ZEN75 Heavy Duty Switch: Recommended Loads

Unlocking the Power of the ZEN75 Heavy Duty Switch

When it comes to controlling high-power electrical loads, the ZEN75 Heavy Duty Switch stands out as a reliable and versatile solution. Designed to handle demanding applications, this switch is rated for 240V residential installations and 277V commercial set ups, making it ideal for a wide range of heavy-duty use cases. Whether you're managing pool pumps, well pumps, high powered fans, shop lights, or larger loads up to 600W LED, the ZEN75 delivers robust performance with seamless automation compatibility.

In this article, we'll explore the recommended loads and applications for the ZEN75, ensuring you get the most out of its capabilities. From industrial settings to home workshops, learn how this switch can enhance efficiency, safety, and convenience in your electrical setup.

Important Disclaimer: The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is a controller, not a true disconnector as defined by electrical code. While it turns off power to the connected well pump, one leg remains hot, meaning it does not fully isolate the circuit. If complete power disconnection is required for servicing, an external disconnect switch should be installed.

Pool Pumps

The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is a powerful and reliable solution for automating your pool pump, allowing for remote control, scheduling, and energy-efficient operation. With the ability to handle up to 1 HP at 120V and 3 HP at 240V, this switch is well-suited for most residential pool pumps.

Verify Electrical Compatibility
Before installation, ensure that your pool pump operates within the ZEN75’s supported capacity:

1 HP max at 120V
3 HP max at 240V
If unsure, check your pump’s specifications or consult an electrician.

Install the ZEN75 Smart Switch

Turn off power at the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
Mount the ZEN75 in a weatherproof enclosure if installed outdoors.

Pair with a Z-Wave Hub & Set Up Automation and Schedules

Create automated schedules for your pool pump, optimizing operation times to save energy and maintain water quality.
Set custom on/off cycles based on your pool usage and filtration needs.
Enable remote control to manually turn the pump on or off from your smartphone.

By integrating the ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch into your pool system, you gain full control over your pump’s operation, improving efficiency and simplifying pool maintenance—all from the convenience of your smart home ecosystem.

Well Pumps

The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is an excellent solution for automating a well pump, allowing for remote control, scheduling, and integration with smart home systems. With a capacity of up to 1 HP at 120V and 3 HP at 240V, it is capable of handling most residential well pumps efficiently.

An external on/off switch on a well pump allows you to manually turn the pump off completely, which can be useful for situations like:

Maintenance or repairs: When working on the well system, having a dedicated switch to turn off power to the pump provides added safety.
Seasonal usage: If you only need water during specific seasons, like a vacation home, an external switch lets you turn the pump off when not in use, preventing unnecessary energy consumption.
Emergency shut-off: In case of a leak or other plumbing issue, an easily accessible switch allows for immediate shut-off of the water supply.
Controlling specific water usage: For situations like irrigation systems, an external switch can be used to selectively activate the pump only when needed.

Important points to remember:

Most well pumps are controlled by a pressure switch: This internal switch automatically turns the pump on when water pressure drops and off when pressure builds back up, so an external switch is typically used for additional control beyond the pressure switch functionality.
Proper installation is crucial: When adding an external switch, it's important to wire it correctly to ensure safety and prevent potential electrical issues.

Verify Electrical Compatibility
Before installation, confirm that your well pump operates within the ZEN75’s supported specifications:

Up to 1 HP at 120V
Up to 3 HP at 240V

High-Powered Fans / Whole House Fans

The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is a great option for automating the operation of a heavy-duty fan or a whole house fan, providing simple on/off control without speed adjustments. With a capacity of up to 1 HP at 120V, it is well-suited for handling powerful ventilation systems in homes, garages, and workshops.

Verify Electrical Compatibility
Ensure that your fan operates within the ZEN75’s supported capacity:

Up to 1 HP at 120V. If unsure, check your fan’s specifications or consult an electrician.

Install the ZEN75 Smart Switch

Turn off power at the breaker before installation.
If installing the switch outdoors or in a damp area, use a weatherproof enclosure.

Pair with a Z-Wave Hub & Set Up Automation and Scheduling

Create schedules for turning the fan on or off at specific times.
Automate the fan to turn on when temperature or humidity reaches a certain level
Enable remote control to manually operate the fan from your smartphone.

By integrating the ZEN75 into your heavy-duty fan or whole house fan system, you gain convenient automation, energy-efficient operation, and remote access, improving ventilation and air circulation with ease.

Shop Lights / Tube Lights / Ballast

The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is the ideal solution for controlling your shop lights, fluorescent tubes lights with ballast, or halogen lights, all of which are not recommended for standard smart switches or dimmers due to their high inrush current. Even if the wattage appears to be within a switch’s rating, certain lighting types—such as halogens—can draw over 40 times their listed rating upon startup. Unlike standard smart switches, the ZEN75 is designed to handle these demanding loads safely within its specified ratings of 15A for Resistive / Tungsten / Incandescent loads.

