Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch or Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case? Which Eaton Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This comparison examines the Eaton Z-Wave Plus wireless switch vs Z-Wave dimmer switch case. Both devices use Z-Wave connectivity and require a neutral wire for installation. They allow you to control lighting from your hub. The main difference is function. One is a standard on-off switch supporting motors. The other is a dimmer with a visual LED display. Choose based on whether you need variable light levels or simple switching.
Key differences
| Aspect | Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch | Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Function Type | On/Off Switch | Dimmer |
| Circuit Type | Single Pole, 3-Way | Single Pole |
| Motor Support | Up to ½ HP | Not listed |
| Visual Feedback | Dimmable blue LED | Seven-step blue LED display |
| 3-Way Control | Standard or Z-Wave accessory | Z-Wave Plus accessory dimmer |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch if
- You need to control ceiling fans or motors up to ½ HP.
- You want a single switch to work with a standard mechanical 3-way switch.
- You prefer a simple on-off toggle without light level adjustment.
Choose Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case of 4 if
- You want to adjust brightness levels for your lights.
- You need to see the current light level via the LED display.
- You are buying in bulk, as this comes in a case of four.
Verdict: Select the Eaton Z-Wave Plus wireless switch if you require motor support or flexible 3-way wiring options. Choose the Eaton Z-Wave dimmer switch if you prioritize adjustable brightness and visual status feedback. Both models integrate well with Z-Wave hubs.
Eaton Z-Wave Switch vs Dimmer Comparison
Control Type
The Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch (RF9601AW) is designed for standard on-off control. It replaces a standard switch to add local and wireless control. The Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch (RF9640-NDW) offers dimming capabilities. It allows you to adjust light levels using a seven-step blue LED display. This display indicates the selected light level, even in full daylight. You can coordinate this status with associated dimmer accessories. Choose the switch for simple toggling. Choose the dimmer for adjustable brightness control in your home.
Circuit Configuration
The RF9601AW supports both Single Pole and 3-Way configurations. You can use it with a standard 3-Way switch or the Z-Wave Plus Accessory RF9617 for wireless 3-way control. The RF9640-NDW is listed as Single Pole only. It does not explicitly support standard 3-Way wiring in its primary circuit type attributes. However, it is compatible with the Z-Wave Plus accessory dimmer (RF9642-Z) for wireless 3-way control. If you need traditional hardwired 3-way setups without extra accessories, the RF9601AW has a clear advantage.
Load Support
The RF9601AW explicitly supports motor loads up to ½ HP. This makes it suitable for controlling ceiling fans or other small motors alongside lights. The RF9640-NDW is rated for 120Vac but does not list motor load support in its specifications. It is designed primarily for dimmable lighting loads. If your project includes fans or motors, the RF9601AW is the better choice. For standard incandescent, LED, or CFL lighting, both units handle the electrical requirements adequately.
Device Association
The RF9640-NDW can be associated with up to 5 other Z-Wave Plus devices. This allows for more complex grouping and automation scenarios within your Z-Wave network. The RF9601AW data does not specify a limit on device associations. Both require a compatible Z-Wave controller or hub for wireless operation. The RF9640-NDW offers a defined capacity for device grouping. This may benefit users building extensive smart lighting scenes. The RF9601AW functionality for associations is not detailed in the provided specifications.
Packaging and Quantity
The RF9640-NDW is sold as a case of 4 units. This is ideal for outfitting multiple rooms simultaneously or having spares. The RF9601AW is listed as a single unit. It comes in various colors like Alpine White, Gray, and Black. The RF9640-NDW is listed only in White. If you are wiring a whole house, the case of 4 offers convenience. If you need specific colors to match decor, the RF9601AW offers more variety. The packaging quantity is a significant practical difference for installation projects.
Which Eaton Z-Wave Switch Should You Buy
You need simple on-off control for a light
The RF9601AW is built for standard on-off operation. It supports single pole and 3-way circuits. You can use it with a standard 3-way switch or a Z-Wave Plus accessory. The blue LED indicates load status. This model handles motors up to half a horsepower. It fits your need for basic wireless switching without dimming complexity.
You want to adjust light brightness levels
The RF9640-NDW provides dimming capabilities for your lighting. It features a seven-step blue LED display that shows the selected light level. This display remains visible even in full daylight. You can associate it with up to five other Z-Wave Plus devices. This model allows you to control brightness precisely from your hub or local switch.
You are buying in bulk for multiple rooms
This item is sold as a case of four units. The RF9640-NDW model offers dimming functionality. It requires a compatible Z-Wave controller or hub for installation. The neutral wire is required. You can eliminate traditional 3-way wiring by using the wireless accessory. Buying in bulk simplifies installation across several spaces with consistent dimming features.
