Some smart home buyers are only interested in a nice white plastic box or a simple-to-connect device that will improve their living space.
However, an increasing number of people, especially those who grew up with Z-Wave technology and previous eras, are willing to dig into walls, run cables, and install switches in order to maintain a home’s natural beauty.
Replacing a wall light switch is simple and adds “smartness” to your lights, with a variety of functions ranging from simple switches to dimmers, and even LCD screens if you want to operate your smart home via your phone.
Traditional mechanical switches can be replaced with a range of Z-Wave wall switch solutions that connect to a Z-Wave controller, such as a Samsung SmartThings, VeraEdge.
This guide will show you the range of items available, as well as some of the more intriguing models. Here you will find products that can use a Z-Wave dimmer to dim lights, turn lights on and off, and control other features.
These wall switches may appear to be a bit out of date when compared to many of the wireless buttons or other means of controlling smart home gadgets.
They can still incorporate Alexa control though, as well as a variety of other capabilities such as fan control.
With an increasing number of switch types and attractive finishes to guarantee that your smart home looks amazing from the ceiling down to the wall switches, Leviton, GE, and Enerwave are among the leading companies providing this service.
If you are looking to get started with your Z-Wave network, then any of the following light switches will be perfect for you.
The Best Z-Wave Switches Reviews
GE Z-Wave Wireless Smart Lighting Control
With the GE Z-Wave, customers can use a range of in-wall switches, such as dimmers, fan controls, paddle controls, and toggle switches, to manage their house lights and fans.
Customers can use any standard Z-Wave controller app to set a schedule or use the switch to regulate or alter the brightness of wired-in dimmable lights.
This product is compatible with Alexa devices and works with the voice control feature. Simply ask Alexa to dim the lights, and you can have a darker roo, without having to leave the couch.
While Alexa is supported, however, their product Echo Plus is not. Make sure that you understand the difference between the two before you make your purchase.
It’s necessary to use a Z-Wave certified gateway to use this product. Alexa is not the only certified hub that works with this product.
These switches are also compatible with HomeSeer, Smart Security, Honeywell, Harmony Home Hub, Wink, Pulse, andn many more. Before buying this product, check to seee if it is compatible with your home system.
This product gives you the freedom to control your home.
From anywhere on the planet, at any time of day, you may use the dimmer to schedule, control, and change the brightness of any dimmable light in your home.
All lights can be turned off or on, or just a few as part of an ambient lighting setting.
To use this product, simply replace any standard in-wall switch with the GE Z-Wave controlled dimmer switch to turn lighting on/off or change the dimness using your smartphone.
Leviton DZ6HD-1BZ Decora Smart 600W
Leviton’s Decora models come with a range of connectivity choices, including Z-Wave, WiFi, and hubless models that can be controlled through Alexa.
If you do not have Alexa, then you may want to wait a little while, as Apple HomeKit support is on the way soon.
The whole Z-Wave range works with Alexa for voice control and Vizia RF+ systems, in addition to traditional Z-Wave hubs like SmartThings and Wink.
The Leviton DZ6HD-1BZ Decora Smart 600W Dimmer with Z-Wave Plus Technology lights up to 300W and classic incandescent lights up to 600W. With all this, you’d expect it to be quite pricy, bit it costs less than $50 on Amazon.
The DD00R-DLZ remote switches, which come in white and light almond, will provide you additional control over three-way or multi-way circuits and lights if you have banks of lights in a room.
Some customers have reported that the hub incorrectly assumes that a Leviton-controlled light is on or off when it is not. This should no longer be an issue, as firmware upgrades are now accessible for free and on a regular basis.
The Leviton VRMX1-1LZ is known for its attractive rocker switches, and if you want to up the smart factor, the Leviton VRMX1-1LZ comes with scene-capable, user-pre-set ‘on levels’ for finer control.
Linear WD500Z-1 Z-Wave 500-Watt Wall-Mount Dimmer Switch
The Linear WD500Z-1 is a more affordable Z-Wave compliant switch that can handle up to 500 watts of incandescent or LED lighting.
It’s a straightforward switch replacement with a dimmer that can be operated via your hub or app. Alexa or other voice control is not supported directly, but it’s likely to be used indirectly.
For more advanced illumination, the LINEAR GoControl, WS15Z-1, supports three-way cables and a higher 600w load.
Because they aren’t two-way devices, they don’t immediately report status to your hub, but for a simple cheap solution, they do the job well enough for users who aren’t as fussy with their lighting choices.
However, there have been reports of high failure rates, and the design isn’t as advanced as GE and other versions, with cables hooked to the back of the switch, making installation problematic for some.
Inovelli Z-Wave Dimmer
The Inovelli Z-Wave switch is a relatively new addition to the market, yet it offers a number of helpful features. This smart Z-Wave dimmer switch is unique in that it doesn’t need a neutral wire, making it easier to install in old homes without one.
If your house was built after 1985 and has a neutral wire in the electrical switch box, you won’t have to worry about this. However, if your house was built prior to 1986, you may not have a neutral wire.
Press the paddle switch to turn the light switch off and on, and the smart light switch will return to its previous settings.
To change the dimming settings on the light switch, press and hold the switch to increase or decrease the dimming levels. The light switch at the top raises the lighting levels, while the light switch at the bottom lowers them.
The dimming adjustment is effective, but it differs from traditional dimmers in a few respects. The only drawback with this smart Z-Wave light switch is that it takes some getting used to when understanding the controls.
The light switch features an LED dimming indicator on the side and can be controlled with your phone or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. The dimming levels can be controlled remotely, and a dimming level indication will be visible.
This smart switch is easy to set up and install; the light switch has a little button on the front that makes connecting it to a Z wave hub a breeze.
GE Enbrighten Toggle Switch
This switch is remarkable in that it looks like an old-fashioned switch yet is packed with cutting-edge technology. This is a great option if you want to match your existing light switches or prefer the look of toggle switches.
You can reuse the switch plate cover if you already have toggle switches, which can save you money in some cases.
The smart light switches allow for on/off and dimming control. To change the dimming, simply move the toggle switch up or down.
The lights will turn on or off with a flick or a press of the switch. These smart dimmers do not require a neutral wire, but they are also compatible with three-way switches if you want to use them in conjunction with other smart light switch dimmers.
Alexa and Google Home enable you to control your light switches from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Z-Wave?
Z-Wave, a mesh wireless networking system, is used by many smart home devices. Z-Wave is unique in that it uses a mesh network and needs very little power to work.
It allows each device in the network to repeat command signals across the network.
As a result, each device will be able to communicate with other devices in your household, creating a mesh network. Each gadget serves as a range extender.
What’s Special About Z-Wave Light Switches?
Z Wave light switches replace your existing light switches and allow you to control them remotely from your phone or with your voice when connected to smart voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home.
Z-Wave light switches don’t require any new wiring to work in your home and can be set up in 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your level of experience or if you are getting someone in to fit it for you.
The Z Wave light switches are then connected to a smart home hub, such as Smart things, which transfers commands from your phone to the light switches.
Summary
Most of these products require a neutral line, so double-check your wiring before parting with your money.
Also, some of these devices are more susceptible to power outages and other circumstances, so if you plan on buying a lot of them, testing a few of them beforehand to see how they work in your house is a good idea.
