ControlElectrical WiringHow ToLightingSmart Home

Wiring Z-Wave Smart Switch, Dimmer & Fan Speed Controller

Electrical Technology
0 8 minutes read

How to Wire a Z-Wave 800 Series Smart Switch, Dimmer and Fan Speed Controller with Neutral Wire Connection

What is a Smart Z-Wave Switch?

A Smart Z‑Wave 800 series 15A switch (such as ZW15S, ZW6HD, and ZW4SF by Leviton) is an in-wall smart switch that allows lighting and electrical loads to be controlled through a Z-Wave smart-home network and compatible hub. It replaces a standard wall switch and can be operated manually, through a mobile app, or by voice control when connected to a smart home system.

The switch is rated for 15A at 120V AC for general loads in single-pole or 3-way configurations. It supports 5A LED/CFL loads, 15A magnetic ballast, 1500 W incandescent or halogen lighting, and motors up to ¾ HP. These ratings allow it to control lighting, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, pumps, and other residential loads.

The Z-Wave smart switch can be paired with another smart switch companion devices (such as DD0SR, DD0SR-DLZ and DD00R etc.), to control the switch operation from another location. They can be used for scheduling (i.e. turn ON/OFF exterior lights at sunrise/sunset. In short, these switches can be controlled from anywhere using a compatible Z-Wave hub.

It also supports 8th generation wireless Z-Wave mesh networking and any other Z-Wave enabled network (Z-Wave Plus Network – 908.40, 908.42, 916.00 MHz). These features allows the smart devices to communicate with each other and extend network reliability.

The main advantages of Z-Wave® smart switch is remote control, scheduling, and voice automation when connected to a compatible Z-Wave hub. The switch can also act as a repeater to strengthen the Z-Wave mesh network. These switches are suitable option for smart lighting control in homes, energy management, security lighting automation, and multi-location lighting control using a companion switch(es).

Good to Know: Z-Wave® is a low-power, wireless mesh network protocol designed at 900Mhz for reliable, secure smart home automation.

How to Wire a Z-Wave Smart Device

A Z-Wave smart switch is installed by replacing an existing wall switch and connecting the circuit conductors to the switch leads.

In the following wiring tutorial, we will show how to wire the following Z-Wave smart devices:

  • Z-Wave 800 Series Smart Switch (ZW15S)
  • Z-Wave 800 Series Smart Dimmer Switch (ZW6HD)
  • Z-Wave Plus Smart Fan Speed Controller (ZW4SF)

The wiring configuration is identical for all of these devices, and a neutral wire must be available in the wall box for proper operation. For reliable operation, the smart device should be installed within 50 ft (15 m) of the hub or another Z-Wave-enabled repeater.

For a single load application, the required connections are line (hot – black wire), load (red wire), neutral (white – wire), a traveler (T terminal used for 3-way switching) and ground (bare copper or green) wires in the wall box. The line wire supplies power to the switch, the load wire goes to the light or device, the neutral wire powers the smart electronics, and the ground wire provides safety grounding.

Warning: Before beginning the wiring installation, ensure that the power to the circuit is turned off by switching off the corresponding circuit breaker or the main breaker at the main electrical panel.

For a single-pole installation,

  1. Connect the line (hot) conductor (black wire) from branch circuit conductors to the switch “Line” lead.
  2. Tie the neutral (white) wires together with the switch neutral lead “N”.
  3. Connect the load wire from light (black wire) to the “Load” lead (red wire) via a wire-nut.
  4. Connect the equipment grounding conductor (ground wire) to the ground terminal.
  5. Put a wire-nut on the traveler (Yellow/Red) lead as it is not used in single load application.

After wiring, mount the switch in the wall box, restore power, and pair the device with a compatible Z-Wave hub.

Good to Know:

  • Z-Wave smart switch requires a neutral connection as well as a Z-Wave compatible hub for smart controlling and operations.
  • The traveler (T – Yellow/Red) lead is used in 3-way or multi-location control with other compatible smart companion switches such as smart switch companion, smart dimmer companion etc. This is only required when you need to control the smart switch and connected load from more than one locations.

For 3-way or multi-location control, the smart switch is installed in one box and paired with a compatible wired companion switch. The companion communicates with the main switch through traveler wiring, which allows the same light to be controlled from multiple locations.

Wiring diagram of a smart control device (Z-Wave/ Plus & 800 Series) as a smart switch, dimmer switch or smart fan speed controller

Click image or open in a new tab to enlarge

Wiring Z-Wave 800 Series & Z-Wave Plus Smart Switch, Dimmer & Fan Speen Controller - Neutral Required

Adding Device to the Network and Hub

The Smart Z-Wave 800 Series switch supports SmartStart. It can be included in a Z-Wave network by scanning the QR code or entering the PIN code located on the front, back, or device strap. After the device is powered on, it will automatically join the network within 10 minutes.

To enter setup mode, press and hold the top rocker for 7 seconds until the status LED turns amber. Release the rocker; the status LED will blink amber, indicating that the device has entered setup mode.

To exit setup mode and return to normal operation, repeat the same process until the LED turns amber again.

To add the smart switch to a Z-Wave hub network, enter setup mode as described above. Put the Z-Wave controller into inclusion mode according to the controller instructions. Tap the rocker once; the status LED will flash green, and the controller will confirm that the device has been successfully included in the Z-Wave network.

To remove the device from the network, repeat the same process as shown for inclusion expect removing the device from the network as per controller instructions.

Instructions & Precautions.

  • Always disconnect the power supply by switching OFF the circuit breaker at the main service panel before performing any electrical work.
  • According to NEC Tables 310.16, 210.24(1), and 240.4(D)(4), the correct breaker and conductor size for a 15A, 120V circuit is #14 AWG copper. Therefore, use #14 AWG copper or copper-clad conductors with 15A smart switches, breakers and receptacles.
  • 15A/120V switches and receptacles must be installed on a 15-amp breaker only.
  • Smart devices are intended for indoor use only.
  • If you are unsure about any part of the installation, consult a licensed electrician and ensure compliance with applicable local electrical codes.

Disclaimer:

The author assumes no responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of this information, including improper circuit installation. Electrical work can be hazardous. Always exercise extreme caution when working with electricity.

Resources:

Smart Devices Wiring Series

Main Panels Wiring Tutorials

Wiring Smart / Standard GFCI & Breakers

Wiring Smart / General Outlets & GFCI/AFCI Receptacles

Switches Wiring

Sizing Breakers, Wires, and Panels

Finding the Number of Breakers/Outlets in a Circuit

General Wiring Installation Tutorials:

Tags
Electrical Technology
0 8 minutes read

Electrical Technology

We are a professional team specializing in Electrical and Electronic Engineering & Technology. Join us on the Electrical Technology Official WhatsApp Channel to receive the latest content, articles, and updates. You can also follow us on our social media platforms given below or subscribe via email to get premium engineering articles delivered directly to your inbox.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button