ZOOZ Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This zooz z wave long range smart review covers the ZEN57 relay. It is an extra small Z-Wave device designed for lighting automation. The unit measures just 1 by 1.2 by 0.6 inches. This compact size allows it to fit into crowded electrical boxes. It supports a maximum load of 150 watts for LED bulbs. You need a Z-Wave hub to use it, as the relay does not connect directly to Wi-Fi. The device uses the latest Z-Wave Long Range technology for better signal stability. It also features dry contact switching for simple toggle or momentary wall switches.
What stands out
- Compact dimensions of 1 x 1.2 x 0.6 inches fit tight spaces.
- Supports up to 150 watts of LED lighting load.
- Uses Z-Wave Long Range and S2 authenticated security protocols.
- Dry contact design accepts simple toggle and momentary switches only.
- Compatible with Hubitat, Home Assistant, and SmartThings for basic control.
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should buy this relay if you have a crowded switch box or are installing the device directly at the light fixture without a neutral wire. Its tiny footprint is ideal for those tight spaces. It suits users who want to use existing simple toggle or momentary wall switches without dealing with voltage on input wires. If you already use a Z-Wave hub like Hubitat or Home Assistant, this device integrates well. You will appreciate the ability to create scenes and schedules for your lighting automation.
Who should skip it
You should skip this product if you need dimming capabilities. This relay only provides on/off switching and does not support dimmers or electronic switches. It is not suitable for users without a Z-Wave hub, as the device requires one to function. If you prefer a standalone device that works without a central hub, this is not the right choice. Additionally, if you need to control high-wattage incandescent bulbs beyond 150 watts, this unit will not handle the load safely.
Verdict: The Zooz ZEN57 is a practical solution for tight electrical boxes and simple on/off lighting control. It fits well into existing Z-Wave ecosystems that require compact, reliable hardware.
Key specs explained for this relay
Connectivity: Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range
This device uses the Z-Wave mesh network and supports the newer Long Range standard. You get reliable communication between your hub and the relay, even if walls or floors interfere. Long Range extends the signal distance, reducing the need for additional repeaters. This is distinct from Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices that rely on direct connections to your router or phone.
Maximum Load: 150W LED
You can control lighting circuits with a total draw of up to 150 watts of LED bulbs. This limit ensures the relay does not overheat or fail. If you have incandescent or halogen lights, the wattage capacity is much lower, so you must check your bulb specifications. Exceeding this limit can damage the device or create a fire hazard.
Hub Requirement: Hub Required
This relay cannot connect directly to your Wi-Fi network or phone. You must have a compatible Z-Wave hub to manage it. The hub acts as the central brain, processing commands and maintaining the network. Without this separate hardware, the device remains offline. This adds a step to your setup but provides robust local control and automation capabilities.
Switch Function: On/Off
This unit provides basic power switching rather than dimming capabilities. You can turn your lights fully on or fully off, but you cannot adjust brightness levels through the app. It is designed for simple toggle or momentary wall switches. If you want gradual dimming, you need a different relay model. This function is ideal for standard lighting scenarios.
Dimensions: 1 x 1.2 x 0.6 inches
The compact physical size allows this relay to fit into tight electrical boxes. You can install it in crowded junction boxes or directly at the light fixture where space is limited. This is particularly useful if your switch box lacks a neutral wire. The small footprint ensures it does not obstruct other wires or components during installation.
Design and Build Details
According to the listing, this relay features an extra small footprint. The dimensions are one inch wide, 1.2 inches long, and 0.6 inches high. This compact layout allows it to fit into crowded electrical boxes. You can also install it directly at the light fixture if your switch box lacks a neutral wire. The small size is its primary physical advantage for tight spaces.
The device uses a dry contact switch design. This means there is no voltage on the input wires. You connect it to a wall switch of your choice. The listing specifies that it accepts simple toggle and momentary switches only. It does not support dimmers or electronic switches. This restriction limits the aesthetic options for your wall plate but ensures compatibility with standard mechanical controls.
The unit is an on/off relay for lighting automation. It supports loads up to 150 watts of LED bulbs. The listing notes that it requires an updated Z-Wave hub to display correctly. All Zooz devices work best with the Z-Box Hub. It is tested to work with Hubitat, Home Assistant, and HomeSeer. It is also compatible with SmartThings for basic on/off functionality. This hub requirement is essential for proper operation and advanced features like smart bulb mode.
Setup and Everyday Use Guide
You need a Z-Wave hub to use this relay. The listing states the hub is sold separately. This device requires an updated hub to display its features correctly. Zooz notes that its Z-Box Hub offers the best experience. It also works with Hubitat and Home Assistant using Z-Wave JS. HomeSeer is compatible. SmartThings supports basic on and off functions. You can pair the device quickly using SmartStart. The S2 security protocol ensures a safe connection. This protocol authenticates the device during setup. You can also enable smart bulb mode if your hub allows it. This setting lets you control smart bulbs through the relay. You can use central scene smart tap functionality if supported. Daily use involves creating scenes and schedules. You can automate lights up to 150 watts of LED load. The relay provides dry contact switching. You connect it to a wall switch of your choice. The input wires carry no voltage. It accepts simple toggle and momentary switches. It does not work with dimmers or electronic switches. You can customize the device with built-in timers. These timers help you manage energy use. The compact size allows installation in crowded boxes. You can also place it at the light fixture if there is no neutral wire. This setup provides reliable control for your lighting. You get lifetime tech support. A five-year extended warranty is available if you register within thirty days. This makes long-term maintenance straightforward.
