Linear WD500Z-1

500 Watt Z-wave Dimmer

Average rating:

(based upon one review)

The Linear WD500Z-1 is a 500 watt Z-Wave light dimmer. The Linear Z-Wave product line is an affordable and reliable line of products that...
  • Z-Wave

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Description

The Linear WD500Z-1 is a 500 watt Z-Wave light dimmer. The Linear Z-Wave product line is an affordable and reliable line of products that work very well with Honeywell and 2GIG alarm systems. Just like any standard dimmer, the WD500Z-1 should be fed with a Line (120VAC), neutral and ground from the electrical panel. Then the neutral and load connections should be run out to the lighting fixtures. After the dimmer is wired, it needs to be included with a Z-Wave controller. Then it can be automated using scenes, rules and scheduling configured from the controller.

The LYNX Touch series (L5100, L5200 and L7000) will require the L5100-ZWAVE controller in order to integrate Z-Wave control of up to 40 dimmers/switches. The L5100-ZWAVE slides into the control panel opposite the WIFI communicator. For VISTA P-series panels (VISTA-15P, 20P, 21iP, 128BPT, 250BPT), you can choose between the Tuxedo Touch and the VAM. The Tuxedo is a graphical touchscreen display keypad with a built-in Z-Wave controller. The VAM simply connects to the ECP bus of the VISTA panel and can be configured with a web tool using its IP address.

Dimmers are designed for dimmable light bulbs only. Some bulbs including Compact Flourescent (CFL) and LEDs are not dimmable. The WS15Z-1 is the best Z-Wave switch for non-dimmable loads. Before choosing a dimmer, it is recommended to calculate the load of each lighting circuit. Simply add the total of watts of each light bulb and this will give you your load. The WD500Z-1 supports up to 500 watts but we recommend keeping a 50w buffer to avoid the switch becoming hot to touch. If you are approaching the load capacity we recommend using the Linear WD1000Z-1 which has a 1000 watt capacity.

There are tabs on each side of this dimmer. When installed in a single gang J-box (with both tabs in tact), the dimmer has a 500 watt load capacity. However in a 2-gang box one of these tabs must be removed in order to properly fit. Furthermore for 3-gang and larger setups, both tabs must be removed. Each of these tabs accounts for 100 watts of load capacity. So if one tab is removed the load is 400w and both tabs removed the load is 300w. Remember to leave a small buffer to keep the dimmer cool.

Brand: Linear

Reviews
Not Z-Wave Plus
Submitted on 12/30/2019 Alarm Grid

The Linear WD500Z-1 is a 500 watt in-wall Z-Wave dimmer switch. It is for use with dimmable bulbs only, and it has a load limit of 500 watts. The module can fit nicely into a single-gang bracket, which helps to ensure a neat installation. The device can be paired with nearly any Z-Wave controller or hub, making it quite versatile. However, this device only uses standard Z-Wave communication, as opposed to Z-Wave Plus. It has also been discontinued in favor of more advanced dimming modules. Overall, the Linear WD500Z-1 is a fine device, but it has some flaws that must be considered. We give it 4 Stars.

There are many things we like about the Linear WD500Z-1. For one, it is really easy to pair with a network. Only minor wiring is needed to install the device, so it works great for DIY users. Since the module fits into a single-gang bracket, you can rest assured that the end result will look aesthetically pleasing. And the dimming feature is nice, as you can set the lights to the perfect level for the mood or situation at hand.

However, the downsides to the Linear WD500Z-1 must also be discussed. The module cannot be used with non-dimmable bulbs. These include compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and LED lights. The 500 Watt load limit is suitable for most residential situations, but it does present restrictions on how the device can be used. The WD500Z-1 only speaks standard Z-Wave, and you cannot take advantage of Z-Wave Plus with this module. The module has been discontinued, so you can no longer purchase it new. However, if you already have one, then it will still work fine.

The Linear WD500Z-1 is a decent in-wall dimmer, but there are better options available. It gets a 4 Star rating.

Good: Easy to Enroll, Only Requires Minor Wiring, Fits In Single Gang Bracket, Dims the Lights

Bad: For Dimmable Bulbs Only, 500 Watt Limit, Standard Z-Wave, Discontinued

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

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