The Zooz ZEN12 Motion Dimmer combines dimming control, scene control, motion detection, and ambient light monitoring in a single device. Aside from simply status or time based routines, its three physical buttons can trigger other routines through Central Scene commands (multi-tap), while the built-in motion and lux sensors can be used as independent automation triggers.

The ZEN12 can also directly control other Z-Wave devices using Direct Association. Its multi-color LED indicator can be customized to reflect the state of the connected load or provide visual feedback when a Central Scene command is triggered.

 

Before programming the ZEN12, install the Zooz custom Edge driver for SmartThings. The driver ensures that the device is identified correctly and provides access to its button triggers, sensor reports, and advanced settings. Follow the instructions in How to Access Advanced Settings for the ZEN12 Motion Dimmer on SmartThings to install the correct driver. You can find all available device settings in the ZEN12 Motion Dimmer Advanced Settings.

Standard Routines

Basic routines can be programmed from the ZEN12 status, the motion sensor, and the lux sensor. 

Using the Built-In Motion and Lux Sensors

The ZEN12 includes a PIR motion sensor and an ambient light sensor. The Zooz Edge driver exposes these sensors in SmartThings, allowing their reported values to trigger Routines.

 

For example, you can create a Routine that turns on a light when the ZEN12 detects motion, but only during a selected time period or SmartThings location mode. The motion sensor can detect motion up to approximately 26 feet when the sensitivity is set to its highest level of 10. At the default sensitivity setting of 5, the practical detection range is approximately 13 feet. Settings 1 and 2 reduce the range to approximately 7 feet.

 

The following settings affect sensor operation:

SmartThings setting	Function
Disable Motion Trigger	Enables or disables motion control of the connected load
Sensor Mode	Selects motion, night-only motion, lux-only, or disabled sensor operation
Night Mode	Sets the lux threshold at which the ZEN12 considers the room dark
Day Mode	Sets the lux threshold at which the ZEN12 considers the room sufficiently bright
Motion Clear Delay	Sets the delay before motion is reported as clear
Lux Reporting Threshold	Sets the amount of lux change required for a new report
Lux Reporting Frequency	Sets the scheduled lux reporting interval
Motion Sensitivity	Adjusts PIR motion sensitivity
Lux Offset	Adjusts the reported lux value
Manual Override Timer	Sets when automatic sensor operation resumes after manual control

Using the Motion Sensor Without Direct Load Control

The motion sensor can continue reporting motion to SmartThings even if you do not want it to control the load connected to the ZEN12 directly.

To disable direct motion control, access the settings by following the steps in the article here, then Disable Motion Trigger.

You can then use the motion reports in SmartThings Routines while controlling the connected light according to your own automation logic. This is useful when you want to:

• Apply different brightness levels based on time or location mode

• Use different motion timeouts during the day and night

• Control multiple lights from the ZEN12 motion sensor

• Add additional conditions to the automation

• Prevent motion from turning on the light during selected modes

• Use the sensor only for notifications or other automations

Creating a Motion Routine

1. Open Routines in the SmartThings app.

2. Tap the + icon to create a new Routine.

3. Under If, tap the + button.

4. Select Device status.

5. Select the ZEN12 Motion Dimmer.

6. Select the motion sensor.

7. Select Motion detected.

8. Add any additional conditions, such as a specific time period or location mode.

9. Under Then, tap the + button.

10. Select Control devices.

11. Select the light or lights you want to control.

12. Select Turn on or choose a specific brightness level.

13. Tap Done.

14. Save and name the Routine.

To turn the lights off after activity ends, create a second Routine using No motion detected as the trigger. The Motion Clear Delay setting determines how long the ZEN12 waits after the last detected motion event before reporting that motion is no longer detected.

Using Illuminance in Routines

The ZEN12 reports ambient light in lux. If SmartThings exposes illuminance as an available Routine condition, you can use the reported lux value to prevent lights from turning on when the room is already bright enough.

