Resolving GE Enbrighten Two Way Z Wave Smart Switch Power Drain

Introduction

Home automation has made it possible to control lights, outlets, and other appliances from a smartphone or voice assistant. Among the popular devices that bring these conveniences to the living room are two‑way Zigbee (Z‑Wave) smart switches. One such model, the GE Enbrighten Two‑Way Z‑Wave Smart Switch, allows a single switch to control two separate circuits. Users have reported that the switch continues to draw power even when turned off, leading to a noticeable increase in their electric bill. In this article we will explore why this power drain occurs, how to diagnose it, and step‑by‑step solutions to bring the consumption back to normal levels.

Understanding the Power Drain

When a smart switch is installed, it remains connected to the electrical line to maintain its wireless link. However, the design of many Z‑Wave devices means that a small current is always present. This constant “stand‑by” current can add up, especially if multiple devices are installed in the same house. For a GE Enbrighten Two‑Way switch, typical idle draw is in the range of 50 to 100 milliamps. If you have a dozen of them, the cumulative load can be enough to affect your monthly usage.

What contributes to the drain?

1. Firmware updates – The switch checks for new firmware over the network periodically. Even if no update is available, the check itself consumes power.
2. Wireless radio – The Zigbee module stays ready to receive commands, keeping a low‑power state that still draws current.
3. Built‑in LEDs – Some models keep status LEDs on or blinking to indicate connectivity, which is a continuous drain.
4. Internal power management – A small regulator keeps the microcontroller powered for quick response, and this regulator is rarely shut off completely.
5. Hardware faults – Over time, a malfunctioning component (e.g., a bad capacitor) can raise the current draw.

Knowing these factors helps in narrowing down which component or behavior is responsible for the higher consumption.

Diagnosing the Issue

Before you attempt any repairs, make sure you are following electrical safety guidelines. Turn off the breaker that supplies power to the switch, wait a minute, then proceed with the diagnostic steps below.

1. Measure the current draw

Use a clamp meter or a plug‑in power meter that records real‑time consumption. Connect the meter to the line that powers the switch and record the idle current.

• A reading of < 0.2 A (200 mA) is typical for a fully functioning GE Enbrighten Two‑Way switch.
• A reading above 0.3 A (300 mA) indicates that the device is drawing excess power.

Tip: Take readings both when the switch is physically on and when it is off. A higher reading when off is a clear sign of a drain.

2. Check the firmware version

Open the Ge Home or any Zigbee controller app that communicates with the switch. Locate the device, tap “Device Info,” and note the firmware version.

• If the firmware is not up to date, the device may be using a legacy power‑management routine that has since been optimized.
• If the firmware is current, proceed to the next step.

3. Inspect the LED behavior

Turn the switch on and off while watching the LED status.

• Blinking: Indicates a normal state‑up.
• Constant on: Suggests the device is not entering low‑power mode.
• Off: This is expected when the switch is off, but if it stays on even when the switch is turned off, it may be a hardware fault.

4. Test the network traffic

Use a Zigbee network sniffer or a logging feature in your Zigbee controller to see how often the switch wakes up to send or receive data. Frequent wake‑ups may be unnecessary.

5. Check for loose connections

Open the switch housing (only if you have the proper tools and are sure it is safe to do so). Look for loose wires, burnt insulation, or signs of overheating. Any of these can contribute to increased current draw.

Step‑by‑Step Solutions

Once the diagnosis confirms a power drain, choose the appropriate fix. Some solutions require only software changes; others may involve hardware replacement.

Updating Firmware

1. Open the controlling app and ensure the switch is within range.
2. Go to the device list, select the GE Enbrighten Two‑Way switch, and tap Update Firmware.
3. Follow on‑screen instructions; the device may reset several times.
4. After the update, re‑measure the current draw.
5. If the drain persists, move to the next solution.

Adjusting Network Settings

Some Zigbee controllers allow you to change the polling interval or disable unnecessary background tasks.

1. In the Zigbee controller, locate Device Settings for the switch.
2. Look for options like “Wake‑up Interval” or “Low‑Power Mode.”
3. Set the wake‑up interval to a higher value (e.g., 30 minutes).
4. Disable any “Firmware Check” if the controller offers that option.
5. Save changes and verify the current draw again.

Turning Off LED Indicator

If the device’s LED is the primary source of the drain, consult the product manual for a way to disable it. Some models expose a small jumper or a software flag.

1. Use a screwdriver to locate the LED driver on the board.
2. If a jumper is present, carefully shift it to disconnect the LED circuit.
3. If no jumper exists, you may need to flash a custom firmware that turns the LED off.
4. After modification, measure current again.

Replacing the Switch

When software and settings adjustments do not solve the issue, consider a hardware replacement.

1. Buy a new GE Enbrighten Two‑Way Z‑Wave Smart Switch or a compatible third‑party switch that is known for low idle draw.
2. Switch off the breaker, remove the old switch, and install the new one following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Verify that the new unit is updated to the latest firmware before measuring current draw.
4. If the new unit also drains power, the issue may lie elsewhere in the circuit (e.g., a downstream device drawing more current).

Reducing Network Traffic

If the switch is part of a dense Zigbee mesh, traffic can cause it to wake more often.

• Re‑arrange devices to ensure the switch is not at the edge of the mesh.
• Place the Zigbee coordinator (e.g., a smart hub) closer to the switch.
• Reduce the number of devices that use the same channel, which can lower collision rates and wake‑ups.

Preventive Measures

Even after fixing the problem, you can implement long‑term practices to keep power consumption low.

• Regular Firmware Checks – Schedule monthly checks or enable automatic updates if your system supports it.
• Energy‑Efficient Switches – For future installations, choose switches that specify low standby current (e.g., < 0.15 A).
• Smart Scheduling – Use timers or routines that turn off the switch when it is not needed.
• Monitor Consumption – Install a smart plug that measures real‑time usage for each switch and set alerts when the consumption spikes.
• Educate Users – Remind family members that the switch is always connected and that frequent manual toggling may contribute to higher drain.

Conclusion

A power drain from a GE Enbrighten Two‑Way Z‑Wave Smart Switch is often caused by firmware, network activity, or LED usage. By carefully measuring current, updating firmware, adjusting network settings, and, if necessary, replacing the switch, you can bring the idle draw back within acceptable limits. Regular maintenance and mindful device selection will further ensure that your smart home remains both convenient and efficient.