Before You Buy This Relay
You need a Z-Wave hub to use this relay. The listing states the hub is sold separately. This device requires an updated hub to display its features correctly. Zooz notes that its Z-Box Hub offers the best experience. It also works with Hubitat, Home Assistant, and HomeSeer. SmartThings support is limited to basic on/off functions. You must check your hub’s compatibility before buying. This relay is an extra small Z-Wave device designed for lighting automation. The unit measures just one by 1.2 by 0.6 inches. This compact size allows it to fit into crowded electrical boxes. It connects to dry contact switches only. You cannot use dimmers or electronic switches. The relay handles up to 150 watts of LED load. It uses S2 authenticated security for safe pairing. You should register the device within 30 days to get the extended warranty. This product fits alongside other smart home controls by offering reliable Z-Wave Long Range connectivity. It is ideal for users who need a compact, secure lighting solution.
Check before you buy
- Confirm your Z-Wave hub supports Z-Wave Long Range for full features.
- Verify your hub is compatible with Hubitat, Home Assistant, or HomeSeer.
- Ensure you only use simple toggle or momentary wall switches.
- Check that your LED load does not exceed 150 watts.
The product at a glance
Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay
Best for: tight spaces and no-neutral installations
- Smart Home Compatibility
- SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat
- Hub Requirement
- Hub Required
- Connectivity
- Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range
- Switch Function
- On/Off
- Maximum Load
- 150W LED
- Application
- Lights
View on Amazon: Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay Affiliate link
The Zooz ZEN57 is an extra-small Z-Wave relay designed for tight spaces. It supports Z-Wave Long Range and handles up to 150W of LED lighting. The compact 1 x 1.2 x 0.6-inch body fits crowded boxes or light fixtures without a neutral wire. You need a compatible Z-Wave hub to control it. This device offers dry contact switching and S2 security for reliable automation.
Pros
- Z-Wave Long Range connectivity
- Compact 1 x 1.2 x 0.6-inch size
- Supports up to 150W LED load
- S2 authenticated security protocol
- Dry contact switch compatibility
Cons
- Requires a separate Z-Wave hub
- Only supports on/off, not dimming
- Limited to simple toggle or momentary switches
Good fit if
- You have limited space in the switch box
- You need to control lights without a neutral wire
- You want Z-Wave Long Range support
Skip if
- You do not own a Z-Wave hub
- You need dimming functionality for your lights
- You prefer direct Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control
Verdict: The Zooz ZEN57 XS Relay is ideal for tight installations where space is at a premium. It fits best in crowded junction boxes or at light fixtures where a neutral wire is missing.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Zooz Extra Small Z-Wave Lighting Relay |
|---|---|
| Smart Home Compatibility | SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat |
| Hub Requirement | Hub Required |
| Connectivity | Z-Wave, Z-Wave Long Range |
| Switch Function | On/Off |
| Maximum Load | 150W LED |
| Application | Lights |
| Dimensions | 1.2 × 1 × 0.6 inches |
Frequently asked questions
Does the ZOOZ ZEN57 relay need a neutral wire?
No, this device is designed for no-neutral installations. Its extra small form factor allows it to fit in tight spaces where a neutral wire might be absent. This makes it suitable for light fixtures that lack a neutral connection. You can install it directly at the fixture or in crowded junction boxes without needing that specific wire.
What connectivity standard does this Z-Wave device use?
It uses the Z-Wave mesh network and supports the newer Long Range standard. This ensures reliable communication between your hub and the relay, even through walls or floors. The Long Range capability extends the signal range, providing better coverage for your smart lighting automation. You get a stable connection for your lights.
Is a Z-Wave hub required to use this relay?
Yes, a Z-Wave hub is required to operate this device. The hub is not included with the relay. You need an updated hub to display all features correctly. Zooz recommends its Z-Box Hub for the best experience, but it also works with other platforms like Hubitat and Home Assistant.
How small is the ZOOZ ZEN57 XS relay?
The unit measures just 1 inch wide, 1.2 inches long, and 0.6 inches high. This compact size allows it to fit into crowded electrical boxes. You can install it directly at light fixtures where space is limited. The extra small footprint is ideal for tight installations where standard relays would not fit.
Can this relay be used for smart lighting automation?
Yes, this device is specifically designed for lights. It integrates into your Z-Wave network to automate your lighting. You can control your lights remotely or via schedules once connected to a compatible hub. It is ideal for automating fixtures in hard-to-reach places or tight spaces.
Which hubs are compatible with the ZOOZ ZEN57?
It works with the Zooz Z-Box Hub, Hubitat, and Home Assistant. You need a Z-Wave hub to use it. An updated hub is recommended to ensure all features display correctly. The device leverages the Z-Wave mesh network for reliable control of your connected lighting fixtures.