Zooz Light Switches & Dimmers FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Zooz Light Switches & Dimmers

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ZEN71 On/Off Switch ZEN72 Dimmer ZEN73 Toggle Switch ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer ZEN76 On/Off Switch ZEN77 Dimmer

INSTALLATION QUESTIONS

Will Zooz switches/dimmers fit next to each other in a double / triple gang switch box?

Yes. Each set up is different so we're unable to verify 100% without being on site, but Zooz switches are a similar size to other electronic Z-Wave switches on the market. Most users report no issues fitting two or three Zooz switches side by side. The 7EN71, ZEN72, ZEN73, ZEN74, ZEN76, and ZEN77 switches were also designed to be slimmer to fit in crowded or shallow switch boxes.
Switch/Dimmer Dimensions: 1.16" deep, 1.75" wide, 4.1" tall

Can Zooz switches/dimmers be used in 12-24V or 240V installations?

No. Zooz switches/dimmers are rated for 120 VAC, 60 Hz and cannot be connected to a transformer supplied fixture or be used in a low voltage installation. Please make sure to review the provided manual thoroughly, including the Caution section, before installing your Zooz switch/dimmer.

Are Zooz switches and dimmers CSA approved?

While Zooz devices don't have any Canada-specific certifications, our devices are ETL-certified and are fully compliant with North American safety standards.

Can Zooz switches/dimmers be installed outdoors?

While the switches/dimmers are rated for indoor use, it should be okay to use them in a weatherproof box. It's best if the box is plastic rather than metal, not to cause too much interference for the Z-Wave signal though. Metal and glass are really effective at disrupting Z-Wave signals.
However, the specification of the Z-Wave chip requires environments of no less than 32 F and no more than 104 F. This is why we list the operating temperature at 32-104 F; the same applies for all Z-Wave sensors and switches we know of since they shouldn't be installed in environments that often drop below 32F or exceed 104 F. It's likely that you may lose Z-Wave control during super cold periods.

How do I know which Zooz switch or dimmer I should buy?

We recommend reviewing our Full Guide to Zooz Smart Switches.
Think of the Zooz switches/dimmers as 3 sets of cousins:
- The ZEN71 On/Off Switch and ZEN72 Dimmer are siblings (these wire differently in multi pole set-ups from their cousins, the 73/74/76/77).
- The ZEN76 On/Off Switch and ZEN77 Dimmer are siblings (these wire differently in multi pole set-ups and support different loads/maximum ratings from their cousins, the 71/72).
- The ZEN73 On/Off Toggle and ZEN74 Dimmer Toggle are siblings (these are the toggle equivalent of the 76/77).

Which wall plates and regular on/off switches do you recommend so that they match my Zooz switches/dimmers?

We recommend the Leviton white wall plates and Leviton white on / off switches, both usually available in most hardware stores. Our switches don't need additional add-on switches for 3-or more-way locations and have to be wired to mechanical on/off 3-way switches at the other end of the installation.
You can find other accessory and installation recommendations here:

How do I install Zooz switches/dimmers?

Your Zooz switch or dimmer should come with a manual containing the most common single pole or 3-way wiring set-ups. It is very important to use the correct wiring manual for the appropriate Zooz model as the ZEN71 and ZEN72 wire differently than the ZEN73, ZEN74, ZEN76, and ZEN77.
Wiring for ZEN71, ZEN72, ZEN32 Switches
Wiring for ZEN73, ZEN74, ZEN76, and ZEN76 Switches

How Can I Identify the Wiring For My Zooz Switches?

Your Zooz switch/dimmer comes with lifetime tech support and we're happy to help identify the wiring in your set-up and provide custom wiring instructions, free of charge. However, our techs are not magicians, mind readers, or telepaths with the ability to verify wiring without clear images from each switch box involved in your set-up. Please review the requirements in this article before submitting your images and wiring diagram request to Zooz support.

I only have a 14-2 romex between the 2 switch boxes in my 3-way installation, how do I install a Zooz switch in this scenario?

If you only have 2 wires traveling between the boxes (usually black and white), it means that neutral isn't connected between the line and the load for the installation. This is a code violation and may be a safety hazard since your borrowed neutral may be on a circuit that is on the same ungrounded leg in the panel so you could have double amps on the neutral. The borrowed neutral is not run along with the ungrounded conductor, creating emfs and inductive heating hazards as well. Unfortunately, you don't have enough wires running between the boxes to use our switches in the installation according to the standard diagrams, keeping the mechanical switch on the other side. However, you can turn the installation into a single pole set-up and add another Z-Wave switch on the other side for fully remote control of the single pole switch, creating a virtual 3-way where the remote control switch would trigger the main switch via Z-Wave. Click here for wiring and programming instructions for this scenario.

