Which Appliances Should I Avoid Using with My ZEN15 Power Switch?

The ZEN15 Power Switch can automate a wide range of common 110V appliances, but not every device is a good fit.

DO NOT connect any other power strips or splitters to the ZEN15; each controllable outlet or channel on all Zooz smart plugs and power strips is intended to power and control a single connected device. Do not connect power strips, outlet splitters, or other power distribution devices to any controlled outlet or channel.

Connecting multiple devices through a single outlet or channel changes the electrical characteristics of the connected load and may introduce simultaneous inrush currents, transient loads, or electrical noise that can cause abnormal operation or damage the device, even when the combined steady-state wattage is within the published ratings.

Using smart plugs or power strips as power distribution devices also increases the risk of overloading connected equipment and may conflict with applicable electrical safety standards, workplace safety policies, or local fire regulations regarding daisy-chained or cascaded power distribution devices.

You may safely use the ZEN15 Power Switch with:

110V refrigerators rated at or below 15A
110V window and split AC units rated at or below 15A
110V Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
110V pumps (except for sump pumps) rated at or below 1/2HP
Toaster ovens
Gas dryers
Floor lamps
TV’s and Audio / Video Equipment
Computers / PCs / Laptops
Alarm Clocks

DO NOT connect any of the following:

220V water boilers
Electrical dryers
220V compressors or pumps
Phone or battery chargers
Electric heaters
Sump pumps (we do not recommend controlling critical appliances like a sump pump with any type of wireless technology)
3D Printers: Although most desktop 3D printers appear to fall within the published continuous current rating, they aren't simply resistive or simply inductive loads. They combine multiple heating elements with a large switched-mode power supply, motors, and other electronics, which can create significant startup inrush and other transient loads that aren't reflected in the nameplate wattage. A 3D printer is considered a mixed electronic load, and is not a supported load for any of our plugs.

The ZEN15 Power Switch is incompatible with 220V appliances in general. Connecting these types of appliances will damage the Power Switch immediately or over time. This can also cause the connected appliance to malfunction.

And in the case of phone and battery chargers, impulse loads like these don't draw enough power at stand-by when ON for the electronic part of the ZEN15 Power Switch to function correctly. While most likely nothing will happen if the ZEN15 Power Switch is used with a charger, in the long run it's possible that the electronics in the switch will fail.

If you'd like to know more about the Power Switch's device compatibility and technical specifications, check out the user manual. And if you have any questions about your Power Switch, let us know here. We'll be happy to help.