The products compared
Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch
Best for: 3-way Z-Wave switch installations with neutral wire
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave Plus
- Wiring Requirement
- Neutral required
- Circuit Type
- Single Pole, 3-Way
- Dimensions
- 1.38 × 1.8 × 3.81 inches
View on Amazon: Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch Affiliate link
This Eaton RF9601AW is a Z-Wave Plus wireless switch designed to replace standard wall switches. It supports single pole and 3-way configurations, requiring a neutral wire for installation. The unit handles motor loads up to ½ HP and features a dimmable blue LED indicator. It allows you to add local and wireless control to your lighting setup while maintaining compatibility with existing 3-way switches.
Pros
- Z-Wave Plus connectivity for smart home integration
- Supports single pole and 3-way circuit types
- Handles motor loads up to ½ HP
- Includes dimmable blue load-indicating LED
Cons
- Requires a neutral wire for installation
- Sold as a single unit, not a case
- No remote control included in the package
Good fit if
- You need a wireless switch for a 3-way setup
- You have a neutral wire available at the switch box
- You want to control motorized loads like ceiling fans
Skip if
- You do not have a neutral wire in your wall box
- You prefer a dimmer switch instead of a standard on/off switch
- You want to buy multiple units in a single case package
Verdict: Eaton Z-Wave Wireless Switch RF9601 is a solid choice for adding Z-Wave control to existing 3-way circuits. It fits users who need neutral wire support and motor load capacity.
Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case of 4
Best for: bulk Z-Wave dimming projects with neutral wires
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Z-Wave
- Hub Requirement
- Hub Required
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave Plus
- Wiring Requirement
- Neutral Required
- Circuit Type
- Single Pole
- Switch Function
- Dimmer
View on Amazon: Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case of 4 Affiliate link
This case of four Eaton RF9640-NDW Z-Wave Plus dimmers controls single-pole lighting circuits. You need a neutral wire for installation. The device supports wireless 3-way control when paired with a compatible accessory dimmer. It links with up to five other Z-Wave Plus devices. A seven-step blue LED display shows the selected light level, even in bright daylight. It requires a compatible Z-Wave controller or hub to function.
Pros
- Z-Wave Plus connectivity for smart home integration
- Supports wireless 3-way control with accessory dimmer
- Seven-step blue LED display indicates light level
- Associates with up to five other Z-Wave devices
- Case of four white single-pole dimmers
Cons
- Requires a neutral wire for installation
- Needs a compatible Z-Wave controller or hub
- Sold only as a case of four units
Good fit if
- You have neutral wires available at your switch boxes
- You need to control multiple lights with wireless 3-way setups
- You want a bulk pack of white Z-Wave dimmers
Skip if
- You are installing in a location without a neutral wire
- You only need a single dimmer switch
- You do not have a Z-Wave hub or controller
Verdict: Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case provides a bulk solution for single-pole circuits with wireless 3-way capability. It suits users who have neutral wires and need multiple Z-Wave dimmers for a coordinated lighting setup.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch | Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Home Compatibility | not stated | Z-Wave |
| Hub Requirement | not stated | Hub Required |
| Connectivity | Z-Wave Plus | Z-Wave Plus |
| Wiring Requirement | Neutral required | Neutral Required |
| Circuit Type | Single Pole, 3-Way | Single Pole |
| Switch Function | not stated | Dimmer |
| Dimensions | 1.38 × 1.8 × 3.81 inches | not stated |
| Size | One Size | not stated |
| Color | Alpine White | White |
| Model | RF9601AW | RF9640-NDW |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch for 3-way lighting setups?
Yes, the Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch supports 3-way circuit installations. It is designed to work with existing standard 3-way switches or Z-Wave Plus accessories. This makes it a solid choice for adding wireless control to circuits where you need multiple control points. You must have a neutral wire available for proper operation.
Does the Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case support 3-way wiring?
The Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case provides wireless 3-way capability for single-pole circuits. It allows you to coordinate lighting setups across multiple dimmers. While it supports single-pole wiring, it also offers the flexibility for wireless 3-way configurations. This bulk solution is ideal for users needing multiple dimmers with neutral wire support.
What is the main difference between the Eaton wireless switch and the dimmer case?
The primary difference is the control type. The Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch offers standard on-off control. The Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case provides dimming capabilities. Both use Z-Wave connectivity and require a neutral wire. You should choose the switch for simple on-off needs and the dimmer case for adjustable brightness levels.
Do both Eaton Z-Wave devices require a neutral wire?
Yes, both the Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch and the Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case require a neutral wire for installation. This is a standard requirement for Z-Wave devices to maintain power for their wireless connectivity. Ensure your electrical box has a neutral wire before purchasing either model for a successful setup.
Is the Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch sold as a single unit?
No, the Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch is sold as a case of four units. This bulk packaging is designed for larger projects or coordinated lighting setups. It suits users who need multiple Z-Wave dimmers. The Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch, by contrast, is typically referenced as a single device for specific installations.
What circuit types do these Eaton Z-Wave switches support?
The Eaton Z-Wave Plus Wireless Switch supports both single-pole and 3-way circuit types. The Eaton Z-Wave Dimmer Switch Case is designed for single-pole circuits. Both devices utilize Z-Wave connectivity. Understanding your existing circuit type is crucial for selecting the correct model to ensure compatibility and proper functionality in your home automation system.