How many Zooz switches/dimmers do I need for a multi-pole (3-way/4-way) installation? Do I need to buy some kind of add-on switch?

Zooz switches are designed to be used with regular 3-way on/off switches. This means for a 3-way (2 switches controlling the same light) or a 4-way (3 switches controlling the same light) you only need to buy 1 Zooz switch or dimmer. The regular on/off switches cannot have any kind of LED indicator or illuminated paddle on them. If your existing set-up uses some kind of add-on switch for a previous smart switch from another brand, you will need to remove the add-on switch and replace it with a regular on/off switch.

What if I want all of my switches to look the same or have smart control from every wall switch in my smart home?

How To Use Multiple Zooz Switches In 3-Way and 4-Way Set-Ups

Can I use Zooz switches/dimmers to control something other than lights?

Fan Control: Can I Use My Zooz Light Switch With a Fan?
Outlet/Receptacle Control: Can I Use My Zooz Light Switch with a Switched Receptacle?
Tube/Ballast Lights: Can My Zooz Light Switches Be Used with Tube Lights?
Add-On Switches or Dimmers: Can My Zooz Switch Be Used with Add-Ons, Dimmers, or Another Z-Wave Switch?
Motion or Photocell Activated Lights: Can I Use My Zooz Light Switch with Motion-Activated or Dawn-to-Dusk lights?

I've used a Zooz dimmer/switch with some of the above before - why can't I use it now?

If you've previously used an older model of Zooz dimmer/switch without issue, then consider it a lucky unit. Zooz switches/dimmers are smart devices with special electronics that need to be connected to appropriate loads. Otherwise, the electronic components can be damaged by the load either immediately or over time. Please do not connect Zooz switches/dimmers to anything other than the approved loads under a given switch's maximum ratings.

Which LED Bulbs Can I Use with My Zooz Switches and Dimmers?

Not all LED bulbs will work seamlessly with all Z-Wave switches. We no longer publish a database of verified working LED bulbs (manufacturers change components way too often for that), so here are some general tips that we hope will help you make the best choice for your smart lighting.

Can I connect my Zooz switch/dimmer to halogen bulbs?

NO. Halogen bulbs, similar to tube lights, produce high inrush current that could damage the switch/dimmer, so we don't recommend using any of our Zooz switches in locations with halogen bulbs. Even if the wattage is rated at or under a given switch/dimmer's maximum rating, halogens can draw over 40 times more than the listed rating. The switches should only be used with LED/CFL or incandescent bulbs within their maximum ratings.

Can I use smart bulbs with Zooz switches/dimmers?

Yes. Zooz switches/dimmers have a special Smart Bulb Mode setting, which disables the manual and/or Z-Wave control for the switch/dimmer. This is important because otherwise you would be cutting power to the smart bulbs and not be able to control them wirelessly / remotely.

Can I use my Zooz switches/dimmers without a load connected?

Yes. The switch/dimmer will then act as a remote / scene controller - you'll need to add it to your Z-Wave hub, and program scenes or automations that will be triggered by the number of taps on the paddles. We don't recommend using the ZEN76, ZEN77, ZEN73, or ZEN74 without a load. These models have a unique, patented design that allows them to be installed in a multi-way installation with minimum re-wiring. Due to this, the switches rely on current readings to change and maintain their status, which means they will not behave as expected when not directly controlling a load.

Can I install my Zooz switches/dimmers in a location without a neutral?

NO. For locations with no neutrals, we'd recommend looking into Z-Wave relay modules like the Fibaro Dimmer 2 that can be installed behind the switch or the Zooz ZEN51 Dry Contact Relay that can be installed in the light fixture where you'll always have access to neutral.

Why is neutral required with Zooz switches?

Neutral is needed to keep powering the switch even if it's in the off position so that the Z-Wave radio can stay on and listen for wireless commands. The switch still needs to be able to turn off in emergency situations, even in smart bulb mode so neutral is still necessary.

Can I just borrow a neutral from a nearby switch or box?

NO. Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to borrow neutral from a nearby switch, even if they're on the same circuit. Your smart switch needs to be connected to the same neutral connection the load it's controlling is connected to. If the power line comes into the fixture box, the neutral connection you need is only present in that fixture box so you would need an additional wire from the fixture box to the switch box in order to use the Zooz switch in this type of installation.

Are Zooz switches available in other colors?

Yes. The ZEN71, ZEN72, ZEN76, and ZEN77 are available in white, light almond, brown, & black. The ZEN73 and ZEN74 toggle switches are available only in white and there are currently no plans to introduce them in other colors.

Can't you print the paddles in other colors, like ivory?

No. We're not able to 3D print with the type of material used for these paddles. There are currently no plans to introduce other colors than the existing light almond, brown, and black paddles as they all constitute less than 5% of all sales of the white paddles.

