1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, setup, operation, and maintenance of your SONOFF ZBM5-3C-120W 3-Gang Zigbee Smart Light Switch. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure proper function and safety.
2. Safety Information
- WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Ensure power is turned OFF at the circuit breaker before installation.
- Do not install with wet hands or when standing on wet surfaces.
- This device is designed for indoor use only.
- Operating Voltage: 120 Volts. Current Rating: 10 Amps.
- Minimum load for No Neutral wiring: 3W.
3. Package Contents
- SONOFF ZBM5-3C-120W 3-Gang Smart Light Switch
4. Product Overview
The SONOFF ZBM5-3C-120W is a 3-gang Zigbee smart wall switch designed for remote control, voice control, and smart automation of your lighting. It supports both neutral and no-neutral wiring configurations, offering flexibility for various home electrical systems. This switch requires a compatible SONOFF Zigbee Hub for full functionality.
Image: SONOFF ZBM5-3C-120W 3-Gang Smart Light Switch and its retail packaging.
5. Installation
5.1 Wiring Diagrams
The ZBM5 series supports both 'No Neutral' and 'With Neutral' wiring methods. Identify your home's wiring type before proceeding.
Image: Wiring diagrams illustrating 'No Neutral' (left) and 'With Neutral' (right) connections for the smart switch. The 'No Neutral' option requires a minimum load of 3W.
Image: A table detailing the terminals (N, L, Lout1, Lout2, Lout3) and their corresponding wires (Neutral Wire, Live Wire, Live Output Terminals). It also shows wiring methods for 'No Neutral Required' and 'Neutral Required' with Zigbee role and minimum load information.
5.2 Physical Installation
- Turn off power: Locate your circuit breaker and turn off the power to the switch you are replacing. Verify power is off with a voltage tester.
- Remove old switch: Carefully remove the existing wall plate and switch from the wall box. Disconnect the wires.
- Wire the SONOFF switch: Connect the wires to the SONOFF smart switch according to the appropriate diagram for your wiring type (No Neutral or With Neutral). Ensure all connections are secure.
- Mount the switch: Gently push the wired switch into the wall box and secure it with screws.
- Install wall plate: Attach the new wall plate.
- Restore power: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
Image: Diagrams showing the dimensions of the SONOFF ZBM5 switch (85mm height, 52mm width for the back module) and its compatibility with standard 120 type wall boxes used in the US and other regions.
6. Setup
6.1 Required Zigbee Hub
This smart switch requires a compatible SONOFF Zigbee Hub (e.g., iHost, NSPanel Pro, ZBBridge-U, ZBBridge-P, ZBDongle-E/P) to function. It is not directly compatible with Amazon Echo Show 2nd Gen, Echo 4th Gen, or Echo Plus 2nd Gen as standalone hubs.
Image: A compatibility chart showing various SONOFF Zigbee hubs (iHost, NSPanel Pro, ZBBridge-U, ZBBridge-P, ZBDongle-E/P) and their supported features (On/Off, Smart scene, Detach relay, Power on state, OTA). It also lists unsupported hubs like specific Amazon Echo devices.
6.2 Pairing with eWeLink App
Follow these steps to pair your smart switch with the eWeLink app via your SONOFF Zigbee Hub:
- Download the eWeLink App: Search for 'eWeLink' on Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install it.
- Add Device: Open the eWeLink app, ensure your Zigbee hub is online, and follow the in-app instructions to add a new device.
- Enter Pairing Mode: Refer to your switch's specific instructions for entering pairing mode (usually a long press on a button).
- Connect: The app will detect and connect to the switch. Once connected, you can rename it and assign it to a room.
Image: A visual guide showing four steps to set up the SONOFF smart switch: 1. Download eWeLink app, 2. Add device in app, 3. Next step in app, 4. Device found and connected.
7. Operating Instructions
7.1 Remote Control via eWeLink App
Once paired, you can control your lights from anywhere using the eWeLink app on your smartphone. Each of the three gangs can be controlled independently.
Image: A woman using the eWeLink app on her phone to control the smart switches, demonstrating remote control functionality.
7.2 Voice Control (Alexa & Google Home)
Integrate your SONOFF switch with Amazon Alexa or Google Home for convenient voice control. Bind your eWeLink account to your voice assistant app, then use commands like "Alexa, turn off the light."
Image: A family celebrating, with a text overlay "Alexa, turn off the light." and logos for Alexa and Google Home, indicating voice control capability.
7.3 Timers and Scene Automation
The eWeLink app allows you to set schedules for your lights to turn on or off automatically. You can also create smart scenes that trigger actions based on other Zigbee sensors (e.g., lights turn on when a door opens).
Image: A woman reading, with an overlay showing a timer set for 18:00 to turn lights ON, demonstrating the scheduling feature.
Image: A smart scene illustration where a Zigbee sensor (SNZB-04P) detects a door opening, triggering the ZBM5 switch to turn lights ON.
Image: A person sleeping in bed, with an overlay showing a timer set for 23:00 to turn lights OFF, promoting a healthier routine by automatically turning off lights at night.
7.4 Detach Relay Function
The Detach Relay function allows the physical button on the switch to operate independently of the electrical relay. This is useful for controlling smart bulbs, ensuring they remain powered even when the physical switch is "off," thus keeping them online and controllable via the app or voice. This feature supports connecting smart lights only in the neutral required mode.
Image: Comparison showing a 'Normal Situation' where a smart bulb goes offline when the switch is off, versus 'Enable "Detach Relay"' where the smart bulb remains online and controllable even when the physical switch is off.
7.5 Open-Source Platform Compatibility
For advanced users, the SONOFF ZBM5 switch can be integrated with open-source platforms like Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA, allowing for seamless integration with devices from various manufacturers. Functionality may vary when added via these platforms.
Image: A computer screen displaying the Home Assistant interface with the SONOFF ZBM5-3C-120 switch integrated, showing its 'On' state, highlighting open-source platform compatibility.
8. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the switch surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the eWeLink app for available firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security.
9. Troubleshooting
- Switch Not Responding: Ensure the power is on at the circuit breaker. Check wiring connections. If using 'No Neutral' wiring, ensure the connected load meets the minimum 3W requirement.
- Cannot Connect to Zigbee Hub: Ensure your Zigbee hub is powered on and within range. Put the switch into pairing mode correctly. Refer to your hub's manual for specific pairing instructions.
- Loss of Connectivity After Power Outage: Some users have reported that the switch may not automatically reconnect to the Zigbee network after a power outage until the physical button is pressed. If this occurs, manually press a button on the switch to re-establish connection.
- Inconsistent State in Home Assistant (Zigbee2MQTT/ZHA): If the physical button state does not always align with the reported state in Home Assistant, ensure your Zigbee2MQTT profile for the device is up-to-date. This issue has been addressed in recent updates for some configurations.
- Detach Relay Not Working: Ensure your switch is wired in 'With Neutral' mode, as the detach relay function supports smart lights only in this configuration.
10. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | ZBM5-3C-120 |
| Brand | SONOFF |
| Product Dimensions | 4.72 x 2.91 x 1.55 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
| Operation Mode | ON-OFF |
| Current Rating | 10 Amps |
| Operating Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Contact Type | Normally Closed |
| Connector Type | Crimp |
| Terminal | Screw |
| Circuit Type | 1-way |
| Actuator Type | Push Button |
| Wireless Connection | Zigbee |
| Color | White |
| Casing Material | PC+CRS |
| Number of Gangs | 3-gang |
| Min. Load (No Neutral) | 3W |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C ~ 40°C |
11. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please visit the official SONOFF store or contact their customer service. You can find more information at the SONOFF Store on Amazon.
