Smart Switch 6 User Guide

Modified on: Thu, 5 Oct, 2017 at 1:17 AM

Aeotec by Aeon Labs Smart Switch 6

The Aeotec Smart Switch 6 is designed to power connected lighting and other devices using Z-Wave Plus technology. It is powered by Aeotec's Gen5 technology. To confirm compatibility with your Z-Wave system, consult the Z-Wave gateway comparison listing. Technical specifications are also available via a provided link.

Device Overview

The Smart Switch 6 features a compact design that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The front displays two electrical sockets, a circular Action Button, and an RGB LED indicator. A USB port is located on the side. Note: The depicted figure is a sample of the USA version; other regional versions may have different appearances.

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 guide you through adding the Smart Switch using an Aeotec Z-Stick or Minimote controller, or provide general guidance for existing gateways/controllers. For specific instructions on adding devices with other Z-Wave controllers, refer to their respective manuals.

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 instructions.
2. Press the Action Button on your Smart Switch once. The LED will flash green.
3. Upon successful linking, the LED will turn solid green for 2 seconds. If unsuccessful, the LED will revert to a rainbow gradient.

If you're using a Z-Stick:

1. Choose a location and plug your Smart Switch into a wall outlet.
2. If your Z-Stick is connected to a gateway or computer, unplug it.
3. Bring your Z-Stick to your Smart Switch.
4. Press the Action Button on your Z-Stick.
5. Press the Action Button on your Smart Switch.
6. Successful addition to your Z-Wave network is indicated by a solid RGB LED. If unsuccessful, the red LED will light for 2 seconds, followed by a colorful gradient status; repeat from step 4.
7. Press the Action Button on the Z-Stick to exit inclusion mode, then reconnect it to your gateway or computer.

If you're using a Minimote:

1. Choose a location and plug your Smart Switch 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. Successful addition to your Z-Wave network is indicated by a solid RGB LED. If unsuccessful, the red LED will light for 2 seconds, followed by a colorful gradient status; repeat from step 4.
6. Press any button on your Minimote to exit inclusion mode.

Once your Smart Switch is part of your smart home, configure it using your home control software. Consult your software's user guide for specific configuration instructions.

Default LED Color (Energy Mode)

The RGB LED color changes based on the output load power level when the Smart Switch is in Energy mode. The default setting is Parameter 81 [1 byte] = 0.

While the Switch is in an ON state:

LED colors indicate the power usage of the connected load:

While the Switch is in an OFF state:

The LED will appear as a light purple.

You can also configure the RGB LED's brightness and color for Night Light mode (Parameter 81 [1 byte] = 2) or Momentary mode (Parameter 81 [1 byte] = 1, for LED to turn off 5 seconds after a state change).

Removing your Smart Switch from a Z-Wave network

Your Smart Switch can be removed from your Z-Wave network at any time using your network's main controller. The following instructions apply to Aeotec Z-Stick or Minimote controllers. For other controllers, consult their manuals for device removal procedures.

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 Switch.
3. Successful unlinking results in a rainbow gradient LED. Unsuccessful removal shows a green or purple LED, depending on your LED mode settings.

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 to your Smart Switch.
3. Press the Action Button on your Z-Stick.
4. Press the Action Button on your Smart Switch.
5. Successful removal from your network is indicated by a colorful gradient RGB LED. If unsuccessful, the RGB LED remains solid (state depends on Energy or Night Light mode); repeat from step 3.
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. Successful removal from your network is indicated by a colorful gradient RGB LED. If unsuccessful, the RGB LED remains solid (state depends on Energy or Night Light mode); repeat from step 2.
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. Three modes are available: Energy mode, Momentary Indicate mode, and Night Light mode.

Energy mode: The LED reflects the switch state. It's on when the switch is on, and off (or at 10% brightness purple) when the switch is 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 according to a user-configured schedule.

Parameter 81 [1 byte dec] settings:

• (0) Energy Mode
• (1) Momentary Indicate Mode
• (2) Night Light Mode

Advanced Security or Basic Security feature

To include your Smart Switch as a non-security device in your Z-Wave network, press the Action Button once during the controller/gateway inclusion process.

For full functionality and secure communication using encrypted messages, include your Smart Switch as a security device. This requires a security-enabled controller/gateway.

Pair in Advanced 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 advanced secure pairing.

Pair in Basic 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 basic secure pairing.

Testing Health Connectivity

Assess your Smart Switch 6's direct connectivity to your gateway (without routing nodes) by using a manual button press, hold, and release sequence, indicated by the LED color.

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

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: Watch closely for the blink, as it occurs very quickly.

Reset your Smart Switch

If your primary controller is missing or inoperable, you can reset your Smart Switch 6 to factory defaults and 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, Red (blinking faster), Green (factory reset successful), Rainbow LED (ready to pair).
3. Release the action button when the LED turns green.
4. A rainbow LED state indicates readiness to pair with a new network.

Firmware Update Smart Switch 6

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

Required items:

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

Additional information on other Gateways uses

Smartthings Hub

Smartthings Hub offers basic compatibility with the Smart Switch 6 but limits access to advanced configuration functions. To utilize the full capabilities of your Smart Switch 6, install a custom device handler. 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 setup information. For installation assistance, contact support.

More Advanced Configurations

The Smart Switch 6 supports a wide range of configurations not always fully exposed by standard gateways. Manual configuration is possible through most Z-Wave gateways, though availability may vary.