Exploring the challenges and alternatives in wireless dimming with Z-Wave technology

If you’ve ever tried to add a rotary wireless dimmer to your Z-Wave lighting system, you might have noticed something — those devices are surprisingly tough to find. I recently dove into this exact challenge when trying to control living room lights from two entrances. One entrance already had a Z-Wave dimmer wired directly to the 230V power and the lights. Naturally, I wanted a wireless dimmer at the other entrance that could control the same lights seamlessly.

Initially, I reached for a Zigbee wireless dimmer, thinking it’d do the trick. The truth? While it technically worked, the experience was less than ideal. There was a noticeable delay between turning the knob and the actual light dimming, because the wireless signal had to go through the hub before reaching the primary dimmer. Plus, the dimming curve — how smoothly the light dims — was off. The Zigbee dimmer felt way more sensitive and didn’t match the smoothness of the wired Z-Wave dimmer.

I also looked into Bluetooth mesh dimmers. I helped someone install one recently, and it worked flawlessly in their setup. The drop-in responsiveness and smooth dimming were impressive. But there’s a catch: Bluetooth mesh tends to be proprietary and often only communicates with devices from the same manufacturer. Since I already have a Z-Wave network at home, moving to Bluetooth mesh wasn’t appealing.

Why are rotary wireless dimmers for Z-Wave so rare? The main reason is that Z-Wave technology is optimized for smart home communication rather than instant direct control. Most Z-Wave dimmers expect a wired connection for their power and control. Wireless dimmers without wiring often use alternative technologies that focus on instant local control rather than networked control through a hub.

Another factor is how Z-Wave devices communicate. Commands usually travel to a hub or controller before reaching the dimmer. This indirect communication introduces latency that’s very noticeable with rotary dimming, where quick, precise feedback is expected.

What are the options if you want wireless dimming but need it smooth and fast?

• Dual wiring with wired dimmers: If possible, wiring two dimmers in a 3-way setup with Z-Wave compatibility will offer the most seamless control without delay.
• Explore other technologies: Some wireless dimmers use proprietary mesh protocols for instant responsiveness, but be prepared for brand lock-in.
• Smart switches with app or voice control: Sometimes using wall switches with app or voice commands can replace the need for a wireless rotary dimmer.

For those wanting to stick with Z-Wave, the key is finding multi-way dimmer switches designed explicitly for Z-Wave or sticking to wired setups. Manufacturers like Aeotec and GE Lighting offer Z-Wave dimmers but primarily as wired solutions.

In summary, the demand for wireless rotary dimmers that work smoothly with Z-Wave is there, but the technology has limits. Wireless dimmers tend to be either less responsive or controlled through hubs that introduce delays. Until Z-Wave or hardware makers offer better wireless rotary options, the best bet is a wired 3-way Z-Wave dimmer or considering alternative wireless tech with caveats.

If you’re curious about smart home lighting options, SmartThings’ compatibility list and the Z-Wave Alliance pages are great resources to explore current devices and technologies.

Hope this helps anyone on the hunt for that smooth, responsive rotary wireless dimmer for Z-Wave. Sometimes the tech just isn’t quite there yet — but with the right setup, a few tweaks, and a bit of patience, you can still get great smart lighting control.