KB-109 - Using Different Switches with Z-Wave & Zigbee modules

Z-Wave & Zigbee modules can be used with a variety of switch types. This guide explains how most modules can be used with Momentary, Toggle and Center-Off-Retractive (3-Position Momentary) switches.

Toggle Switches

Toggle (Bi-Stable) switches latch in position. For instance when you press the switch to On, the switch physically stays in the On position. These are the standard light switches you'll find already fitted in your home.

You can use these in two ways, depending if you would just like On/Off control of the light or you would also like to control the light's brightness from the switch

On/Off Control

Using a toggle switch in this configuration will enable you to manually control the light On and Off, just the same as a normal On/Off switch.

ON (bottom) - Turns light On
OFF (top) - Turns light Off

Dimming Control

As strange is it sounds, a toggle switch can also be used with some Z-Wave Dimmer modules to control the light's brightness. Although this may at first appear a little unconventional.

ON/OFF (Quickly) - Turns light On to previously set dim level
ON - Increases brightness, turn switch Off to keep light at the brightness level
ON - Decreases brightness, turn switch Off to keep light at the brightness level
ON/OFF (Quickly) - Turns light Off

You'll need to check the manual for your specific Z-Wave module and see which device Parameters need changing to support Toggle switches.

Momentary Switches

Momentary switches, also known as Retractive, Mono-Stable or Bell-Push, only remain in the On state while you press them, they return to the Off state when the button is released. This doesn't mean that you have to keep holding the button to keep the light on. The module's internal controls automatically keep the light on when the button is released.

ON (and release) - Turns light On to previously set dim level
ON (and hold) - Increases brightness, release switch to keep light at the brightness level
ON (and hold) - Decreases brightness, release switch to keep light at the brightness level
ON (and release) - Turns light Off

Note: Some modules will cycle the dim level while you are holding the switch ON

You'll need to check the manual for your specific Z-Wave module and see which device Parameters need changing to support Momentary switches.

Center-Off-Retractive (3-Position Momentary) Switch

A Center-Off-Retractive switch, also known as 3-Position Momentary, Roller Blind or up / down switch has 3 positions - ON / OFF / ON. It normally stays in the central (Off) position, you can then press the top or bottom parts of the switch to move it into the On positions. As this is a momentary (retractive) switch, it only remains in the On state while you press it, it returns to the central Off state when the button is released.

Top ON (and release) - turns light On previously set dim level
Top ON (and hold) - increases brightness, releasing it keeps the lamp at that brightness
Bottom ON (and hold) - decreases brightness, releasing it keeps the lamp at that brightness
Bottom ON (and release) - turns light off

Note: Not all Z-Wave modules fully support Center-Off-Retractive switches, if yours doesn't then it's still possible to use them but they will operate like two separate momentary switches attached to the same input.

You'll need to check the manual for your specific Z-Wave module and see which device Parameters need changing to support Center-Off-Retractive switches.

Where to get Switches?

There are a variety of vendors offering switches, these include Scolmore, MK Electric, Clipsal and British General.

For Vesternet's videos and testing we've used the Scolmore Click Minigrid range. They are available in different finishes and look good.

As they are a 'minigrid' range you select the components and then assemble them yourself - this enables you to select just the configuration you want: