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Z-wave Smart Switch options

Here are some of the things I found to consider when looking at purchasing Z-wave Smart Switches.
  • What it ships with: Check what the switch comes with.  Some come with different color face plates, but more importantly, some do NOT come with a bit of wire to connect to your neutral.
  • Protocol: Some are Z-wave, and some are Z-wave Plus.  Z-wave plus seems to mean that the switch is faster, has longer range for connectivity and usually has more features such as central scene control (means you can program double/triple tap behavior. ) 
  • Look and feel: Some look like a normal paddle switch, while others have LED lights to tell you their setting level.  
Normal looking paddle switch in white with only an on/off indicator LED
Paddle switch in light almond with LED dimmer level indicator LEDs

  • Things to note: 
    • Some switches don't support LED lights.  Check the description to avoid these.  
    • Note the supported wattage of the switch - they seems to all have different ranges
    • Ramp up rates - these also vary, but the reviews on the switch will tell you all you need to know.
    • Buzzing noise - some switches buzz especially if it is a dimmer switch.  Probably a good idea to search the Q&A and reviews about that.
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