Z-Wave dual channel switch in 1-space switch?

Hi all. Are there Z-Wave single space wall switches with two channels both having wired switching? No dimming. Basically I need to replace these kind of simple double channel switches (see picture) to switch 2 independent channels.

If connection to Hubitat is lost, both switches should continue to operate when phisicaly controlled. So far I've only found this Zigbee device but I specifically want Z-wave devices for reliability:

I'm trying to avoid relays such as the one pictured below because, as I understand it, they will require removal of regular switches over them to access the reset button in case of lost connection to hub or freezing... (resetting a breaker is not desired either)

https://a.co/d/cbTH4fj

Thanks in advance.

Take a look at Zooz, one of these might work?

I was going to suggest the Zooz ZEN30, as it has two buttons to control two individual loads, which I don't think any of the above do (although you could use Association and another device, I suppose). Check the specs to make sure each load would work with each switch.

You could also keep what you have on the wall and just use a dual relay behind the scenes, like the Zooz ZEN52 or the Aeotec Dual Nano, or anything else along these lines.

Thanks but those have a single button that is a directly controlled circuit, the rest buttons are remote only.

Thanks! Unfortunately it's top switch's max load is only 250W... I need both switches to control 15A circuits.

Aren't those require removal of the regular switches to access the reset button in case of lost connection or freezing? I'm really trying to avoid this!!

Are there actuall phisical Z-Wave switches that have two channels?

I mean, if you need to access Z-Wave network functionality, like to exclude, yes, but that shouldn't be very common. They provide switch connections (where you could hook up your existing switches) that would work with or without Z-Wave.

I doubt you're likely to find anything "smart" rated for two full 15 A circuits in a 1-gang format due to the space (and heat dissipation) required for all of that, but things are getting smaller all the time, and it's been a while since I looked. :slight_smile:

An alternative: similar to the above, you could use a relay at each location (might need to do if neither of the dual options is rated for 15 A?) rather than at the switch itself. Most of these again have terminals for switch connections, which would give you similar control.

2 Likes

Has this been an issue with your devices? I had one of these installed in one of my ceiling fixtures for 4 years and it never needed a reset. That unit is only 10A, so it may not work for you, but I assume there are 15A devices out there with similar reliability.

1 Like

Yes, I had a Zooz zen15 requiring reset once and many Zigbee devices once in a while. You'r right, Zen52 is actually only 5A per channel. Their single channel model is 10A...

Also 10A.

This is for a remote operation, people on site aren't technically savvy so it'll be problematic for them to reset relays if they require a reset. Cutting power to breakers isn't recommended in my case, either... I guess this is my only reservation about relays. Otherwise yes, I could use single channel 15A relays, and that's for pointing that out.

What would make them require a reset? If a physical switch is connected, that would work to switch the load even if Z-Wave was down. My other suggestion of using single relays doesn't change that either, BTW; I just meant that it could open more possibilities for you if a full 15 A is required and you can't find a dual relay that can handle that, as it seems less likely.

Of course, it doesn't rule out all device problems, but I'd guess that's about the same likelihood as an all-in-one Z-Wave switch (or dual switch) not working with physical paddle presses -- there's obviously some computing involved since it's not you physically cutting power like it is with a "dumb" switch, but if an all-in-one kind of device would be your preference, I'd say the "risk" is about even.

1 Like

Well, even if relays won't require resets, my other reservation is that with Zen16 or relays (the way I understand it) you can't tell if they're actually on/off. If you flip control toggle on but turn device off remotely, toggle switch will remain in on position. To remedy that, a 3-way switch with momentary on/off (which returns to center position) is required (with LED pilot lights???), or at least a dual toggle with LED pilot.... And then, how will the pilot be powered if the switch is a cold switch that just controls a relay or a Zen16 ?

Are there even any dual 3-way momentary with LEDs that fit into single plate space? Or a dual toggle with LED?

Are the switches controlling outlets or something? Smart switches should not be used for outlets. Just because the circuit is rated for 15A with a 15A breaker that does not mean it always has a 15A load. A vacuum cleaner is usually around 10-12A, and an electric space heater can be close to the 15A limit of a circuit. Typical household lighting will usually be MUCH less.

Maybe if you told us what you are actually trying to do, we could be more helpful.

4 Likes

True. :slight_smile:

I think your use is lighting as you mentioned that no dimming was involved.

FWIW, one option if you can't find a wired switch or relay option you like, would be to put smart lights in the fixture(s), tie the lights' wires together inside the wall box so they are always on, and use something like this attached to the wall box to control the smart lights.

You could operate on/off for the smart lights in the two lights/light sets w/top two buttons, and use the bottom two buttons to choose particular presets (if desired/needed) for the lights (e.g., color changes, level settings). NOt sure how available Z-Wave bulbs are, but I have seen Matter bulbs that would work for this use. :man_shrugging:

1 Like