You are using an unsupported browser. Please update your browser to the latest version on or before July 31, 2020.
close
Looking for Z-Box Hub Support? Please click here to access the Z-Box Hub Support Portal.
announcement close button
Home > Light Switches > Zooz Light Switches & Dimmers FAQs
Zooz Light Switches & Dimmers FAQs
print icon

Frequently Asked Questions About Zooz Light Switches & Dimmers

Find the answers to your questions quickly by searching key words!

  1. Press the CTRL and F keys at the same time on your keyboard. A little box should pop up in your browser window.
  2. Type in a key word in your question like "hub" or "compatible". You should see your key word highlighted every time it is mentioned on the page.
  3. Use the arrow keys in the search box to jump to each instance that your key word is mentioned.

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.

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?

How do I install Zooz switches/dimmers?

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.

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?

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

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.

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?

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 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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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

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!

Feedback
1 out of 1 found this helpful

Have you tried our virtual assistant chatbot? This AI tool can help you find answers from thousands of articles in our Knowledge Base quickly. Find it in the bottom righthand corner of the page.

Need more help? Our friendly team is ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about Zooz devices. Click here to submit a support ticket.

Are your devices registered? Extended warranty and firmware access is available for registered Zooz customers. Click here to submit your registration form.

Find the latest Zooz devices and great Z-Wave deals at The Smartest House.
 
close button
scroll to top icon