ZEN32 Scene Controller FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About the ZEN32 Scene Controller

Find the answers to your questions quickly by searching key words!

Press the CTRL and F keys at the same time on your keyboard. A little box should pop up in your browser window.
Type in a key word in your question like "hub" or "compatible". You should see your key word highlighted every time it is mentioned on the page.
Use the arrow keys in the search box to jump to each instance that your key word is mentioned.

How It Works ZEN32 ZEN32 Scene Controller Neutral Required ZEN32

INSTALLATION QUESTIONS

Will multiple ZEN32's fit next to each other in a double / triple gang switch box?

Yes. Each set up is different so we're unable to verify 100% without being on site, but Zooz switches are a similar size to other electronic Z-Wave switches on the market. Most users report no issues fitting two or three Zooz switches side by side. The ZEN32, like other Zooz switches, was also designed to be slimmer to fit in crowded or shallow switch boxes.
ZEN32 Dimensions: 1.16" deep, 1.75" wide, 4.1" tall

Can the ZEN32 be used in 12-24V or 240V installations?

No. The ZEN32 is rated for 120 VAC, 60 Hz and cannot be connected to a transformer supplied fixture or be used in a low voltage installation. Please make sure to review the provided manual thoroughly, including the Caution section, before installing your ZEN32.

Is the ZEN32 CSA approved?

While Zooz devices don't have any Canada-specific certifications, our devices are ETL-certified and are fully compliant with North American safety standards.

Can the ZEN32 be installed outdoors?

While the ZEN32 is rated for indoor use, it should be okay to use in a weatherproof box. It's best if the box is plastic rather than metal, not to cause too much interference for the Z-Wave signal though. Metal and glass are really effective at disrupting Z-Wave signals.

Which wall plates and regular on/off switches do you recommend so that they match my ZEN32?

We recommend the Leviton white wall plates and Leviton white on / off switches, both usually available in most hardware stores. Our switches don't need additional add-on switches for 3-or more-way locations and have to be wired to mechanical on/off 3-way switches at the other end of the installation.
You can find other accessory and installation recommendations here: Recommended Accessories for Your ZEN32 Scene Controller

How do I install the ZEN32 Scene Controller?

Your ZEN32 should come with a manual containing the most common single pole or 3-way wiring set-ups. It is very important to use the correct wiring manual for the appropriate Zooz model as certain models wire differently than others.
Wiring for ZEN71, ZEN72, ZEN32 Switches

How Can I Identify the Wiring For My Zooz Switches?

Your ZEN32 comes with lifetime tech support and we're happy to help identify the wiring in your set-up and provide custom wiring instructions, free of charge. However, our techs are not magicians, mind readers, or telepaths with the ability to verify wiring without clear images from each switch box involved in your set-up. Please review the requirements in this article before submitting your images and wiring diagram request to Zooz support.

How many ZEN32's do I need for a multi-pole (3-way/4-way) installation? Do I need to buy some kind of add-on switch?

Zooz switches are designed to be used with regular 3-way on/off switches. This means for a 3-way (2 switches controlling the same light) or a 4-way (3 switches controlling the same light) you only need to buy 1 ZEN32.
The regular on/off switches cannot have any kind of LED indicator or illuminated paddle on them. If your existing set-up uses some kind of add-on switch for a previous smart switch from another brand, you will need to remove the add-on switch and replace it with a regular on/off switch.

What if I want all of my switches to look the same or have smart control from every wall switch in my smart home?

How To Use Multiple Zooz Switches In 3-Way and 4-Way Set-Ups

Can I use the ZEN32 to control something other than lights?

Fan Control: Can I Use My Zooz Light Switch With a Fan?
Outlet/Receptacle Control: Can I Use My Zooz Light Switch with a Switched Receptacle?
Tube/Ballast Lights: Can My Zooz Light Switches Be Used with Tube Lights?
Add-On Switches or Dimmers: Can My Zooz Switch Be Used with Add-Ons, Dimmers, or Another Z-Wave Switch?

I've used a Zooz dimmer/switch with some of the above before - why can't I use it now?

If you've previously used an older model of Zooz dimmer/switch without issue, then consider it a lucky unit. Zooz switches/dimmers are smart devices with special electronics that need to be connected to appropriate loads. Otherwise, the electronic components can be damaged by the load either immediately or over time. Please do not connect the ZEN32 to anything other than the approved loads under its maximum rating.

Which LED Bulbs Can I Use with My Zooz Switches and Dimmers?

Not all LED bulbs will work seamlessly with all Z-Wave switches. We no longer publish a database of verified working LED bulbs (manufacturers change components way too often for that), so here are some general tips that we hope will help you make the best choice for your smart lighting.

Can I connect my ZEN32 to halogen bulbs?

NO. Halogen bulbs, similar to tube lights, produce high inrush current that could damage the switch/dimmer, so we don't recommend using any of our Zooz switches in locations with halogen bulbs. Even if the wattage is rated at or under the ZEN32's maximum rating, halogens can draw over 40 times more than the listed rating. The ZEN32 should only be used with LED/CFL or incandescent bulbs within its maximum rating.

Can I use smart bulbs with the ZEN32?

Yes. The ZEN32, like other Zooz switches, has a special Smart Bulb Mode setting, which disables the manual and/or Z-Wave control for the big button / relay switch. This is important because otherwise you would be cutting power to the smart bulbs and not be able to control them wirelessly / remotely.

Can I use my ZEN32 without a load connected?

Yes. The ZEN32 will then act as a true remote / scene controller - you'll need to add it to your Z-Wave hub, and program scenes or automations that will be triggered by the number of taps on each of the buttons.

Is the ZEN32 available in other colors?

Yes. The ZEN32 is available in white and light almond. There are currently no plans to introduce the ZEN32 in other colors.

Can't you print the button panel in other colors, like ivory?

No. We're not able to 3D print with the type of material used for the button panel. There are currently no plans to introduce other colors than the existing light almond as they constitute less than 5% of all sales of the white version.

What is the button panel made of?

Polycarbonate (PC)

Can I paint the button panel of my ZEN32?

Since the button panel on the ZEN32 is replaceable / removable, if you'd like to try and paint it a different color than what is available, you certainly can. We do not have any experience with painting the button panel a different color, and do not have a list of paint brands that would be suitable for this kind of project. We would recommend thin coats and letting the paint dry completely to ensure the button panel still fits on the switch and none of the buttons get stuck.

What is the warranty coverage for the ZEN32?

Zooz 500 series devices are covered by a 12 month warranty. Zooz 700 and 800 series devices are covered by a standard 1-year warranty and by an extended 5-year warranty if registered within 30 days of purchase. Please register your device here and review the full warranty policy here.

Where can I find the device manual for the ZEN32?

Manual for 700 Series Scene Controller Switch ZEN32 (PDF)

UNIQUE SET-UP QUESTIONS

Can the ZEN32 be operated in a switched Neutral configuration?

NO. Zooz switches need both power and neutral from the same source available in the box to work properly. Any other installation/scenario will damage the equipment. Switched neutral is also not up to code so we recommend having the installation wired per the requirements of the NEC for your own safety.

POWER OUTAGE QUESTIONS

Is it common for the ZEN32 to malfunction or stop working after a power outage?

No. Power outages can sometimes damage the electronics inside the switch, even if it was connected to an appropriate load. The sudden inrush current when power is restored damages the electronics and there is nothing that can be done on the device hardware side to help prevent that unfortunately.

PRODUCT FUNCTIONALITY QUESTIONS

Does the ZEN32 have power / energy monitoring features?

No. None of our switches or dimmers have energy monitoring capabilities and there currently aren't any plans to include this functionality in the near future.

Does the big button / relay switch of the ZEN32 only support on/off control, or can it dim as well?

The ZEN32 Scene Controller will only give you on/off control from the big button / relay switch. We currently have a dimmer version of the ZEN32 in the works with no definitive ETA at this time.

If I use the Scene Controller, do I need a smart dimmer switch to be able to dim the lights?

