Aeotec Illumino On/Off Switch Review: A 15 A Z-Wave Plus v2 Switch That Repeats the Mesh
Full-circuit switching at 15 A on 120 V, three-way capable, with Gen7 Z-Wave Plus v2 and repeater functionality.
The Aeotec ZWA038 is the on/off sibling of Aeotec's dimmer: a Z-Wave Plus v2 (Gen7) wall switch rated for 15 A on 120 V, which is the full circuit rating rather than a lighting-only figure, and capable of three-way operation. Because it is mains powered it also acts as a Z-Wave repeater, so each switch installed makes the mesh more reliable for battery sensors. Control is local through a hub, with SmartThings and Home Assistant both documented, and there is no cloud dependency. It requires a neutral wire and a Z-Wave hub, and Matter is not supported.
- Z-Wave homes
- Three-way lighting circuits
- Higher-current circuits
- SmartThings and Home Assistant setups
Pros
- 15 A rating on 120 V, the full circuit rating
- Three-way circuit capable
- Z-Wave Plus v2 (Gen7) with repeater functionality
- Local control with no cloud account and no Wi-Fi slot used
- Documented support for SmartThings, Home Assistant and certified Z-Wave gateways
- Status LED and normal manual operation preserved
Cons
- Requires a neutral wire and a Z-Wave hub
- Z-Wave is region locked by frequency
- 120 V only, so North American wiring
- No Matter support
- Energy monitoring, power-off memory and scene mode are not documented
- Protection features and warranty terms are not documented
Who is the Illumino Switch for?
It is for converting existing lighting to smart control without touching the bulbs, which is the sensible approach for fixtures with several lamps or where you want the wall switch to keep working for guests and family. The 15 A rating means it is not limited to light lighting loads, and three-way capability covers hallways and staircases with switches at both ends. As a Z-Wave device it keeps control local, needs no cloud account, and does not consume a Wi-Fi slot.
What it offers
On/off switching of a 120 V circuit at up to 15 A, three-way capable, on Z-Wave Plus v2 from the 700 series generation, which improved range and efficiency across the protocol. Repeater functionality means it relays messages for other Z-Wave devices, and a status LED shows state at the wall. Automations run through your hub, with SmartThings and Home Assistant documented and certified Z-Wave gateways supported generally.
What to know before you buy
A neutral wire and a Z-Wave hub are both required, and the correct regional frequency version must be ordered since Z-Wave is region locked. It is 120 V, so North American wiring. Matter is unsupported. Voice assistant support is not documented for the switch itself, because Z-Wave devices are exposed through the hub. Several specifications are unstated: maximum load in watts, all four protection features, energy monitoring, power-off memory, wireless switch (scene) mode and whether the status LED brightness can be adjusted. Warranty terms are not documented either.
Is the Illumino Switch worth it?
It is priced like other name-brand Z-Wave switches, and the case for it is the same as for the protocol: local control, no cloud, and a mesh that improves as you add devices. The 15 A rating is more headroom than many competitors document. If you want energy monitoring or Matter, look at other switches, and if you have no Z-Wave hub this is the wrong starting point entirely.
Frequently asked questions
How much current can the Illumino Switch handle?
15 A on 120 V, which is the full circuit rating rather than a lighting-only figure. The maximum in watts is not documented.
Can it be used in a three-way setup?
Yes, it is three-way capable, so two switches can control the same light.
Does it need a hub?
Yes, a Z-Wave hub, plus a neutral wire in the wall box.
Does it strengthen my Z-Wave network?
Yes. It works as a repeater, relaying messages for battery-powered Z-Wave devices.
Does it report energy usage?
Energy monitoring is not documented for this model, so do not count on it.








