Not all dimmer switches are created equal—and choosing the right one can make all the difference in performance, compatibility, and long-term satisfaction with your smart lighting setup.
Whether you're working with a standard 120V wiring setup or a 0-10V dimmable fixture, we offer dimmer models to fit a wide range of applications.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to select the best dimmer for your specific needs. We'll cover compatibility with different bulb types—including LED, incandescent, and smart bulbs—as well as installation types, like single pole or multi-way (3-way/4-way) setups. By the end, you’ll have a clear path to the ideal dimmer for your space.
ZEN35 Scene Dimmer
Best for: Smart bulb installations, advanced scene control, and custom LED indicator setups.
The ZEN35 is an in-wall dimmer specifically designed for installations where smart bulb compatibility and advanced scene control are priorities. It’s a great choice when you want to use Z-Wave to control the brightness of your smart bulbs or set up multi-tap automations. It supports both single pole and multi-way setups (up to 5-way), as long as you're able to rewire both switch boxes and the load and line are in the same location.
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Smart bulb friendly: Works in both single pole and multi-way smart bulb setups.
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Advanced customization: Fully adjustable ramp rate, custom LED indicator color/brightness, and multi-tap scene control.
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Multi-way Installations: Can be wired with either standard switches, with the ZAC99 Momentary Switch, or in a Virtual 3-Way.
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Minimum load: 15–20W required for reliable operation.
Choose the ZEN35 when you need flexible control options, robust scene functionality, and full compatibility with smart bulbs.
ZEN54 0-10V Dimmer
Best for: Commercial or residential lighting setups that use 0-10V dimmable fixtures (such as panel lights, architectural lighting, or LED drivers).
The ZEN54 is a specialized low-voltage dimmer designed for 0-10V lighting systems, commonly used in commercial spaces or high-end residential installations. It offers smooth, flicker-free dimming and broad fixture compatibility.
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0-10V control: Works with 0-10V dimmable LED drivers and fixtures (not standard 120V bulbs).
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Momentary switch support: Multi-way control is possible with momentary switches like the ZAC99 Momentary Switch.
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Smart bulb support: Yes, in single and multi-way configurations.
Use the ZEN54 for professional or architectural lighting control where 0-10V dimming is required.
ZEN72 Paddle Dimmer
Best for: Single pole, smart bulbs, or installs with more than 6 bulbs. Standard dimming applications with wide compatibility for LED and incandescent bulbs, including basic multi-way setups.
The ZEN72 offers a solid balance of features and compatibility for typical home installations. It supports standard single pole setups and multi-way wiring by rewiring both boxes when needed. It includes adjustable ramp rates, scene control, and a customizable LED indicator.
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Bulb compatibility: Triac dimmer. Works with most dimmable LEDs and incandescent bulbs.
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Multi-way ready: 3-way and up to 5-way support with rewiring required. Can be used with the ZAC99 Momentary Switch in multi-way installations or in a Virtual 3-Way.
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Scene control: Multi-tap functionality and Z-Wave scene activation supported.
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Smart bulb friendly: Fully supports smart bulbs in both single and multi-way setups.
Choose the ZEN72 if you want a reliable paddle-style for standard single pole installations, virtual installations, single and multi-way smart bulb installations, or those involving more than 6 bulbs.
ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer
Best for: Homes with existing toggle switches or customers who prefer a traditional look.
The ZEN74 is ideal for users who want the benefits of smart dimming with a classic toggle design. It offers the same Z-Wave functionality as our paddle dimmers but blends better with older switch styles. It's compatible with most dimmable LED and incandescent bulbs and includes adjustable dimming features. This is the toggle version of the ZEN77 Dimmer, so the same limitations and recommendations apply to this model as well.
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Classic style: Toggle design fits in with traditional decor.
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Customizable dimming: Ramp rate and LED indicator can be adjusted.
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Multi-way support: Requires rewiring both boxes.
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Momentary switch: CANNOT be used with momentary switches in multi-way installations.
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Smart bulb limitation: Only works in single pole installations if using smart bulbs.
Use the ZEN74 when style matters and you want to keep the traditional toggle feel while upgrading to smart control.
ZEN77 Paddle Dimmer
Best for: Easier multi-way installations, homes with mixed wiring layouts, or where smart bulb support isn’t needed in multi-way.
The ZEN77 simplifies 3-way and 4-way wiring by only requiring one switch box to be rewired and allowing load and line to be in separate boxes. It has a slightly lower max load than the ZEN72 and should not be used in installations with more than 6 bulbs due to the inrush current.
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Simplified wiring: Easier 3-way/4-way setup—only rewire one box.
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Bulb compatibility: Compatible with most dimmable LED bulbs.
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Scene control: Multi-tap actions, adjustable ramp rate, and customizable LED indicators.
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Momentary switch: CANNOT be used with momentary switches in multi-way installations.
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Smart bulb limitation: Only works in single pole installations if using smart bulbs.
Choose the ZEN77 when you want a paddle dimmer with easier wiring for multi-way installations if you plan on keeping your standard dumb switches in the other boxes in your multi-way installations.
None of the dimmers can be used to control fans, ballast tube lights, or switched receptacles. For more set-ups, please check out our complete guide to Zooz switches and dimmers.
Not sure which model dimmer you currently have? You can find the models engraved on the front metal part of the units (remove wall plate first), or full specifications printed on the back of the devices. If something in this article is confusing or if an attribute is missing from the chart, please let us know and we'll make it better!
| ZEN35 Scene Dimmer | ZEN54 0-10V Dimmer | ZEN72 Paddle Dimmer |
ZEN77 Paddle Dimmer ZEN74 Toggle Dimmer |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Way |
Yes, but only with momentary switches (ZAC99) |
Rewire one switch box | ||
| 4-Way | Load & line can be in separate boxes | |||
| 5-Way | Load & line can be in separate boxes | |||
| Use with ZAC99 | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| Neutral / Power | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Security | S2 Authenticated | S2 Authenticated | S2 Authenticated | S2 Authenticated |
| Min Load | 15-20W | N/A | 15-20W | 15-20W |
| Max Load |
150W LED or 500W Incandescent |
4 A, 480W at 120V, 960 W at 240V |
150W LED or 500W Incandescent |
100W LED or 300 W incandescent |
| LED Bulbs | Compatible with most dimmable LED’s |
Compatible with 0-10V dimmable LED's |
Compatible with most dimmable LED’s | Compatible with all dimmable LED’s |
| LED Driver | TRIAC | Voltage Source Dimming | TRIAC |
700: MOSFET for V1 and V2, TRIAC for V3 800: TRIAC |
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Paddle Colors |
White & Black | N/A | White, Light Almond, Brown, & Black | White, Light Almond, Brown, & Black |
|
LED Indicator |
Customizable color & brightness levels | N/A | Customizable color & brightness levels | Customizable color & brightness levels |
| Signal Repeater | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Double Tap | Double tap to any brightness level | NO | Double tap to any brightness level | Double tap to any brightness level |
| Ramp Rate | Fully Adjustable | Fully Adjustable | Fully Adjustable | Fully Adjustable |
|
Scene Control |
YES | NO | YES | YES |
| Smart Bulb Support |
Yes - for single & multipole smart bulb installs |
Yes - for single & multipole smart bulb installs |
Yes - for single & multipole smart bulb installs |
Single pole only |
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Z-Wave Plus |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Instant Status | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Certification | ETL | ETL | ETL | ETL |
| Advanced Settings | View Here | View Here | View Here | View Here |