You would need to have a ZEN32 Scene Controller and Zooz Dimmer set up in a virtual 3-way as described here: How To Use Multiple Zooz Switches In 3-Way and 4-Way Set-Ups

How many scene controllers can you have in a house and do they all talk to each other?

You can have any number of ZEN32's in a smart home - they can be programmed to communicate with each other via the hub.
To control the devices remotely and access the advanced features, you would need a Z-Wave hub. Zooz switches/dimmers communicate via Z-Wave, and would require a hub to allow you to control them remotely.

Will the ZEN32 act as a signal repeater for other Z-Wave devices in my network?

Yes. Your Z-Wave hub decides which devices to use to reach other Z-Wave devices. Any non-battery powered Z-Wave device will act as a signal repeater; it would be up to your hub whether or not it will be used in a communication route.

Is the big button on the scene controller programmable or does it absolutely have to control the connected light?

You do not need to have a load connected to the main button of the ZEN32. It can be programmed to act as a remote switch button like the smaller buttons on the unit.

What is the best way to use a ZEN32 as a 5-button switch and not a scene controller? I want each button to control a separate Z-Wave light switch.

The small buttons can be programmed via automation or direct associations - as long as the Z-Wave light switches are included with the same security level as the ZEN32.
You can either program an automation where pushing one of the buttons controls one of your light switches, or create direct associations. A direct association will give you control if the Z-Wave hub is offline. Read more about this under Will I still be able to control the ZEN32 if my Z-Wave hub is down or offline? below.

How can I keep the LED indicators on the ZEN32 and any associated devices synchronized? Can the LED indicators of the ZEN32 be used in automations?

The LED indicator on each of the buttons will just alternate from on to off whenever you press the button so if you want to control the LED and keep it in sync with the device the button on the ZEN32 is controlling, you can program to control the LED in a separate rule or automation. That means that the LED indicators can be controlled as regular devices and used for notifications, completely separate of the buttons (as long as the functionality is supported on your Z-Wave hub).
The LED indicators on the buttons can be independently controlled in automations by changing the parameters / settings for the buttons on demand to a selected brightness level and colors in case you wanted to use them to check the status of your scenes or devices. For example "if the bedroom light is on, set parameter 5 to value 3 and parameter 10 to value 1" (which translates into: turn the button 4 LED indicator on to blue color).

How do I program scenes, automations, or direct associations with the ZEN32?

Z-WAVE QUESTIONS

Do I need a Z-Wave hub to buy this device?

It is recommended. The big button / relay switch of the ZEN32 will function like a regular on/off switch and can be used as such without a Z-Wave hub; however, to control the device's smaller buttons, have remote control, and access the advanced features, you would need a Z-Wave hub. The ZEN32 communicates via Z-Wave and would require a hub to allow you to control it remotely.
To control any of our Z-Wave devices remotely through your smart phone, you'll need a compatible Z-Wave hub. These devices require a central controller that communicates with them and sends commands. Once you have a controller, you would download that controller's dedicated app on your phone and control your connected devices through that app.

Will I still be able to control the ZEN32 if my Z-Wave hub is down or offline?

If you have a load connected to the big button / relay switch of the ZEN32, you'll still be able to control it manually.
If you're using the ZEN32 strictly as a scene controller with no load connected, you won't be able to trigger any scenes or automations if the hub is offline.
If you programmed direct associations on the buttons, there will most likely be a big delay between pressing the button and activation of the associated device.
- Any device will always try to first communicate with the hub, which is associated to it in Group 1 during inclusion. That means that if the hub is down or unavailable, the device will still try to communicate with it a few times before it gives up and sends an update to the other groups (and devices associated in these other groups) which may create a communication delay if the hub is down or unavailable.
- The Z-Wave protocol requires Group 1 lifeline communication to be present at all time and it doesn't allow to remove it at any point. A device wouldn't pass certification otherwise. There's currently no way to have Z-Wave devices associate with one another without the lifeline communication or interface but we'll definitely propose this technology change to the Z-Wave developers and will implement it in our products in the future.

Is the ZEN32 compatible with my hub?

