Aeotec Smart Switch 6 User Guide

Introduction

The Aeotec Smart Switch 6 is designed to power connected lighting and devices using Z-Wave Plus technology, powered by Aeotec's Gen5 technology. It allows for smart home integration and control.

To verify compatibility with your Z-Wave system, consult the Z-Wave gateway comparison listing. Technical specifications are available at Aeotec Smart Switch 6 technical specifications.

Get to Know Your Smart Switch

The Smart Switch 6 features several components:

• [RGB LED]: An indicator light that displays status and mode.
• [Action Button]: Used for pairing, unpairing, and other functions.
• [USB Port]: For potential firmware updates or accessory connections (depending on version).

Image of Aeotec Smart Switch 6, showing a standard US-style electrical outlet with two sockets, a circular 'Action Button' below the sockets, a small LED indicator, and a USB port on the side.

Note: The diagram shows a sample of the USA version. Product appearance may differ for other versions.

Quick Start

Getting your Smart Switch operational involves plugging it into a wall socket and adding it to your Z-Wave network. The following instructions cover adding the switch using an Aeotec Z-Stick or Minimote controller, as well as general instructions for existing gateways.

If you're using an existing gateway:

1. Place your gateway or controller into Z-Wave pair or inclusion mode. Refer to your controller/gateway manual for specific instructions.
2. Press the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch once. The LED will flash green.
3. Upon successful linking, the LED will become solid green for 2 seconds. If linking fails, the LED will revert to a rainbow gradient.

If you're using a Z-Stick:

1. Choose the desired location for your Smart Switch and plug it into a wall outlet.
2. If your Z-Stick is connected to a gateway or computer, unplug it.
3. Bring your Z-Stick near your Smart Switch.
4. Press the [Action Button] on your Z-Stick.
5. Press the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch.
6. If successfully added, the Smart Switch's RGB LED will be solid. If unsuccessful, the red LED will illuminate for 2 seconds, followed by a colorful gradient status. Repeat from step 4 if needed.
7. Press the [Action Button] on the Z-Stick to exit inclusion mode and reconnect it to your gateway or computer.

If you're using a Minimote:

1. Choose the desired location for your Smart Switch and plug it into a wall socket.
2. Bring your Minimote to your Smart Switch.
3. Press the 'Include' button on your Minimote.
4. Press the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch.
5. If successfully added, the Smart Switch's RGB LED will be solid. If unsuccessful, the red LED will illuminate for 2 seconds, followed by a colorful gradient status. Repeat from step 4 if needed.
6. Press any button on your Minimote to exit inclusion mode.

Once integrated, your Smart Switch can be configured using your home control software. Consult your software's user guide for detailed configuration instructions.

Default LED Color (Energy Mode)

In Energy Mode (default, Parameter 81 [1 byte] = 0), the RGB LED color changes based on the power output load.

While the Switch is in an ON state:

The LED color indicates the power being used by the connected load:

While the Switch is in an OFF state:

The LED will appear as a light purple.

Additional LED modes can be configured: Night Light mode (Parameter 81 [1 byte] = 2) or Momentary mode (Parameter 81 [1 byte] = 1), which turns the LED off after 5 seconds during a state change.

Removing your Smart Switch from a Z-Wave network

You can remove your Smart Switch from your Z-Wave network using your main Z-Wave controller. Instructions for Aeotec Z-Stick and Minimote are provided below. For other controllers, consult their respective manuals.

If you're using an existing gateway:

1. Place your gateway or controller into Z-Wave unpair or exclusion mode. Refer to your controller/gateway manual.
2. Press the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch.
3. If successfully unlinked, the LED will become a rainbow gradient. If unsuccessful, the LED will show green or purple depending on the current LED mode.

If you're using a Z-Stick:

1. If your Z-Stick is connected to a gateway or computer, unplug it.
2. Bring your Z-Stick near your Smart Switch.
3. Press the [Action Button] on your Z-Stick.
4. Press the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch.
5. If successfully removed, the RGB LED will display a colorful gradient. If removal was unsuccessful, the LED will remain solid (indicating Energy or Night Light mode). Repeat from step 3 if needed.
6. Press the [Action Button] on the Z-Stick to exit removal mode.

If you're using a Minimote:

1. Bring your Minimote to your Smart Switch.
2. Press the 'Remove' button on your Minimote.
3. Press the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch.
4. If successfully removed, the RGB LED will display a colorful gradient. If removal was unsuccessful, the LED will remain solid. Repeat from step 2 if needed.
5. Press any button on your Minimote to exit removal mode.

Advanced Functions

Changing LED Mode

You can customize the LED behavior by configuring the Smart Switch. There are three modes:

• Energy Mode: The LED reflects the switch state (on/off) or shows a purple color at 10% brightness when off.
• Momentary Indicate Mode: The LED briefly turns on for 5 seconds after any state change.
• Night Light Mode: The LED turns on and off based on a user-configured time of day.

Parameter 81 [1 byte dec] can be set to:

1. (0) Energy Mode
2. (1) Momentary Indicate Mode
3. (2) Night Light Mode

Security or Non-security feature of your Smart Dimmer in Z-wave network:

To add your Smart Switch as a non-security device, press the [Action Button] once during the inclusion process with your controller/gateway. For full functionality and secure communication, use a security-enabled controller/gateway.

Pair in Security Mode:

• Put your existing secure gateway into pair mode.
• During pairing, tap the [Action Button] of the Smart Switch 6 twice within 1 second.
• The LED blinks blue to indicate secure pairing.

Pair in Non-Security Mode:

• Put your existing gateway into pair mode.
• During pairing, tap the [Action Button] of the Smart Switch 6 once.
• The LED blinks green to indicate non-secure pairing.

Testing Health Connectivity

You can check the Smart Switch 6's connectivity health to your gateway using a specific button sequence:

1. Press and hold the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch 6.
2. Wait until the RGB LED turns purple.
3. Release the [Action Button] on your Smart Switch 6.

The RGB LED will blink purple while sending ping messages. Upon completion, it will blink one of three colors:

• Red = Bad Health
• Yellow = Moderate Health
• Green = Great Health

Note: The blink is brief and occurs only once.

Reset your Smart Switch

If your primary controller is lost or inoperable, you can reset the Smart Switch 6 to factory defaults to pair it with a new gateway.

1. Press and hold the [Action Button] for 20 seconds.
2. The LED will cycle through colors: Yellow, Purple, and Red (blinking faster).
3. Green indicates a successful factory reset. A rainbow LED indicates it's ready to pair to a new network.
4. Release the action button when the LED turns Green.
5. A rainbow LED state indicates readiness to pair with a new network.

Firmware Update Smart Switch 6

For firmware updates, refer to the article: Aeotec Smart Switch 6 Firmware Update.

Requirements:

• Z-Wave USB Adapter conforming to Z-Wave Standards.
• Windows Operating System (XP, 7, 8, 10).

Additional Information on Other Gateways

Smartthings Hub

The Smartthings Hub offers basic compatibility with the Smart Switch 6. For advanced configuration functions, a custom device handler is required. Install it to access the switch's full capabilities.

Find the article for the custom device handler here: Using Smart Switch 6 with Smartthings Hub's Custom Device Type.

This article includes GitHub code and creation information. For installation assistance, contact support.

More Advanced Configurations

The Smart Switch 6 supports numerous device configurations, which may not be fully exposed by all gateways. Manual configuration is possible through most Z-Wave gateways.

Find the configuration sheet here: Smart Switch 6 Configuration Sheet.

For questions regarding configuration, contact support and specify your gateway.