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Add to SafariWhen comparing GE Z-Wave In-Wall On/Off Toggle Switch vs GE Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch, the Slant community recommends GE Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch for most people. In the question“What are the best Z-Wave light switches?” GE Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch is ranked 1st while GE Z-Wave In-Wall On/Off Toggle Switch is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose GE Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch is:
Using a Z-Wave programmer (aka a master controller), you can essentially flip the switch's software (if you installed it upside-down, intentionally or accidentally, the software can compensate for that). Also, the LED indicator can be programmed to turn on when the light is on, which is very useful for lights you can't see - ie outdoor lights.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Inconspicuous design
Once installed, these look like just any regular old light switch. They will fit into any house just fine without drawing any attention to themselves. It's the best way to upgrade the tech in your house without changing the way it looks at all.
Pro Programmable
Using a Z-Wave programmer (aka a master controller), you can essentially flip the switch's software (if you installed it upside-down, intentionally or accidentally, the software can compensate for that).
Also, by default, when flicking the switch the lights won't turn on/off immediately - instead they will slowly fade on or off. If you have a Z-Wave programmer, you can change the speed of the fading to something quicker or slower, or can remove the fading altogether and instantly turn on or off.
Pro Programmable
Using a Z-Wave programmer (aka a master controller), you can essentially flip the switch's software (if you installed it upside-down, intentionally or accidentally, the software can compensate for that). Also, the LED indicator can be programmed to turn on when the light is on, which is very useful for lights you can't see - ie outdoor lights.
Pro Touch controls
Tapping the switch will toggle the lights on/off, and long touching will slowly brighten or dim the lights.
Pro Small LED indicator
There is a small blue LED indicator on the bottom right of the switch. By default, it turns on when the light is off, allowing you to easier see where the switch is in the dark. If you have a Z-Wave programmer however, you can change it to be the opposite - when the light is on the LED is on. This can be useful for lights outside, or other situations where you can't immediately tell if the device is on or off.
Cons
Con Installation can be difficult
If you haven't swapped out wall switches before, it can be tricky. You will have to un-wire the old one, and wire the new one to the existing wires. The instructions use some jargon that isn't explained, which you will need to figure out before the instructions make any sense ('line' means the wire coming from the breaker, 'load' means the wire going to the light fixture, and 'traveler' means the wire(s) that runs between multiple switches that control the same light.
Con House wiring requires neutral wire
The neutral wire is needed for this wall switch - it simply won't function without it. Older houses may not have the wiring required for these switches to work.
Con Installation can be difficult
If you haven't swapped out wall switches before, it can be tricky. You will have to un-wire the old one, and wire the new one to the existing wires. The instructions use some jargon that isn't explained, which you will need to figure out before the instructions make any sense ('line' means the wire coming from the breaker, 'load' means the wire going to the light fixture, and 'traveler' means the wire(s) that runs between multiple switches that control the same light.
Con House wiring requires neutral wire
The neutral wire is needed for this wall switch - it simply won't function without it. Older houses may not have the wiring required for these switches to work.
