Can I install and use a switch (like a Zooz zen21 on/off switch) without a load? For example, I install the switch and tie it into my Hubitat and then say “when this switch turns on, take this action”. Will that work?
No reason it shouldn't! (Some "no neutral" ones won't because they need a load to complete the circuit if they don't have an option to at least connect the neutral, but the device you mentioned isn't one of these.)
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Thanks. This’ll have a load.
If I may, same question, but for the Zhen 32 scene controller
Yes, the Z32 can be used without a load - I've had one doing it for years now.
Any smart switch that uses neutral and line power can be used as a (no-load) scene controller. In additon to my Z32, I have several other switches (various brands) set up this way.
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Not sure what your application is but you could use a button controller as well like the ZEN37 and just create a virtual switch(s). Now wiring needed.
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You will want to go look at their site and see if the device you want to use is recommended in a no load situation on their switch primer document. Simply put some switches are better at that then others though almost all of them have the ability to be set in Smart Bulb mode. Smart bulb mode is the feature you want and then the ability run the switch as a virtual switch.
When reviewing the primer document they refer to it as a virtual switch.
I know this because i had a dimmer switch fail because i was using it as virtual switch. Zooz was cool about it though and replaced it for me anyways.
Here is a link to that Primer
Full Guide to Zooz Smart Switches - Zooz Support Center
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I’m definitely already using a Zen 37. For sure where it can be reached from the shower. Having an actual switch, there would violate code. Plus, be stupid dangerous.
Have not had great luck with the Zhen 37, other than going to another switch. I may have to play with it again.
I also don’t like the fact that you have to periodically swap out the batteries and that the aesthetics are different than other switches. It’s close but not dead on.
It’s important to have first world problems to worry about (wink)
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Based on the primer document they generally recommend either Zen32, Zen71, or Zen75 to be used as virtual switches.
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That's a good point.
For OP, I would think very hard before sacrificing a hard-wired load setup just to have a wired scene controller. Unless you bind key lights, the risk of losing control of it all when the hub is down is something to consider.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea, I'm just saying it's something to think through.
My scene controllers are all in existing switch-box gangs that weren't otherwise being used anymore. In other places, I use a battery remote instead for scene control (Picos are my weapon of choice for that).
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I use some of the Zen34 remote switches and the battery life on them has been pretty good. a few years at least. What has been your battery experience with the Zen37?
I have 3 of the Zen37. 2 of them for a couple years and probably charged twice. Note that you charge these back up with a usb.
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Understand. They are rechargeable. I have 4 of them for 2 years now and have charged them 1 time. 1 gets used multiple times a day. I a block wall that I didn’t feel like cutting a box(s) into so I flush mounted. But do agree the aesthetics aren’t perfect.
Maybe a year or more. It’s more of a religious thing.
When my motion detectors (>8) were battery powered and three Zooz switches were battery powered (and my front door lock, etc.) it seemed like something was alway not working because it wanted a fresh battery. It’s not what I signed up for.
My motion detectors are now (almost) all hardwired into power and life is good(er).
They say as you get older time seems to go by more and more quickly. I’m 67 so it’s wizzing by pretty quickly now. As such, changing (or charging) three batteries every 18-24 months seems like a chore (wink).
HEY YOU KIDS, OFF MY LAWN!
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Yea.. I hear you. I have 18 Ring G2 Contact sensors and there seems to always be one or two low on battery now. It was great for 3-4 years, but now many have low battery. I have gone around and replaced a bunch pre-emptively to try to offset this from happening.
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Zooz makes a mains connected button controller, Zen35. I use my Zen37 quite a bit and battery life is excellent. On par with the Minoston clone which uses 2 x 2032-non rechargeable
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FYI Zooz is having a sale on the Zen35, it's 29.95 on sale. No I don't get a comission or work for/with them. Just in case you're thinking of going that route. I saw the sale and thought of you
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