Building on the popularity of the ZEN32 Scene Controller, the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer introduces the much-requested ability to dim a connected load directly from the main button—physically or via Z-Wave. Designed in response to valuable customer feedback, this multi-functional dimmer and scene controller in one offers smooth control of dimmable LED lighting up to 150W from the main button, all while maintaining the scene control flexibility users love. Whether you're pressing the large main button or using Z-Wave commands, the ZEN35 gives you intuitive, responsive lighting control that fits effortlessly into your smart home setup.

How Physical Dimming Works on the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer

Unlike standard paddle dimmers, the ZEN35 features a large main button that provides full on/off and dimming control of the physically connected load. This new control method has prompted many questions—so here’s exactly how it works:

• Single Press (ON): Tap the main button once to turn the connected light on. The light will brighten to the maximum level or a custom brightness setting you've defined in the advanced parameters (more on that below).

• Single Press (OFF): Tap the button again to turn the light off completely.

• Press and Hold (DIM/BRIGHTEN) - Sequential: Press and hold the main button at any time (whether the light is on or off) to gradually adjust the brightness. The dimmer operates in a sequential manner:

  • If the light was previously dimmed, holding the button will continue dimming until the minimum level is reached.

  • Release and hold the button again to reverse direction and gradually brighten the light.

  • You can repeat this sequence—hold to dim, release, hold to brighten—as needed to find the perfect level.

This control style offers a smooth dimming experience without the paddle you may be used to while still giving you manual precision over brightness levels.

Customizing Local Dimmer Behavior

The ZEN35 Scene Dimmer gives you full control over how your lights respond—whether you're operating the switch manually or via Z-Wave. With parameters available for single and double tap behavior to program preset brightness levels on the ZEN35, you can keep this behavior handled locally without needing to involve the hub each time you tap the ZEN35 button.

To adjust these advanced settings, you'll need a compatible Z-Wave hub that allows access to device parameters (such as Z-Box, SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant, etc.). These configurations can usually be found in the device settings or parameter section within your hub interface. Depending on your hub interface, they will be referenced as parameters, settings, or preferences. We've included links to instructions for accessing the advanced settings/parameters/preferences for the most popular Z-Wave Hubs below:

How to Access the Advanced Settings for the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on Home Assistant

How to Access the Advanced Settings for the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on HomeSeer

How to Access the Advanced Settings for the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on Hubitat

How to Access the Advanced Settings for the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on SmartThings

How to Access the Advanced Settings for the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on Z-Box

Scene Control vs. Parameter-Based Programming: What’s the Difference?

• Scene Control: When enabled, the dimmer sends Central Scene Commands to the hub or controller for specific actions (e.g., single tap, double tap, hold, release). These are not local actions—the switch tells the hub, and the hub decides what to do. You can read more about what scene control is and how it works here: How To Program Scene Control On Your Zooz Light Switches.

• Parameter-Based Programming: Uses parameters set on the switch itself for the specified behavior on the single and double tap. This is local control—no hub needed for the action to occur aside from the initial programming of the parameters.

Recommended Method to Preset Brightness Level

Set the Single and Double Tap Behavior:

You can customize what happens when you press the main button once to turn the light on. Choose from the following options for Parameter 30: Dimmer Button Single Tap:

• Turn on to the last brightness level

• Turn on to a custom brightness level

• Turn on to maximum brightness

• Turn on to full brightness (100%)

This feature is perfect for setting a consistent ambiance every time you enter a room—whether you prefer soft lighting or full illumination.

 

Want a quick shortcut for max brightness or a favorite setting? The ZEN35 lets you define what a double tap on the main button does in Parameter 29: Dimmer Button Double Tap:

• Turn on to full brightness (100%)

• Turn on to a custom brightness level

• Turn on to maximum brightness 

• Disable double-tap function

This is especially handy for users who want fast access to high brightness for tasks or routines.

 

If you prefer to use the recommended presets for the single and double tap behavior, you can still program the remaining button presses (3,4, or 5-tap as well as held and released) via central scene. Please be aware that if you try to use both scene control and parameter-based programming for the same tap patterns (like single or double tap on the main button), the two features can cause a logical conflict:

• If you have the single tap programmed for maximum brightness via Parameter 30 but you also program scene control for the single tap, the one may override the other or both options may fail to work.

When to Use Central Scene

When customizing the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer, we recommend using scene control on the main button if your goal is to control other Z-Wave devices or trigger automations—like turning on a smart plug, activating a movie night scene, or syncing multiple lights.

However, if you're looking to adjust the brightness of the light connected to the ZEN35 Dimmer, it’s best to use single tap and double tap functions noted above with brightness presets set via advanced parameters. This gives you quick access to your favorite lighting levels—whether it’s a soft glow for winding down or full brightness for productivity.

 

By using scene control for external actions and presets for local dimming, you unlock fast, personalized lighting for any moment—from cozy evenings to bright task lighting—with just a tap.

How to Program the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on Home Assistant

How to Program the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on HomeSeer

How to Program the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on Hubitat

How to Program the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on SmartThings

How to Program the ZEN35 Scene Dimmer on Z-Box

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions!