The ZEN56 RGBW Dimmer is the updated, modern replacement fo rthe discontinued ZEN31 RGBW Dimmer. The ZEN56 brings an upgraded Z-Wave 800-series chip, SmartStart pairing, significantly longer range, smoother transitions, and easier installation.
It also retains advanced features such as multi-channel associations, while adding the option to simplify the device profile for users who do not need individual RGBW endpoints. For anyone replacing older units or planning a new installation, understanding where the ZEN56 improves on the ZEN31 will help set the right expectations and ensure the best performance for each project.
| Feature | ZEN56 RGBW Dimmer | ZEN31 RGBW Dimmer (Discontinued) |
| Z-Wave Chipset | 800 series | 500 series |
| Dimensions | 1.5″ H × 1.4″ W × 0.7″ D | 1.67″ × 1.5″ × 0.69″ |
| Operating Temp | 32–104 °F (0–40 °C) | 32–104 °F (0–40 °C) |
| Installation | Indoor Only | Indoor Only |
| Range | Up to ~300 ft line of sight via mesh Up to ~1300 ft with Z-Wave Long Range (hub must support ZWLR) |
Up to ~100 ft line of sight |
| Z-Wave Long Range | Yes | No |
| SmartStart Support | Yes | No |
| Power | 12-24V DC | 12-24V DC |
| Maximum Load | 10 A total (6 A/channel); 120 W @ 12 V / 240 W @ 24 V | 10 A total (6 A/channel); 120 W @ 12 V / 240 W @ 24 V |
| Input Options | 2 inputs (S1-S2), switch only | 4 inputs (IN1-IN4), analog or switch |
| Analog Sensor Support | No | Yes (0-10V sensors) |
| Scene Control | Up to 5x multi clicks, press, and hold available on both S1 and S2. | Multi-tap (single, double, triple, hold on all 4 inputs |
| Energy Monitoring | No | Yes (W, kWh, voltage reports) |
| Color Control Modes | Single device that supports color mixing or RGBW mode. When parameter 16 is enabled, it appears as four dimmers, one for each RGBW channel. | RGBW or HSB mode |
| Ramp Rate | 0-99 seconds, separate on/off control. Separate ramp rates for Z-Wave and physical control. | up to minutes supported |
| Cross-Fade Transitions | Yes, smooth color transitions | No |
| Timers (Auto-On/Off) | Yes | No |
| LED Indicator Control | Yes | No |
| Inclusion From Switch | Yes | No |
| Association Groups | By default the ZEN56 supports Groups 1-3. When Parameter 16 = 1, Groups 1-13 are supported. | Always exposes per-channel associations |
| Channel Associations | Groups 4-13 enabled only when Parameter 16 = 0. | Always enabled for RGBW |
Detailed Comparison
Below we've compiled the main differences between the devices with a short explanation and what you can expect with the new ZEN56 RGBW Dimmer.
Inputs and Sensor Support
The ZEN31 offers four input terminals that can be configured as switches or as analog inputs for 0–10 V sensors. This gives the older model support for various sensor-driven lighting automations.
The ZEN56 removes analog sensor capability and streamlines the design to two switch inputs only, focusing on standard wall-switch control and simplifying wiring.
Scene Control
The ZEN31 provides single, double, triple tap, and hold/release scenes on all four inputs.
The ZEN56 simplifies this to double-tap triggers for each input, which aligns with other Zooz 800-series switches and is easier for users to configure.
Energy and Power Reporting
The ZEN31 includes built-in energy monitoring with adjustable reporting frequency and thresholds.
The ZEN56 does not include energy monitoring in order to reduce network traffic and increase performance and reliability, which is especially important on large Z-Wave networks.
Color Control Behavior
The ZEN31 allows the user to choose between RGBW channel control or HSB mode, depending on preference.
The ZEN56 introduces a more modern approach: it allows the user to expose all RGBW channels individually, or condense them into a single unified endpoint using Parameter 16. This makes the device easier to integrate with certain hubs while still offering full granular control when needed.
Ramp Rate Customization
The ZEN31 supports long fade durations, up to minute-based settings.
The ZEN56 keeps control simpler by limiting transitions to 0–99 seconds, but splits ramp rates into separate on and off parameters for both physical and Z-Wave control.
Color Cross-Fading and Animations
The ZEN56 adds a new smooth cross-fade function that improves color transitions for decorative lighting.
Both models support animation programs, but the ZEN56 uses a simplified range of preset animation values.
Timers and Automation
Only the ZEN56 includes auto-on and auto-off timers, matching the rest of the Zooz 800-series lineup. This makes the ZEN56 more versatile as a general-purpose dimmer for both RGBW and white-only lighting.
LED Indicator Options
The ZEN56 adds a simple indicator LED setting to show power status (or stay off entirely).
The ZEN31 offers no LED customization.
Inclusion and Usability
The ZEN56 supports inclusion and exclusion via a triple-tap on the connected switch, making it easier to pair with hubs located far from the installation site.
The ZEN31 requires direct activation on the device body.
Association Capabilities
The ZEN31 always exposes per-channel RGBW association groups for direct device-to-device control.
The ZEN56 continues to support multi-channel associations, but adds the ability to hide or expose these groups depending on the selected endpoint mode.
- ZEN56 association groups when Parameter 16 = 0 (individual RGBW endpoints exposed):
- Endpoint 1
- Group 1: Lifeline
- Group 2: Basic Set On/Off
- Group 3: Multilevel Set
- Group 4: Multilevel Start/Stop
- Endpoint 2
- Group 1: Lifeline
- Group 2: Basic Set On/Off
- Group 3: Multilevel Set
- Group 4: Multilevel Start/Stop
- Endpoint 3
- Group 1: Lifeline
- Group 2: Basic Set On/Off
- Group 3: Multilevel Set
- Group 4: Multilevel Start/Stop
- Endpoint 4
- Group 1: Lifeline
- Group 2: Basic Set On/Off
- Group 3: Multilevel Set
- Group 4: Multilevel Start/Stop
- Endpoint 1
- When Parameter 16 = 1, the ZEN56 hides Groups 2–13 for a simplified profile and unified RGBW control.
Summary
The ZEN56 takes the core functionality of the ZEN31 and refines it for today’s Z-Wave 800-series networks. It removes niche sensor features but adds smoother transitions, simplified calibration, easier pairing, longer range, optional endpoint simplification, and improved association handling. For most lighting setups, the ZEN56 is a more reliable and user-friendly successor, while still giving professionals the control options they expect.