You can find a list of compatible hubs for a given device under the Works With section on the product's page. Here is the list of hubs compatible with the ZEN32.

Will the ZEN32 work with my alarm panel?

No. Alarm panels like Alarm.com will typically only support single switches, door locks, select thermostats, and any authorized items on their list. We would recommend reaching out to your alarm panel company to verify compatibility and to get the latest on any device integrations they may be working on.
It would be up to your alarm panel to integrate the ZEN32, as it follows Z-Wave protocol and has been Z-Wave certified. There is nothing we can change on our end to have the Scene Controller be recognized correctly; Alarm.com would have to support the integration. Read more about alarm panel compatibility here.

Where do I find all of my ZEN32's advanced settings?

ZEN32 Scene Controller Advanced Settings

How do I add the ZEN32 to my Z-Wave hub?

How does the ZEN32 display in my Z-Wave hub? Will I see individual devices for each button?

The ZEN32 will only display as an on/off switch on most hubs. It will not create separate devices for the small buttons, unless it's a dedicated integration like with SmartThings. Even then, the button devices will not display as on/off or dimmers switches; they only serve to program control of other things in your network and cannot be controlled themselves in any way. They are like buttons on a remote control which won't change status when you press them.

How do the buttons on the ZEN32 work?

The main button is an on/off switch that can control an electrical load, like a light fixture or a fan (up to 3A, less than 5 years old). All 5 buttons, including the main button, can be used as a remote control button to control other devices connected to your hub.
The best analogy for the ZEN32 device is when you think about it as a remote control with buttons on it:

When you use the buttons on your remote control to turn on channel 32, it does just that but you look at your TV to verify you're on channel 32 rather than expect the buttons to verify that state or sync with your TV in any way. This is exactly how you need to think of your buttons on the ZEN32. They're not "on/off" devices because they don't control anything directly. They simply send a signal to your hub that says "button 2 pushed once" or "button 4 pushed 3 times" and then your hub takes that information, checks it against the automations you have (for example, if it's the right time of day, or checks the status of another device) before it executes the automation / triggers a scene or a different device.

It can be as simple as a TV remote control, so "anytime I click button 4 once, turn the bedroom light on" or it can be a more elaborate set-up with additional conditions. The LED indicators on the buttons can be independently controlled in automations by changing the parameters / settings for the buttons on demand to a selected brightness level and colors in case you wanted to use them to check the status of your scenes or devices. For example "if the bedroom light is on, set parameter 5 to value 3 and parameter 10 to value 1" (which translates into: turn the button 4 LED indicator on to blue color). So in terms of endpoints, the small buttons won't have inbound association endpoints.

How can I tell what firmware my ZEN32 is running on?

The firmware that your device is shipped with should be printed on the back of the device where the model specifications are. If your hub supports and properly integrates the device, you should also see the firmware listed in your Z-Wave interface.
Firmware that is listed as 1.01 (or any other value with a 0 in the middle) in the sensor's change log may display as 1.1 in your hub.

How do I update the firmware of my ZEN32?

Some Z-Wave hubs have a built-in firmware updater that you can use. Otherwise, we recommend using the PC Controller tool on the Simplicity Studio Software as described here. You will need to register your device in order to have access to Zooz firmware files.

How long does the update take? How do I know when it's finished?

Firmware updates should usually take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on connection quality and how much information needs to actually be updated on a given device.
- If it is taking longer than that, please try to bring the hub / controller closer to the device that is being updated.

Where can I find the history of changes and firmware updates for the ZEN32?

ZEN32 Scene Controller Change Log

What series Z-Wave chip does the ZEN32 use?

The ZEN32 uses a 700 series Z-Wave chip. We are in the process of updating this model to the new 800 series Z-Wave chip so it should be 800 series by the end of 2023.

Is the ZEN32 available in other Z-Wave frequencies?

The ZEN32 is currently available in 908.42 MHz (US) frequency only. We do not currently have plans to release it in EU or AU frequency.

Check out the Zooz Knowledge Base for free support articles about the ZEN32 Scene Controller (and all of our devices)! If you can't find your answer there, reach out to us!