July 30, 2015 15 Comments

As much as we love Aeon Labs micro switches, they can be a pain to install. Here are the 3 key ingredients for a quick and easy set-up of the switches:
Like with any Z-Wave switch, you will need a neutral connection in each gang box to properly install the micros. Speaking of wiring, if you are looking to install the on/off micro switches in a 3-way setting, use the diagram below (anything else you find in the manuals or online will bring you nothing but trouble).
You will need both line and load in the master gang box for the 3-way installation to be successful.
Last but not least, here are a few useful programming adjustments to get the most functionality out of your Aeon Labs micro switches:
- Parameter 120 = 1 set as default for on/off toggle mode OR 0 for momentary switch
- Parameter 3 = 1 for overload protection
- Parameter 80 = 1 to report status change - controller immediately shows status change if you turn the switch on or off manually
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!
February 04, 2016
Parameters? How do I set these parameters? I noticed that my Harmony Home Hub Extender doesn’t seem to recognize state changes when I flip a wall switch manually. It looks like parameter 80 might be the key to this.
December 28, 2015
Thanks for tip #1. I was going out of my mind.
October 01, 2015
Andrew, thanks for the question. If you only have one bulb per switch, we would not recommend using the micro switch with an 8W bulb. You would be better off replacing the in-wall switch with one of the newer GE switches which all work well with low-voltage lights:
http://www.thesmartesthouse.com/search?type=product&q=ge+switch
The micros may work well for a while but there is a good chance they will eventually fail under an 8W load. I hope that helps!
September 30, 2015
Does the 20W requirement apply to all of these? I run all LEDs (non dimmable) that are around 8W. Would any of the models here work? I am not interested in dimming, just on/off.
August 11, 2025 3 Comments

Smart home tech isn’t just for indoors anymore—it’s transforming yard care too. While we’re used to voice assistants and smart thermostats, outdoor tools like sprinkler systems are catching up. Instead of wasting water on rigid schedules, smart systems adapt to the weather, skip rainy days, and keep your lawn healthy with minimal effort.
Smart sprinkler control makes it easy to upgrade your existing irrigation system with a device like the Zooz ZEN17 Universal Relay. Compatible with SmartThings, Hubitat, Z-Box, Home Assistant, and HomeSeer, it fits into most smart home setups without locking you into one platform. This post covers the benefits of automating your sprinklers, how to set up the ZEN17, control options, and real user tips to help you get the most from your system.
June 12, 2025 2 Comments
Imagine this: it’s a stuffy summer night, and you’re already in bed when you realize the ceiling fan is off. Or maybe you’ve left the house and can’t remember if the bathroom fan is still running. What if your fan could turn on automatically when the room gets too warm—or shut off when no one’s around?
That’s the beauty of smart fan control. It’s not just about convenience (though turning your fan on with your voice or a tap on a smart remote is pretty great). It’s about making your home more energy-efficient, more responsive, and just... smarter.
November 29, 2024

Home Assistant is slowly but surely becoming the ultimate platform for comprehensive home automation. It allows users to create a truly customized and connected environment with the most integrations we've ever seen. Home Assistant has a pretty powerful automation engine too so you can program anything from simple lighting control to complex, multi-device routines. And it's open source which means we can all contribute and the basic software is free.
The secret to making your Home Assistant set-up better than ever? Add Z-Wave to it! You can instantly increase the functionality, reliability, and device compatibility of your smart home environment. Z-Wave brings a vast range of new device options that can communicate securely and consistently. They are feature rich with tons of advanced settings to choose from so you can find a good match for any use case.
Jan (The Smartest House)
February 17, 2016
Hi Matthew, each hub has a different home automation software with a unique way to adjust settings for each device. Some controllers do not allow users to change parameters within the interface so if you are not seeing the option to adjust parameters in device settings, we recommend contacting Harmony’s support for more info on how to address the issue. Sorry we could not be of more help here!