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Home > Light Switches > Full Guide to Zooz Smart Switches
Full Guide to Zooz Smart Switches
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You're looking at all of these model numbers and are probably wondering: OK, they all look almost the same and seem to do the same thing, so which one do I choose for my project? We put together a comprehensive guide to navigate our growing line of light switches. We hope you find it helpful!

  Before you purchase:  

  • Please remember that our 3-way and 4-way diagrams for all switch models included in the manual and published in our support portal refer to the most common installations using a Zooz switch with a simple mechanical on/off switch. Please do NOT use these diagrams to connect Zooz switches with other Zooz switches (in the so called virtual 3-way/4-way set-up), nor with the ZAC99 momentary switches. NEVER connect Zooz switch to regular ("dumb") dimmers! Get in touch with us for custom instructions if you'd like to wire our switches in one of the special configurations.
  • Neutral wire is always required in at least one of the switch boxes for a Zooz wall switch to work correctly. If you're not sure if you have a neutral present, ask our support team. If you don't have a neutral available for your installation, you can always use the ZEN51 Dry Contact Relay mounted by the light fixture where you can find a neutral connection.
  • Some scenarios may require additional programming changes, like adjusting the 3-way switch type setting when using the ZAC99 momentary switch or disabling physical control not to cut power to smart bulbs when using our switches as remote controls. Make sure your Z-Wave hub gives you access to these settings before making your final decision. Not sure how to check this? Just ask!
  • Don't use our light switches with CFL ballast tube lights. If you replaced them with LEDs, please make sure the new bulbs replaced the ballast as well and connected directly to the fixture rather than using the old ballast.
  • Don't use our light switches with switched receptacles. You can safely use the relay part of our Double Switch (ZEN30) to control a 15 A switched receptacle.
  • Check the total (actual) power rating of your bulbs and compare it against the specifications of the switch / dimmer you're considering before making a final decision.

 

QUICK GUIDE

Here is a simplified overview of the recommended models for the most common scenarios. We recommend that you refer to the detailed written guide for any special situations like the using multiple Zooz switches in a 3-way or 4-way installation or non-conventional wiring scenarios. Always check the specifications of your switch model and electrical rating of the load or bulbs you want to use FIRST, making sure the Wattage is within your switch's electrical rating.

 

 

 

 

Take a look at the below scenarios for on/off and dimmer switches and see if you can find your perfect fit. If your use case isn't included or you have any questions about the guide, please let us know and we'll be happy to help!

  Always follow the wiring instructions included in the manual with your switch or dimmer. Different models may wire differently in multi-control set-ups and it's easy to damage your device if it's not wired correctly on the first try.  

 

SINGLE POLE SET-UP

One switch controls one light or group of lights. While all of the switch models can be used in single pole installations, below are our top recommendations for the most popular scenarios.

  • On/off only (no dimming)
    • Regular light bulbs up to 150 W LED / 960 W incandescent: ZEN71, ZEN21 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN32 Scene Controller, ZEN73 Toggle Style
    • Smart bulbs up to 150 W LED: ZEN71ZEN32 Scene Controller in smart bulb mode, ZEN73 Toggle Style in smart bulb mode (central scene support required)
    • Fans up to 3A: ZEN71, ZEN30 Double Switch (use with relay button), ZEN51 Dry Contact Relay
    • Switched receptaclesZEN30 Double Switch (use with relay button)
    • Ballast tube lights, large LED panels over 150 W total, large fans over 3A total, unsupported LED bulbs: do NOT use with Zooz switches
  • Dimmer
    • Regular light bulbs up to 150 W LED / 500 W incandescent: ZEN72, ZEN22 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer for leading edge (triac) drivers; ZEN77, ZEN27 (discontinued 500 series model) for trailing edge (mosfet) drivers
    • Smart bulbs up to 150 W LED: ZEN72 (in smart bulb mode only)
    • Fans, switched receptacles, ballast tube lights, large LED panels over 150 W total, unsupported LED bulbs: do NOT use with Zooz dimmers

 

3-WAY SET-UP

Two switches controlling one light or one group of lights.