The reporting behavior is controlled by:

• Lux Reporting Threshold

• Lux Reporting Frequency

• Lux Offset

The Night Mode and Day Mode settings used internally by the ZEN12 are separate from the illuminance value used by SmartThings Routines.

Central Scene / Scene Control

Central Scene programming allows the ZEN12 to send button-press information to SmartThings. SmartThings interprets the command and runs the Routine assigned to that button and press type. This provides more flexibility than standard on/off control because each button can trigger different actions based on whether it is tapped, double tapped, held, or released. For example, the main button can continue controlling the connected light normally while a double tap activates a separate SmartThings Routine. The smaller dimming buttons can also trigger Routines without losing their normal dimming functions.

Enable Scene Control

Scene control is disabled by default on the ZEN12, so you'll need to have the SmartThings driver linked above and installed in order to access and change the scene control setting. Before creating Central Scene Routines, access the settings by following the steps in the article here and enable Scene Control.

 

This enables scene control for your ZEN12 so you can use the multi-taps (single, double, triple, 4-tap, 5-tap, pressed, and held) on each of the available buttons.

 

If you only want single-tap scene reports, the Scene Control Multi-Tap setting can be changed to disable multi-tap, held, and released events. Leave this setting at its default option, Multi-tap scene control enabled, for full scene control functionality.

Scene Numbers and Button Mapping

The ZEN12 uses the following Central Scene numbers:

Button	Scene number	Description
Main button	1	Large on/off button
Left dimming button	2	Decreases brightness by default
Right dimming button	3	Increases brightness by default
ZAC99 remote switch	4	Available in a compatible 3-way installation

 

Each button supports the following Central Scene key attributes:

Key attribute	Action type
0	Key pressed once
1	Key released
2	Key held down
3	Key pressed 2 times
4	Key pressed 3 times
5	Key pressed 4 times
6	Key pressed 5 times

 

For example:

1. Pressing the main button once sends Scene 1, Key Attribute 0.

2. Double tapping the left dimming button sends Scene 2, Key Attribute 3.

3. Holding the right dimming button sends Scene 3, Key Attribute 2.

4. Releasing the right dimming button sends Scene 3, Key Attribute 1.

The SmartThings app does not display the raw Scene Number and Key Attribute values when creating a Routine. The Zooz Edge driver converts these commands into selectable button triggers such as pushed, double tapped, held, and released.

Important Information About Triple Tap

Three taps on the main button normally initiate Z-Wave inclusion or exclusion in addition to sending the Central Scene triple-tap command.

If you want to use a triple tap on the main button as a regular SmartThings Routine trigger without activating inclusion or exclusion, disable button programming by following the steps in the article here and Disable Button Programming. 

 

This disables inclusion, exclusion, and other programming functions initiated from the dimmer buttons. It does not disable Central Scene reporting, so the main-button triple tap can still be used as a SmartThings Routine trigger. To restore inclusion and exclusion functionality from the buttons, return to Disable Button Programming and select Programming enabled, which corresponds to value 0.

ZEN12 with a ZAC99 Momentary Switch

If a ZAC99 Momentary Switch is connected to the ZEN12 in a compatible 3-way installation, it can report separately as Scene 4.

To enable Central Scene reports from the ZAC99, configure the following settings in the SmartThings device Settings:

• Set 3-Way Switch Type to Momentary switch (ZAC99) or Momentary switch (ZAC99) with smart sequence.

• Set Scene Control From Remote 3-Way Switch to enabled.

• Confirm that Scene Control is enabled.

The ZAC99 can then send the same seven Central Scene key attributes as the built-in ZEN12 buttons.

A standard mechanical on/off switch cannot provide the same Central Scene options. It changes the electrical state of the traveler circuit rather than providing the momentary input required for multi-tap scene commands.

The ZAC99 is an SPST momentary switch, so only the upper portion is pressed. Its local on/off and dimming behavior depends on the option selected under 3-Way Switch Type.

Central Scene Summary

• The main button uses Scene 1.

• The left dimming button uses Scene 2.

