While Zooz switches were designed to connect to regular on/off switches in 3-way and 4-way scenarios to reduce the amount of hardware and time involved in the installation, there are some use cases where you would like to replace all of your switches in a multi-way set-up with smart switches. We cover the best practices and wiring diagrams for this alternative approach below.
RECOMMENDED SWITCHES
While you can technically use any Zooz model in the virtual installation, some are better than others!
The ZEN71, ZEN72, ZEN30, and ZEN32 are the recommended models for all virtual Installations.
The ZEN73, ZEN74, ZEN76, and ZEN77 are not generally recommended for use in virtual Installations. These models all have a unique, patented design which allows for easier installation in standard multi-way installs with a mechanical switch. This design means that these switches rely on current readings from the load to change and maintain status. They can work in the virtual 3-way when used in the main box (direct connection to the load), but the ZEN71/ ZEN72, ZEN30, or ZEN32 should be used in the virtual box.
WIRING
Instead of using the 3-way diagrams for included in the manual, you need to rewire the main switch (with direct connection to the lights) as a single pole and then install a second Zooz switch at the other location, connecting it to power line, neutral, and ground only. Even if neutral is currently not available at the second box, you can use the existing traveler wires to transfer it there.
NOTE: Always follow the correct diagram when wiring your switches and identify all connections before proceeding with the wiring. Don't follow the color or position of the wire on your switches when comparing your wiring with the diagrams as there are many ways to wire 3-way switches and there are many type of hardware out there. We recommend taking detailed images from each box of the original fully working installation. If you're not 100% sure how to identify your wires, please get in touch with our team first, we're happy to help! Never attempt a trial-and-error installation for your own safety!
Please make sure power is off during the installation. If you're not confident about following the instructions or identifying the wires, please consult a licensed electrician for your own safety.
Wiring the switch incorrectly may cause an electrical short, equipment damage, and personal injury. It is recommended that any 120 V installation is performed by a licensed electrician.
Here is the first diagram showing a scenario where both direct connection to power and the lights is available in box 1. In this scenario, you're using one of the wires from your 14-3 romex to bring neutral to box 2:
Here is the second diagram showing a scenario where direct connection to power is available in box 1 and direct connection to the light is available in box 2. In this scenario, you're using one of the wires from your 14-3 romex to bring the load connection from one box to another (in this case from box 2 to box 1 where you have direct connection to power):
PROGRAMMING
VIRTUAL 3-WAY WITH 2 ZOOZ SWITCHES AND REGULAR BULBS (click for instructions)
VIRTUAL 3-WAY WITH 2 ZOOZ SWITCHES AND SMART BULBS (click for instructions)
VIRTUAL 4-WAY
Here are the wiring diagrams for the most common 4-way scenarios showing you how to install 3 Zooz switches in a virtual set-up where one switch is effectively turned into a single pole control and the other two are just powered for remote control. You can use this guidance to create virtual 5-way installations or even larger set-ups.
As usual, please follow the appropriate diagram when wiring the switches and identify all connections before starting rewiring. We recommend taking close-up images from each box of the original fully working installation in case you need to restore it and get help. If you're not 100% sure how to identify your wires, please get in touch with our team first, we provide custom instructions for any registered product. Do NOT attempt a trial-and-error installation for your own safety!
Please make sure power is off during the installation. If you're not confident about following the instructions or identifying the wires, please consult a licensed electrician for your own safety. Wiring the switch incorrectly may cause an electrical short, equipment damage, and personal injury. It is recommended that any 120 V installation is performed by a licensed electrician.
You can connect any Zooz models in a virtual 4-way when using regular bulbs. Remember that dimmers need to be connected to high-quality dimmable LED bulbs or incandescent bulbs only. The recommended models for virtual 4-way installations are the ZEN71 on/off switch, ZEN72 dimmer, or ZEN32 Scene Controller. You can use different Zooz models in the same installation, it will not affect the wiring or the programming of the switches as long as they're fully supported by your hub.
PROGRAMMING
VIRTUAL 4-WAY WITH 3 ZOOZ SWITCHES AND REGULAR BULBS (click for instructions)
VIRTUAL 4-WAY WITH 3 ZOOZ SWITCHES AND SMART BULBS (click for instructions)
Questions about virtual 3-way set-ups? Feel free to contact us 7 days a week and we'll be happy to assist you.