  • On/off only (no dimming)
    • Regular light bulbs up to 150 W LED
      • 1 Zooz switch + existing mechanical switch: ZEN76, ZEN26 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN73 Toggle Style
      • 2 Zooz switches on both sides in a virtual 3-way (no electrical connection): ZEN71, ZEN21 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN32 Scene Controller, ZEN73 Toggle Style
      • 1 Zooz switch + ZAC99 momentary switch (electrical connection, 3-way switch type setting needs to be changed): ZEN71, ZEN21 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN32 Scene Controller
    • Smart bulbs up to 150 W LED: ZEN71ZEN32 Scene Controller in smart bulb mode
    • Fans up to 3A: ZEN71
    • Switched receptaclesZEN30 Double Switch (use with relay button) in a virtual 3-way (it doesn't support direct 3-way) with a ZEN71 switch or another ZEN30
    • Ballast tube lights, large LED panels over 150 W total, large fans over 3A total, unsupported LED bulbs: do NOT use with Zooz switches
  • Dimmer
    • Regular light bulbs up to 100 W LED / 300 W incandescent
      • 1 Zooz dimmer + existing mechanical switch (to turn lights off and on to the last brightness level): ZEN77, ZEN27 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer
      • 2 Zooz dimmers on both sides in a virtual 3-way (no electrical connection): ZEN72, ZEN22 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer
      • 1 Zooz switch + ZAC99 momentary switch (electrical connection, dimming from both sides, 3-way switch type setting needs to be changed): ZEN72, ZEN22 (discontinued 500 series model)
    • Smart bulbs up to 150 W LED: ZEN72 (in smart bulb mode only)
    • Fans, switched receptacles, ballast tube lights, large LED panels over 150 W total, unsupported LED bulbs: do NOT use with Zooz dimmers

 

4-WAY / 5-WAY SET-UP

Three or more switches controlling one light or one group of lights.

  • On/off only (no dimming)
    • Regular light bulbs up to 150 W LED
      • Conventional (power comes directly to one of the boxes with a 3-way switch): ZEN76, ZEN26 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN73 Toggle Style
      • Unconventional (power comes directly into one of the middle boxes with a 4-way switch): one ZEN71, ZEN21 (discontinued 500 series model), or ZEN32 Scene Controller + ZAC99 momentary switches for the other boxes (electrical connection, 3-way switch type setting needs to be changed)
    • Smart bulbs up to 150 W LED: one ZEN71, ZEN21 (discontinued 500 series model), or ZEN32 Scene Controller in smart bulb mode + ZAC99 momentary switches for the other boxes (electrical connection, 3-way switch type setting needs to be changed)
    • Fans up to 3A: one ZEN71, ZEN21 (discontinued 500 series model) + ZAC99 momentary switches for the other boxes (electrical connection, 3-way switch type setting needs to be changed)
    • Switched receptaclesZEN30 Double Switch (use with relay button) in a virtual 4-way (it doesn't support direct 4-way wiring) with two more ZEN71 or ZEN30 switches for the secondary locations
    • Ballast tube lights, large LED panels over 150 W total, large fans over 3A total, unsupported LED bulbs: do NOT use with Zooz switches
  • Dimmer
    • Regular light bulbs up to 100 W LED / 300 W incandescent
      • Conventional (power comes directly to one of the boxes with a 3-way switch): ZEN77, ZEN27 (discontinued 500 series model), ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer - dim from the Zooz dimmer only (regular on/off switches stay in the other locations)
      • Unconventional (power comes directly into one of the middle boxes with a 4-way switch): one ZEN72, ZEN22 (discontinued 500 series model) + ZAC99 momentary switches for the other boxes (electrical connection, 3-way switch type setting needs to be changed) - dim from all locations
    • Smart bulbs up to 150 W LED: one ZEN72, ZEN22 (discontinued 500 series model) + ZAC99 momentary switches for the other boxes (electrical connection, 3-way switch type setting needs to be changed, smart bulb mode needs to be enabled)
    • Fans, switched receptacles, ballast tube lights, large LED panels over 150 W total, unsupported LED bulbs: do NOT use with Zooz dimmers

 

 

  Always follow the wiring instructions included in the manual with your switch or dimmer. Different models may wire differently in multi-control set-ups and it's easy to damage your device if it's not wired correctly on the first try.  

 

Need help? We provide custom wiring instructions for all of our devices, just get in touch!

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