How to Set Up Your Zooz ZEN05 Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Plug

What You'll Need

• Zooz ZEN05 Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Smart Plug
• Z-Wave smart home hub (SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant with Z-Wave stick, etc.)
• Outdoor GFCI-protected outlet

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Plug the ZEN05 into an outdoor GFCI outlet. Test the GFCI by pressing the test and reset buttons to confirm the safety circuit works.
2. Put your hub in inclusion mode. The steps for this vary by hub, but it is typically found under "Add device" or "Include device" in your hub's interface.
3. Press the Z-Wave button on the ZEN05. The LED flashes during the pairing process.
4. Wait for your hub to confirm the device has been paired.
5. Name each outlet. The ZEN05 has two independently controlled outlets that appear as separate endpoints in your hub. Each gets its own name and can be controlled separately.

Key Features

• IP65 weatherproof rating, among the best outdoor ratings available
• Two independently controlled outlets
• Z-Wave Plus 700 series chip with extended range and lower power usage
• SmartStart and S2 security for easy, secure pairing
• Manual buttons on each outlet for local control
• Works as a Z-Wave repeater to extend your mesh network outdoors
• 15A per outlet

SmartStart Setup

The ZEN05 supports SmartStart, which simplifies pairing on compatible hubs:

• Find the SmartStart QR code on the device or its packaging.
• Scan the QR code with your hub's SmartStart feature. On SmartThings and Home Assistant, this is available in the Z-Wave settings.
• The hub adds the device to a provisioning list. The next time the ZEN05 is powered on near the hub, it automatically pairs without pressing any buttons.
• SmartStart also configures S2 security automatically, which encrypts communication between the plug and your hub.

Practical Outdoor Use Cases

• Landscape lighting: Run different lighting zones on each outlet with independent schedules through your hub. The IP65 rating means the plug handles rain, dust, and snow.
• Z-Wave mesh extension: The ZEN05 acts as a Z-Wave repeater. Placing it outdoors extends your Z-Wave network range to reach outdoor sensors, locks, or other Z-Wave devices in garages and sheds.
• Holiday automation: Control two sets of holiday decorations independently through your smart home hub. Build automations that coordinate indoor and outdoor lights together.

Troubleshooting

• Pairing fails: Run an exclusion first. Put your hub in exclusion mode and press the ZEN05's button. This clears any leftover pairing data. Then try including the device again.
• Only one outlet appears: Some Z-Wave hubs do not automatically expose multi-channel endpoints. On SmartThings, the child devices should appear automatically. On Hubitat or Home Assistant, you may need to configure the multi-channel association manually.
• Factory reset: Press the Z-Wave button rapidly 5 times, then press and hold until the LED flashes. This wipes all Z-Wave network information.
• GFCI tripping: Check the connected load on each outlet. Make sure the total does not exceed the rated capacity. Also check for moisture in cord connections, which can cause ground faults.
• Firmware updates: Zooz releases firmware updates for their Z-Wave devices. Check the Zooz website for your model and update through your hub's Z-Wave firmware update tool (available on Hubitat and Home Assistant).