Heavy Smart Switch ZW078 review - stay away

[Chuck]

I just recently got two of these. At first I was pretty excited until I opened the package and one was already broken. Here is what I am talking about.

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Smart-Switch-ZW078--Aeotec/dp/B0151YXM2W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1466603398&sr=8-1&keywords=heavy+duty+smart+switch+aeotec&linkCode=sl1&tag=sso0e-20&linkId=69dc4b2212559680e4959dd50b3d1cb4 <https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Smart-Switch-ZW078--Aeotec/dp/B0151YXM2W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1466603398&sr=8-1&keywords=heavy+duty+smart+switch+aeotec&linkCode=sl1&tag=sso0e-20&linkId=69dc4b2212559680e4959dd50b3d1cb4>

It is Z-wave Plus which is nice as I have a range issue at my vacation home. It was originally this unit. But it kept losing its connection and I need reliability.

https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-CA3750-Multi-Volt-120-277VAC-Contactor/dp/B000YUCES2 <https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-CA3750-Multi-Volt-120-277VAC-Contactor/dp/B000YUCES2>

The Aeotec is so flimsy and delicate it reminded me of a styrene cup. One of the stress relievers was broken and I immediately requested an RMO from Amazon. Amazon said they would just refund my money and no need to send it back.

Installation was a real hassle. I used 10g (2 wire with ground) solid wire and being as stiff as it is installing it was very difficult. The stress of bending the wire to get to the terminal was problematic as the plastic was bending and I was afraid of breaking it. I was thankful that I didn’t have a neutral wire to mess with. The real challenge would be to try and get some 8g 3 with ground solid wire in there which this is rated for.

Then the holes for mounting the box are really fragile. I can see them breaking easily and was surprised that they held up. I was very careful when screwing them into the wall.

The last thing is that this has a built in temperature sensor that is totally worthless. When there is electricity flowing the temperature goes up and when there is no electrical demand the temperature drops. I have an Oregon Scientific unit next to it to check to see how accurate the temperature is that it is so bad that it is totally useless.

I made this unit work but it just isn’t all that well built and I would not get another one. The reviews on Amazon are baffling. Some of them are 5 stars. Seriously! Maybe the folks have never had a real relay in a real box that is solid and can take a beating The Intermatic CA3750 is just such a box.

I can’t believe that it passed any tests at all and if it passes inspection for instillation. I don’t often get permits since the inspector is only in the county once a month or so.

Chuck
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