I have older Zooz switches and dimmers - can the colors paddles be used with these models?

No. The previous (now discontinued) ZEN21, ZEN22, ZEN23, ZEN24, ZEN26, and ZEN27 were all available in white only, and did not have replaceable paddles so you would not be able to use the 700 series paddles with your 500 series switch models.

Can I paint the paddle of my Zooz switch/dimmer?

Since the paddles on the newer Zooz switches/dimmers are replaceable / removable, if you'd like to try and paint it a different color than what is available, you certainly can. We do not have any experience with painting the paddles a different colors, and do not have a list of paint brands that would be suitable for this kind of project. We would recommend thin coats and letting the paint dry completely to ensure the paddle still fits on the switch.

What is the warranty coverage for Zooz dimmers/switches?

Zooz 700 and 800 series devices are covered by a 5-year warranty. Please register your device here and review the full warranty policy here.
Zooz 500 series devices are covered by a 12-month warranty.

Where can I find the device manuals for the Zooz dimmers/switches?

UNIQUE SET-UP QUESTIONS

Can a Zooz switch be operated in a switched Neutral configuration?

NO. Zooz switches need both power and neutral from the same source available in the box to work properly. Any other installation/scenario will damage the equipment. Switched neutral is also not up to code so we recommend having the installation wired per the requirements of the NEC for your own safety.

Can I install the ZEN76/ZEN77 in the load side box instead of the line side?

No. Due to the unique 3-way wiring solution for the ZEN76 and ZEN77, they can only be installed in the box with direct access to the power line. If you're needing to install a smart switch in the load side of the 3-way, you would need to use the ZEN71 or ZEN72 instead.

My load and line box are in remote locations - is there a way to install the ZEN77 (or ZEN76) in the center located box with the 4-way switch?

No. The ZEN77 (and ZEN76) will always need to replace the switch with direct access to power, which is the 3-way switch in most cases. In the rare case where power comes into the box with a 4-way switch, we recommend using the ZEN72 (or ZEN71).

POWER OUTAGE QUESTIONS

Is it common for Zooz switches/dimmers to malfunction or stop working after a power outage?

No. Power outages can sometimes damage the electronics inside the switches, even if they were connected to appropriate loads. The sudden inrush current when power is restored damages the electronics and there is nothing that can be done on the device hardware side to help prevent that unfortunately.

PRODUCT FUNCTIONALITY QUESTIONS

Do Zooz switches have power / energy monitoring features?

No. None of our switches/dimmer have energy monitoring capabilities and there currently aren't any plans to include this functionality in the near future.

What is the small button under the paddle/to the left of the toggle?

This switch is a safety feature that cuts power to the device when you're changing bulbs. For the paddle models, when the air gap is gently pulled out, power is disabled and this may mimic a dead device. If pushed in, power should be enabled. For the toggle models, when the air gap switch is flipped to the right, power is disabled and this may mimic a dead device. If flipped to the left, power should be enabled.

My Zooz dimmer flickers with my lights, why?

Make sure that the LED bulbs you're using are dimmable. Most bulbs are not fully dimmable but can be dimmed in a particular range (10-100% or 20-100%) so you may not dim the light extremely low.
If the dimmer flickers when the light is dimmed (lower than full brightness), it's most likely a driver compatibility issue. Try a different quality dimmable LED bulb to see if the problem persists. Unfortunately, since components may change from one production run to another in LED bulbs, we are unable to maintain a reliable compatibility list for LED manufacturers.
If the dimmer flickers at full brightness, it may be overloaded. Please calculate the total Wattage of your bulbs and add at least 10% of a cushion since most bulbs under-report the actual power draw. The ZEN72 model can handle up to 150 W of LEDs (actual Wattage) and the ZEN74 / ZEN77 model can handle up to 100 W of LED bulbs. Always use high quality dimmable bulbs.
If the dimmer flickers or flashes all the time, it may be a wiring issue. Please take detailed images of your wiring and get in touch with our support so we can review your installation.

What LED drivers are used in Zooz dimmers?

Zooz dimmers use two different LED drivers: TRIAC (also known as magnetic low voltage / forward phase / leading edge) and MOSFET (electronic low voltage / trailing edge). Our TRIAC / leading edge dimmer models are ZEN22, ZEN24, ZEN72, ZEN74, ZEN77 VER 3.0, and ZEN30 VER. 2.0 & VER. 3.0. Our MOSFET / trailing edge dimmer models are ZEN27, ZEN77 VER 1.0 & 2.0, ZEN30 VER. 1.0.

Why do all of your dimmers now use TRIAC?

We found that newer LED bulbs dimmed better with TRIAC dimmers, and considering limited availability for MOSFETS, we decided to transfer all Zooz dimmers to use TRIAC.

