician.

Option 1: Single Pole Connection

For scenarios where 1 light is controlled by 1switch. You can connect the Load wire to either Traveler terminal on your Tapo smart switch.

1. Pull out the old switch.

Turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the wall plate of the old switch and pull the switch out.

2. Label the wires.

3. Disconnect wires from the old switch and connect the wires to the Tapo smart switch as shown below.

Note: Connect the Load wire to either Traveler terminal on your Tapo smart switch. The other Traveler terminal will be left unused.

4. Line up the switch with the mounting holes and secure it with screws. Ensure the UP arrow on the back of the wallplate points up and attach the wallplate. Then turn on the circuit breaker. The wiring is finished.

Option 2: 3-Way Connection

Connect the smart switch to your 3-way circuit together with your existing traditional 3-way switch. Tapo smart switch can only replace the 3-way switch in the wall box where the Line wire is located.

1. Identify the Line wire.

1) Turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the wallplate of the old switch in one of your 3-way wall boxes and pull the switch out. Your dumb switch might look like this:

2) Turn on the circuit breaker and turn off the switch.

3) Put the voltage detector on the terminal screw of the Line/Load wire.

If it is energized, then this wire is the Line wire, and the switch in this wall box will be the one to be replaced with Tapo smart switch.

If it is not energized, then this wire is the Load wire, and the remaining switch in the other wall box will be the one to be replaced with Tapo smart switch. Please put the current switch back into the wall box, and then repeat previous steps for the remaining switch.

2. Turn off the circuit breaker. Label the Ground, Neutral, Traveler, and Line wires.

3. Disconnect wires from the old switch and connect them to the Tapo smart switch as below. No need to distinguish between the two Traveler wires.

Option 3: 4-Way Connection

Connect the smart switch to your 4-way circuit together with your existing traditional 4-way and 3-way switches. Tapo smart switch can only replace the 3-way switch in the wall box where the Line wire is located.

1. Identify the Line wire.

1) Turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the wallplate of the old switch in one of the wall boxes and pull the switch out. If there are four traveler wires of the pulled-out switch, then it is a 4-way switch. Just put it back in and follow the same steps to pull out another switch. Your dumb 3-way switch should look like this.

2) Turn on the circuit breaker and turn off the switch.

3) Put the voltage detector on the terminal screw of the Line/Load wire.

If it is energized, then this wire is the Line wire, and the switch in this wall box will be the one to be replaced with Tapo smart switch.

If it is not energized, then this wire is the Load wire, and the remaining 3-way switch will be the one to be replaced with Tapo smart switch. Please put the current switch back into the wall box, and then repeat previous steps for the remaining 3-way switch.

2. Turn off the circuit breaker. Label the Ground, Neutral, Traveler, and Line wires.

3. Disconnect wires from the old switch and connect them to the Tapo smart switch as below. No need to distinguish between the two Traveler wires.