• The right dimming button uses Scene 3.

• A connected ZAC99 Momentary Switch can use Scene 4.

• Each scene supports single tap, release, hold, double tap, triple tap, four taps, and five taps.

• Scene Control must be enabled before Central Scene commands can be used.

• Scene Control From Remote 3-Way Switch must also be enabled to receive Central Scene commands from a connected ZAC99.

• Disable Button Programming must be set to Programming disabled before using the main-button triple tap without also activating inclusion or exclusion.

Programming Central Scene from SmartThings Routines

Each ZEN12 button and supported press type will appear as a possible trigger under Device status in the SmartThings Routines tool.

1. Open the SmartThings app.

2. Tap Routines in the lower menu.

3. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner to create a new Routine.

4. Under If, tap the + button.

5. Select Device status.

6. Select the ZEN12 Motion Dimmer.

7. Select the button you want to use.

8. Select the button action, such as pushed, double tapped, held, or released.

9. Tap Done.

10. Add any additional conditions under If.

11. Under Then, tap the + button.

12. Select Control devices.

13. Select the device you want the ZEN12 button to control.

14. Tap Next.

15. Select the desired action, such as turn on, turn off, or set a brightness level.

16. Tap Done.

17. Add any additional devices or actions under Then.

18. Tap Save.

19. Enter a descriptive name for the Routine.

20. Tap Save again to finish.

Repeat these steps to assign actions to additional ZEN12 buttons or press types.

To edit or delete a Routine, open Routines from the lower menu in the SmartThings app. Tap a Routine to edit it or press and hold it for additional options.

Direct Association

Direct Association creates a direct link between two Z-Wave devices. The ZEN12 sends commands directly to the associated device without requiring SmartThings to process a Routine first. For example, the ZEN12 can directly turn another Z-Wave switch on when motion is detected or control a remote dimmer from its physical buttons. Direct Association generally provides simple commands such as on, off, set level, start dimming, or stop dimming. It does not provide the same conditions and complex automation options available through SmartThings Routines.

Association Groups

The ZEN12 supports the following association groups:

Group	Command	Function
1	Lifeline and Basic Report	Communication and status reports to the hub
2	Basic Set	On/off control from manual operation
3	Multilevel Set	Brightness-level control
4	Multilevel Change	Start, stop, increase, or decrease dimming when operated manually
5	Basic Set	On/off commands triggered by the motion sensor
6	Basic Set	On/off commands triggered by the lux sensor

 

Group 1 is assigned to the SmartThings hub during inclusion and should not be modified.

Groups 2 through 6 support up to five associated devices each.

Selecting an Association Group

Use the group that matches the type of control you need:

• Use Group 2 for basic on/off control from the ZEN12 buttons.

• Use Group 3 to send brightness levels to an associated dimmer or smart bulb.

• Use Group 4 for press-and-hold dimming control.

• Use Group 5 to control another device when motion is triggered.

• Use Group 6 to control another device based on the ZEN12 lux sensor trigger.

A dimmer or smart bulb may need to be added to more than one group if you want both on/off and dimming control.

Limitations and Considerations

Security Level: Before creating a Direct Association, confirm that the ZEN12 and target device were included with the same security level. For example, a device included with S2 Authenticated security may not associate correctly with a device included using S0 security.

 

Device Support: The receiving device must support the command sent by the selected association group. An on/off switch may support Basic Set commands but will not provide dimming control through Multilevel commands.

 

Status Feedback: Association commands travel from the ZEN12 to the associated device. The associated device does not automatically send its current status back to the ZEN12.

 

You can read more about the requirements and limitations of Direct Association programming here.

How to Program Direct Association

Important: Only add association links if you have experience working with Direct Association. Incorrect programming may affect the device’s operation.

1. From the Devices screen in the SmartThings app, select the device you want the ZEN12 to control.

2. From the target device’s Controls screen, scroll down to Device Network ID.

3. Note the Device Network ID. You will enter it in the ZEN12 association setting.

4. Return to the Devices screen.

5. Select the ZEN12 Motion Dimmer.

6. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.