Do you still have any MOSFET dimmers available?

No. Unless we receive some ZEN77 V2 units as returns, we no longer have any ZEN77 V2 units available.

I'm still not sure which dimmer to use in my set-up - when do I use the ZEN72 Dimmer and the ZEN77 Dimmer?

ZEN72 VS ZEN77: What's the Difference

I have a lot of the 500 series switches/dimmers - what's new with the 700 series versions?

ZEN2X vs ZEN7X Models: What's the Difference

Will the Zooz switches/dimmers act as a signal repeater for other Z-Wave devices in my network?

Yes. Your Z-Wave hub decides which devices to use to reach other Z-Wave devices. Any non-battery powered Z-Wave device will act as a signal repeater; it would be up to your hub whether or not it will be used in a communication route.

Z-WAVE QUESTIONS

Do I need a Z-Wave hub to buy these devices?

No. The Zooz smart switches/dimmers function like regular switches/dimmers and can be used as such without a Z-Wave hub; however, to control the device remotely and access the advanced features, you would need a Z-Wave hub. Zooz switches/dimmers communicate via Z-Wave, and would require a hub to allow you to control them remotely.
To control any of our Z-Wave devices remotely through your smart phone, you'll need a compatible Z-Wave hub. These devices require a central controller that communicates with them and sends commands. Once you have a controller, you would download that controller's dedicated app on your phone and control your connected devices through that app.

Will I still be able to control the lights manually if my Z-Wave hub is down or offline?

Yes. Zooz smart switches/dimmers function like regular switches/dimmers and can control your lights if the hub is offline.

Are Zooz switches/dimmers compatible with my hub?

You can find a list of compatible hubs for a given device under the Works With section on the product's page. Here is the list of hubs compatible with the ZEN71 (it is the same for pretty much all of the other Zooz switches/dimmers.

Will Zooz switches/dimmers work with my alarm panel?

Alarm panels like Alarm.com will typically only support single switches, door locks, select thermostats, and any authorized items on their list. We would recommend reaching out to your alarm panel company to verify compatibility and to get the latest on any device integrations they may be working on.
Zooz switches/dimmers should pair, but you would not have access to the advanced functionality. It would be up to your alarm panel to integrate the device, as it follows Z-Wave protocol and has been Z-Wave certified. There is nothing we can change on our end to have the device be recognized correctly; Alarm.com would have to support the integration. Read more about alarm panel compatibility here.

Where do I find all of my switch's advanced settings?

How do I add the switch or dimmer to my Z-Wave hub?

Find pairing/inclusion instructions and other troubleshooting articles for your switch model here. Once you select your switch model, you will see sections for the most popular hubs: SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant, Z-Box Hub, and general Z-Wave System.

How can I tell what firmware my switch or dimmer is running on?

The firmware that your device is shipped with should be printed on the back of the device where the model specifications are. If your hub supports and properly integrates the device, you should also see the firmware listed in your Z-Wave interface.
Firmware that is listed as 1.01 (or any other value with a 0 in the middle) in the sensor's change log may display as 1.1 in your hub.

How do I program scenes or automations on my Z-Wave hub?

If your hub supports scene control / automation, and you have access to the advanced settings of your Zooz switch/dimmer, then we recommend checking out the Scene Control On Zooz Light Switches section in our Knowledge Base for instructions for the most popular Z-Wave hubs.

How do I update the firmware of my switches/dimmers?

Some Z-Wave hubs have a built-in firmware updater that you can use. Otherwise, we recommend using the PC Controller tool on the Simplicity Studio Software as described here. You will need to register your device in order to have access to Zooz firmware files.

How long does the update take? How do I know when it's finished?

Firmware updates should usually take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on connection quality and how much information needs to actually be updated on a given device.
- If it is taking longer than that, please try to bring the hub / controller closer to the device that is being updated.

Where can I find the history of changes and firmware updates for the switches/dimmers?

What series Z-Wave chip do Zooz dimmers and switches use?

ZEN71, ZEN72, ZEN73, ZEN74, ZEN76, & ZEN77 all currently use a 700 series Z-Wave chip. We are in the process of updating these models to the new 800 series Z-Wave chip so most if not all models listed above should be 800 series by the end of 2023.
ZEN21, ZEN22, ZEN23, ZEN24, ZEN26, & ZEN27 are all discontinued models that used the 500 series Z-Wave chip.

Will Zooz dimmers/switches be available in other Z-Wave frequencies?

No. These models are currently available in 908.42 MHz (US) frequency only. We do not currently have plans to release them in EU or AU frequency.

Check out the Zooz Knowledge Base for free support articles about Zooz dimmers and switches (and all of our devices)! If you can't find your answer there, reach out to us!