How to Set Up Your GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Outlet

What's in the Box

The GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Outlet package includes the weather-resistant smart outdoor plug module, mounting hardware, and installation instructions. This outlet is designed for outdoor use with a heavy-duty, weather-resistant housing rated for wet locations. It features two independently controllable outlets that connect via Z-Wave Plus to your smart home hub, giving you remote control over landscape lighting, holiday decorations, fountains, and other outdoor devices.

Prerequisites

• A compatible Z-Wave hub such as SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant (with Z-Wave controller), or Wink
• A weatherproof outdoor GFCI outlet to plug the module into
• Outdoor-rated extension cords if needed to reach the outlet location
• Confirm the outdoor outlet has power and GFCI protection is functioning properly

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Choose a location. Select an outdoor outlet that is protected by a GFCI breaker or receptacle. While the Enbrighten outdoor plug is weather-resistant, placing it under an eave or outlet cover provides additional protection from rain and snow.
2. Plug in the module. Insert the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Outlet into the outdoor receptacle. The LED indicators on each outlet should illuminate, confirming power is reaching the device.
3. Connect your outdoor devices. Plug landscape lights, decorative string lights, or other outdoor equipment into the two controlled outlets on the module. Each outlet can be turned on and off independently through your hub.
4. Pair with your Z-Wave hub. Put your hub into inclusion mode. Press the manual on/off button on the outdoor outlet module once. The hub should discover two endpoints — one for each outlet. This may take up to 30 seconds depending on your hub.
5. Name the outlets. Assign descriptive names to each outlet, such as "Patio String Lights" and "Garden Fountain." Place them in an outdoor room or zone in your hub for easy organization.
6. Test both outlets. Use your hub's app to toggle each outlet on and off individually. Verify that both connected devices respond correctly.

Smart Home Integration Tips

The outdoor outlet excels at automating seasonal and daily outdoor lighting. Create sunset-to-sunrise schedules for landscape lights, or set holiday decorations to run on a timer from Thanksgiving through New Year's. Voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant (via your Z-Wave hub) lets you turn outdoor lights on and off without pulling out your phone. As a Z-Wave Plus device, this outdoor outlet also acts as a signal repeater, extending your Z-Wave mesh network's reach into the yard, which benefits outdoor sensors like Z-Wave motion detectors or weather stations.

Mounting and Placement

The module includes mounting hardware if you want to secure it to a wall, post, or railing near the outlet. Keeping the unit stable prevents the plug from working loose over time, especially in windy conditions. Route any outdoor extension cords along walls or fence lines and secure them to prevent tripping hazards.

Quick Troubleshooting

If the outlet doesn't power on, check that the GFCI receptacle hasn't tripped — press the reset button on the GFCI outlet itself. If the hub can't find the device during pairing, run a Z-Wave exclusion first to clear any prior network data, then retry inclusion. If the outdoor outlet loses connection intermittently, its Z-Wave signal may be at the edge of your network's range. Adding a Z-Wave repeater device in a midpoint location, such as a garage or porch, can bridge the gap and improve reliability.