7. Tap Settings.

8. Locate the association group corresponding to the function you want to use.

9. Enter the target device’s Device Network ID in the selected association group.

10. Save the setting.

11. Return to the ZEN12 Settings and confirm that the Device Network ID appears under the selected association group.

12. Test the associated function.

If the association is unsuccessful, verify that both devices use the same Z-Wave security level, neither device is included through Z-Wave Long Range, and the receiving device supports the command used by the selected group.

How to Program the LED Indicator on Your ZEN12 Motion Dimmer in SmartThings

The ZEN12 has one multi-color LED banner. It can reflect the state of the connected load, remain on or off, display a second color in the opposite state, or provide temporary feedback when a Central Scene command is triggered.

 

The available LED options can be configured in the ZEN12 Settings; access the settings by following the steps in the article here.

LED Indicator Mode

The LED Indicator setting controls when the primary LED color is displayed:

Setting value	LED behavior
0	LED on when the ZEN12 load is off
1	LED on when the ZEN12 load is on
2	LED always off
3	LED always on

When the LED is set to follow the dimmer state, it reflects the status of the load connected directly to the ZEN12.

LED Indicator Color

The LED Indicator Color setting controls the primary LED color:

Setting value	Color
0	White
1	Blue
2	Green
3	Red
4	Yellow
5	Cyan
6	Magenta

LED Indicator Brightness

The LED Indicator Brightness setting accepts values from 1 through 10:

• Value 1 represents 10% brightness.

• Value 10 represents 100% brightness.

• The default value is 5, or 50%.

LED Indicator Multi-Color

The LED Indicator Multi-Color setting allows the LED to display a second color instead of turning completely off in the opposite switch state:

Setting value	Opposite-state color
0	Off
1	White
2	Blue
3	Green
4	Red
5	Yellow
6	Cyan
7	Magenta

For example, the LED can display green when the ZEN12 load is on and red when the load is off.

Disable the Confirmation Flash

The ZEN12 normally flashes its LED indicator whenever a device setting is changed.

You can disable this behavior by accessing the settings by following the steps in the article here and selecting Disable LED Indicator Flash on Setting Change.

Scene Indicator

The Scene Indicator setting can temporarily use the LED banner to confirm which button and press type generated a Central Scene command.

When enabled, the ZEN12 uses the following colors:

Button	Scene indicator color
Main button	White
Left dimming button	Blue
Right dimming button	Green
ZAC99 remote switch	Red

 

The number of illuminated LED sections represents the number of taps:

• One tap illuminates one LED section for two seconds.

• Two taps illuminate two LED sections for two seconds.

• Three taps illuminate three LED sections for two seconds.

• Four taps illuminate four LED sections for two seconds.

• Five taps illuminate five LED sections for two seconds.

• A held-button event illuminates the left and right LED sections for two seconds.

Using the LED to Reflect Another Device

While the ZEN12 itself supports changing its LED settings dynamically through Z-Wave configuration parameter commands on platforms that expose parameter commands as automation actions, SmartThings does not currently expose configuration parameter changes as actions in its built-in Routines tool. Unfortunately, the settings available from the ZEN12 device page configure consistent device behavior but cannot be changed dynamically by a Routine. This is a SmartThings platform limitation rather than a limitation of the ZEN12 hardware, firmware, or Z-Wave functionality.

 

The LED can currently be configured in SmartThings to:

• Follow the state of the load connected directly to the ZEN12

• Remain always on or always off

• Display a primary and opposite-state color

• Provide temporary Central Scene feedback

However, SmartThings cannot currently change these settings dynamically to make the ZEN12 LED reflect the status of an unrelated device. 

 

For more information, refer to the ZEN12 Motion Dimmer Product Manual and ZEN12 Motion Dimmer Advanced Settings.

 

Please contact Zooz Support if you have any questions about programming your ZEN12 Motion Dimmer on SmartThings.