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Edited January 19, 2022
at 10:30 PM
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https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/...-sale-2022
Multiple devices and types of ZWave / Zigbee switches, plugs, and sensors.
One of the best deals on the page - $18.95 + shipping under $100.
I own several of these and they work very very well:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/...ry-powered
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the location where the 77 will be needs neutral and that is the only additional wiring needed. the remote switch wiring remains same.
zooz is an excellent company. they answered support over weekend. When it was known I needed the 77, they said wait for the sale.
Great people make a great company.
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As long as it works with Home Assistant, I don't think "closed ecosystem" is an issue
But that's what makes zooz even better. No need for a companion switch in a 3 way set up. In addition, if you get the proper switch (Zen 76/77, Zen 26/27, etc) you don't even need to require the companion. Great cost AND time saver.
Also, after many power outages that have claimed GE / Honeywell / Jaisco switches, I've never had a zooz switch die.
Cost, Time, and reliability. They win on all 3.
Lack of stock has been the main reason why I've gone with mostly Zooz stuff over Inovelli. I've had no issues, and their CS has been responsive when needed.
Lack of stock has been the main reason why I've gone with mostly Zooz stuff over Inovelli. I've had no issues, and their CS has been responsive when needed.
I have multiple applications where I wanted to use Innoveli.
1.) Their dimmer + fan control
2.) Their scene control switch
Both seem to be unparalleled in the zwave space.
I have the Zooz scene control switch but it isn't a dimmer. This was a compromise for me as the Innoveli hadn't been released yet and was in beta. Then came the supply chain mess. Oh well. The Zen 32 is good. I've put it in places I don't have to have a dimmer.
I also have dummy fan + dimmer switches controlling bedroom fan + lights. I was going to get the zooz switch + fan control. However, I wanted dimmers in the rooms with said switch. Also the Zen30 also only allows the fan to turn on/off. Deal breaker. So I just went with what is essentially an in wall remote controller for the fan + lights. I'll wait for Innoveli to get stock again.... if they can survive. Fingers crossed.
All that being said, Zooz switches are great and I have no complaints. Miles better than any other option right now sans Innoveli. They have stock (YEAH!). And they've continued w/ their sales that seem to always be around major holidays. From a value proposition they seem to be the best option around.
Also, after many power outages that have claimed GE / Honeywell / Jaisco switches, I've never had a zooz switch die.
Cost, Time, and reliability. They win on all 3.
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Please note, I'm not trying to convert anyone from Zooz to Enbrighten. As I said, I'm not particularly impressed with my Enbrighten switch and Zooz is the only one that doesn't require add-ons for 3way/4way like I have in my foyer.. I'm just answering the 20ish dollar challenge (plus shipping!)
Along those lines, should I get all 71s? Or just 71s for the fans and 76s for the lights? Is there a specific benefit to the 76 for simple 2-way lights? I have only ever done on/off switches due to the fact that for the GE switches, dimmers were always quite a bit more expensive (in addition to needing more expensive dimmable LED bulbs). For only $1 more for a dimmer, I might consider getting some. Need to think on where dimming might be useful.
I might also have to consider picking up an RGBW controller for $32 to connect to the LEDs I put behind my TV. We don't really use them since turning them on/off requires a separate IR remote. Could be fun
Along those lines, should I get all 71s? Or just 71s for the fans and 76s for the lights? Is there a specific benefit to the 76 for simple 2-way lights? I have only ever done on/off switches due to the fact that for the GE switches, dimmers were always quite a bit more expensive (in addition to needing more expensive dimmable LED bulbs). For only $1 more for a dimmer, I might consider getting some. Need to think on where dimming might be useful.
I might also have to consider picking up an RGBW controller for $32 to connect to the LEDs I put behind my TV. We don't really use them since turning them on/off requires a separate IR remote. Could be fun
The issue is that when you start the fan, you're temporarily turning on a short circuit (before the fan starts spinning and generating back-EMF). Even though it's only a short amount of time, the large amount of current draw can damage the switch. This wasn't an issue for dumb switches, since there were no sensitive electronic components.
Modern circuit boards are often designed to alleviate some of this crank and/or have a different style motor, which is probably why they specify using newer fans. It doesn't have to do with the age of the fan itself, just the design, so 5 years from now, you should still be fine.
Same goes for fans. As technology advances, most 'modern' fans will have soft-start circuitry to minimize inrush current, and be built in an efficient way to keep running current low, allowing us to use lower spec'd switches and wiring. Zooz made a generalization that most fans that are under 5years old will fall into the sub 3A category. It's not a hard rule, just an estimate. If you want to be safe, just check the specs on the fan and the switch to make sure everything will work together.
As for the Zooz switch selection, the ZEN71 and older ZEN21 should work for fans as long as they don't exceed the load limitations; basically on-off switches WITHOUT accommodations for traveler wire 3-way setups will work. (Dimmers like the 22/72 and 27/77 definitely won't work, and on-off switches with direct 3-way wiring like the 26/76 are probably not advised.)
From Zooz: "The short story is that the S2 switches are much more flexible and easier to install in multi-point control circuits (you just need to replace the switch with direct connection to power and neutral with a Zooz switch and you're done). But since they use 2 travelers, there wasn't enough space to make them as powerful as the ZEN21."
Although not on sale, the ZEN30 is another option, as it has two outputs; a dimmer for lights, and an on-off relay for a fan. The ZEN32 is also a valid option, and forgoes the light output of the ZEN30 for a 4-button scene controller.
Same goes for fans. As technology advances, most 'modern' fans will have soft-start circuitry to minimize inrush current, and be built in an efficient way to keep running current low, allowing us to use lower spec'd switches and wiring. Zooz made a generalization that most fans that are under 5years old will fall into the sub 3A category. It's not a hard rule, just an estimate. If you want to be safe, just check the specs on the fan and the switch to make sure everything will work together.
As for the Zooz switch selection, the ZEN71 and older ZEN21 should work for fans as long as they don't exceed the load limitations; basically on-off switches WITHOUT accommodations for traveler wire 3-way setups will work. (Dimmers like the 22/72 and 27/77 definitely won't work, and on-off switches with direct 3-way wiring like the 26/76 are probably not advised.)
From Zooz: "The short story is that the S2 switches are much more flexible and easier to install in multi-point control circuits (you just need to replace the switch with direct connection to power and neutral with a Zooz switch and you're done). But since they use 2 travelers, there wasn't enough space to make them as powerful as the ZEN21."
Although not on sale, the ZEN30 is another option, as it has two outputs; a dimmer for lights, and an on-off relay for a fan. The ZEN32 is also a valid option, and forgoes the light output of the ZEN30 for a 4-button scene controller.
FWIW, that $22 Zooz toggle dimmer switch is a hell of a lot better than that $27 enbrighten toggle I posted, other than the limitation that it's lights-only. Lights turn on instantly.
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