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Zooz switches offer a remarkable versatility beyond the traditional realm of light control. From employing Zooz switches in scenarios where you don't necessarily need to control a physical device directly, to the flexibility provided by Smart Bulb Mode, you can open up a world of possibilities beyond conventional switch applications.
The combination of these unique features creates unlimited possibilities for home automation and customization of your smart home. Zooz switches empower you to craft a tailored smart home experience that seamlessly integrates with your lifestyle and preferences. In the upcoming parts of this article, we'll explore some exciting and creative scenarios made possible by Smart Bulb Mode, showcasing its versatility and potential to enhance your smart home experience. Whether you're looking to streamline your lighting control or unleash the full potential of your smart bulbs, Smart Bulb Mode with Zooz switches offers a convenient and intuitive solution tailored to your needs.
Using Zooz Switches Without a Load
Do you have a switch that isn't currently controlling a load? You can install a Zooz switch in this location without a load connected and assign different actions or scenes to various tap patterns (single tap, double tap, long press, etc.), enabling you to control multiple smart devices or trigger complex automations. By strategically placing smart switches without loads, you can create convenient control points in your home for activating scenes, adjusting smart thermostat settings, playing music, or executing other routine tasks without needing to rely on voice commands or smartphone apps. Using smart switches without connected loads expands the functionality and versatility of your smart home ecosystem, offering convenience, flexibility, and endless opportunities for customization.
Which Switches Can Be Used Without a Load?
While all Zooz switches can be installed in a single pole installations without a load, the recommended models are the ZEN71 On/Off Switch, ZEN72 Dimmer, ZEN32 Scene Controller, and the ZEN30 Double Switch. These units do not rely on current readings to change and maintain status, and can be used as scene controllers effortlessly.
- You will need a Z-Wave hub that supports central scene functionality to program your switches using the scene control method or to program Direct Association. Please check if your system has button control built into its interface for our devices first. Here are a few examples of programming using the scene control method:
- Below is a link to our article which details how to program Direct Association, with links to instructions for programming associations on the most popular Z-Wave hubs:
How to wire my Zooz Switch with no load?
No special wiring involved! You can simply use the single pole wiring diagram included in the user manual for your Zooz Z-Wave switch, omitting the load connection. Please note, you still need to connect the power line, neutral and ground as illustrated in the device manual.
If you have any questions about wiring your Zooz switch, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance! Please make sure you review our Wiring Assistance article prior to reaching out to us and providing images of your current wiring.
Separating Control of the Load
Along with simplifying control of smart bulbs, the use of Smart Bulb Mode opens up a realm of possibilities for customizing your lighting experience through scene control and automations. The flexibility of Smart Bulb Mode extends to incorporating multi-tap triggers, enabling you to activate your selected scenes with ease. This level of customization adds a layer of convenience and personalization to your lighting setup.
With any of our Zooz wall switches, you can disable the electrical control for the load by disabling the relay. This will keep power to the connected load even if you turn the switch off by tapping the paddle. Once the switch is in Smart Bulb Mode, you can program the paddles just like buttons on a remote control in your smart home hub. The top paddle can turn the load on, the bottom paddle can turn the load off or you can use the multi-tap triggers to activate scenes from the single tap or multi-tap instead.
For example, one of our most frequently requested scenarios involves the ZEN30 Double Switch. With the additional load capacity provided by the separate 15A relay, often the main load is connected to the small relay button on the switch instead of the larger dimmer paddles, which can be less than intuitive for many users. However, if you enable Smart Bulb Mode for the relay, it will remain powered and then you can program the dimmer paddles for on/off control of the relay load, essentially turning the paddles into a remote control for the relay. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination!
To enable Smart Bulb Mode and access advanced settings on your Zooz switch, you'll need a compatible Z-Wave hub that supports this functionality. We recommend the Zooz Z-Box Hub for use with all Zooz devices, as the programming is simple and intuitive. Other options include SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant, or HomeSeer, each offering varying degrees of customization and control over your smart home devices.
What Switches Can I Use?
Similarly to the no-load options above, all Zooz switches are equipped with Smart Bulb mode, and can be used with this mode in single pole installations. However, the recommended models are still the ZEN71 On/Off Switch, ZEN72 Dimmer, ZEN32 Scene Controller, and the ZEN30 Double Switch. These units do not rely on current readings to change and maintain status, and can be used as scene controllers effortlessly. These models are also the only models that can be used with Smart Bulb mode enabled in multi-way installations (aside from the ZEN30, which can only be used in single pole installations).
What about the ZEN73, ZEN74, ZEN76 & ZEN77 models?
You can use these models in Smart Bulb Mode in single pole installations only, as they are also equipped with the smart bulb feature. However, these switches have a patented design created for easier installation in multi-ways, and due to this, they rely on current readings to change and maintain status, so they won't be as seamless as the recommended ZEN71, ZEN72, ZEN32, and ZEN30 models.
Have a creative use for your Zooz switch? Tag us on social media with #ZoozHome or reach out to our team and we'd love to share it! Let us know if you have any questions!
