Zooz switches and dimmers are designed with smart lighting applications in mind, making them ideal for modern homes seeking enhanced control and energy efficiency. However, it’s crucial to understand the types of electrical loads these switches support to ensure safe and effective use. In this Knowledge Base article, we address some common questions about unsupported loads and guide you on which light fixtures are compatible with Zooz switches.
Common Load Inquiries:
- Motion activated lights or lights with dawn to dusk sensors Nope! With these fixtures, the load is not connected to the light directly but rather to the motion sensor part of the fixture which then triggers the light to turn on. Our switches need to be connected directly to the light bulb on the load side just like shown in the manual. Otherwise, the electronics may malfunction. Instead, the ZEN51 Dry Contact Relay can be used with some motion sensor lights to add smart capabilities.
- Low voltage transformers Transformers produce power spikes that will damage the electronics in your smart switches. Low voltage lighting systems (like 12-24V LED strip lighting) typically use transformers to step down the voltage from the standard household voltage (usually 120V in the US) to a lower voltage suitable for the lighting fixtures (commonly 12V or 24V). These transformers work by inducing a magnetic field in a coil of wire, which then transfers energy to another coil at a different voltage.
One main issue is that transformers can exhibit what’s known as “inductive kickback” or “back electromotive force” (EMF). When power to the primary coil of the transformer is suddenly interrupted, such as when a smart switch turns off, the collapsing magnetic field in the transformer can induce a high voltage spike in the circuit. This spike can sometimes reach levels far higher than the normal operating voltage of the circuit, potentially damaging sensitive electronics like those found in smart switches. Instead, use a dedicated low voltage controller like the ZEN54 0-10V Dimmer, or get on our wait-list for the new RGBW Dimmer for LED strip lights. - Fans Most Zooz switches or dimmers are not rated for use with fans since inductive motor loads will spike in power at start-up, causing the electronics in the switches to fail. If you have a fan under 3 A which is less than 5 years old, you can connect it to the following models only: ZEN71, or the ZEN32. For older fans or those over 3A, you can use the relay part of the ZEN30. You can read more about using your Zooz lights switches with fans in this article.