Verify Electrical Compatibility
Before installation, confirm that your lighting load falls within the ZEN75’s supported capacity:

Up to 15A Resistive / Tungsten / Incandescent
Suitable for fluorescent tube lights with ballasts and halogens

Install the ZEN75 Smart Switch

Turn off power at the breaker before installation.
Wire the switch following the provided diagram, ensuring proper connection of line, load, neutral (if required), and ground wires.
If installing in a garage, warehouse, or outdoor environment, use a weatherproof enclosure for added protection.

Pair with a Z-Wave Hub & Set Up Automations & Scheduling

Create on/off schedules for your lights to enhance convenience and energy efficiency.
Automate lights to turn on when motion is detected (if paired with a Z-Wave motion sensor).
Integrate with Alexa or Google Assistants (if supported by your hub) for hands-free operation.

By using the ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch for shop lights or fluorescent tubes with ballasts, yo avoid damaging standard smart switches while benefiting from automation, remote access, and energy-efficient lighting control.

LED Loads

The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is an excellent choice for controlling high-powered LED lighting setups, handling up to 600W of LED lights. Other Zooz switches have a maximum LED load rating of 150W due to the high inrush current that LED bulbs generate, but the ZEN75 is designed to support significantly higher loads without risk of damage.

Verify Electrical Compatibility
Before installation, confirm that the total LED load does not exceed 600W. This switch is ideal for high-wattage LED fixtures, shop lights, and commercial lighting applications.

Install the ZEN75 Smart Switch

Turn off power at the breaker before installation.
Follow the provided wiring diagram, connecting line, load, neutral (if required), and ground wires securely.
If installing in a garage, warehouse, or outdoor setting, use a weatherproof enclosure for added protection.

Pair with a Z-Wave Hub & Set Up Automation and Scheduling

Use your hub’s app or web UI to create custom lighting schedules for energy efficiency and convenience.
Automate lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn using Z-Wave-compatible light sensors.
Enable remote control via your smartphone to manually turn lights on or off as needed.

By using the ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch for LED lighting control, you bypass the standard 150W LED limit of other Zooz switches, making it the perfect choice for high-wattage LED applications while enjoying automation, remote access, and smart home integration.

Halogen Bulbs

The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is the best option for controlling halogen bulbs, handling up to 350W of halogen lighting on 120V. Halogen bulbs are not recommended for use with any other smart switch, as they can draw over 40 times their listed rating upon startup, which may damage standard switches and dimmers. The ZEN75 is specifically designed to handle the high inrush current associated with halogen lighting, making it a safe and reliable choice.

Verify Electrical Compatibility
Before installation, ensure that the total halogen bulb load does not exceed 350W on 120V. This switch is ideal for high-powered halogen fixtures, shop lights, and floodlights.

Install the ZEN75 Smart Switch

Turn off power at the breaker before installation.
Follow the provided wiring diagram, securely connecting the line, load, neutral (if required), and ground wires.

Pair with a Z-Wave Hub & Set Up Automation and Scheduling

Use your hub’s app or web UI to create schedules for turning the lights on and off automatically.
Automate lighting to turn on when motion is detected (if paired with a compatible Z-Wave motion sensor).
Enable remote control via your smartphone for manual operation.

By using the ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch for halogen lighting control, you avoid damaging standard smart switches while gaining automation, remote access, and a more efficient lighting setup

Switched Receptacles/Outlets

Adding Z-Wave to a switched receptacle brings greater convenience and energy efficiency to your home. It allows for remote control and automation of any device plugged into the receptacle, making everyday tasks simpler and smarter.

Consider a living room lamp plugged into the outlet. By making the installation smart, you can turn the lamp on or off using your smartphone or voice commands through a smart home assistant, eliminating the need to operate the wall switch manually. Smart functionality also enables automated schedules and routines, such as programming the lamp to turn on at sunset and off at bedtime, enhancing home security while reducing energy consumption.

However, when replacing a standard switch that controls a receptacle, it is important to consider electrical safety and compliance. Most smart switches are designed for 120V lighting fixtures and are not rated to control receptacles. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a 15A-rated switch for a 15A receptacle, which means that many standard smart switches do not meet the necessary requirements.

The ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch is an excellent solution for this application. Unlike standard smart wall switches, the ZEN75 is rated for 15A resistive loads, making it fully compatible with switched receptacles. It provides the durability and power handling needed to safely control outlets while bringing Z-Wave automation to your home.

By using the ZEN75 Heavy Duty Smart Switch to control a switched receptacle, you ensure compliance with electrical code requirements while bringing the benefits of Z-Wave automation to any plug-in device. This setup enhances convenience, security, and energy efficiency, making it a perfect addition to any smart home system.

Have a question about a load we don't mention above? Need a custom diagram? Reach out to our support team!