Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module • Manual

This is the digital manual for the Inovelli Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module (Zigbee) - VZW36

Eric Hines avatar
Written by Eric Hines
Updated over a week ago

DISCLAIMER: You may notice there are a lot of over-used keywords or phrases as well as English that seems a little off. This is because these articles are used to feed our AI Robot (Ira) and she needs the data to be structured in a certain way.

REMINDER: This canopy is only to be used to control AC Motor exhaust and ceiling fans. Do not use the module on any sort of lighting load or DC Motor.

IMPORTANT: Before installing your fan/light canopy module, please ensure the fan motor is set to high speed. If you notice that after you install the module that the speeds are not as fast as they were prior to installing the module, it's likely that the motor was not on high (please adjust if you find this is the case).

Setup Instructions Overview

This is the digital manual for the Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module.


Navigating the Instructions

Please click on any of the sections in the Table of Contents to get started. We recommend working your way down as it follows an intentional flow that is user friendly and hub/gateway specific. As always, any questions, please see the Additional Resources links section or submit a ticket, we’re happy to help.


Quick Setup & Pairing

This section assumes you have your canopy module wired correctly, the LED light is lit up and you are ready to pair your module. If you have not wired it please visit the Wiring Instructions section first.

Pairing

When you are ready to pair your module, please start the pairing process on your Zigbee enabled hub.

Once your hub has started the pairing process, check to make sure the LED light (B) on your module is pulsing blue (it should automatically start pulsing when power is restored to it). If it's not pulsing, quickly tap three (3) times on the configuration button (A).

If your module pairs successfully, the LED light (B) will blink Green temporarily and then go back to blue as shown in the videos below. If the module does not pair successfully, the LED Bar (B) will blink red temporarily and then go back to blue. If you run into issues where your module is not pairing, you may have to reset the module.

Video Demonstration

NOTE: Your module will start to pulse blue as soon as you restore power to it. If it isn't pulsing, please follow the video underneath this one.

If your module isn't pulsing blue, then please follow this video to start the pairing process.

Factory Resetting

To reset your module, hold down on the configuration button (A) for 20 seconds until the LED Bar (B) turns red. It will blink red three times to confirm as shown in the video below.

Video Demonstration

NOTE: Video sped up to save time/space

PLACEHOLDER BELOW


Getting to Know Your Module

Please refer to the above diagram to get to know your module.

A. Configuration Button: The configuration button is used to pair, remove and configure your canopy module

B. LED Light: Used to show whether the canopy module is in pairing mode and if it has been added or removed successfully.

C. Antenna: Used to communicate with your hub and/or other Zigbee devices.

D. Fan Wire: Wired directly to the fan's motor wire.

E. Light Wire: Wired directly to the fan's light wire.

F. Line Wire: Wired directly to the power wire (could either be 120V line wire or the load wire that comes up from the light switch) and is used to power the canopy module

G. Neutral Wire: Wired directly to the neutral wire.

Quick Tap Sequences

These sequences can be used to program your smart module. However, we recommend that if you have a hub that supports parameter changes (ie: SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant, etc) you use the hub to make these changes as it's much easier than doing it manually at the module. Please follow the link below to see all the Quick Tap Sequences along with videos.

LED Light Indicators

This module uses its LED light to display when certain events take place (pairing or removal was successful or failed) and/or during configuration modes. Please see the link below to better understand what the various LED color/animations mean.


Wiring Your Module

Do not attempt to install the module if you are unfamiliar with electrical as serious injury can occur.

REMINDER: Before installing your module, please ensure the fan motor is set to high speed. If you notice that after you install your module the speeds are not as fast as they were prior to installing your module, it's likely that the motor was not on high (please adjust if you find this is the case).

Safety Reminder

Consult a qualified electrician if necessary as we are unable to give wiring advice outside of schematics .

If you are unsure how electrical circuits work, please do not try installing this device. As exciting as it is to have a smart module installed, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening if you do not install it correctly. Improper installation will void the product’s warranty.

Please read through the warnings below before installing your module. We can’t stress enough how dangerous installation can be if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Warnings

Please click on the dropdown below to read the warnings.

Warnings

Caution - Please Read: This device (VZW36) is intended for installation in accordance with the National Electric Code and local regulations in the United States, or the Canadian Electrical Code and local regulations in Canada. If you are unsure or uncomfortable about performing this installation consult a qualified electrician. This product is made for indoor use only and is not designed or approved for use on power lines other than 120VAC, 60Hz, single phase. Attempting to use this VZW36 on non-approved power lines may have hazardous consequences.

Attention – Information importante: Cet appareil (VZW36) est conçu pour être installé conformément au « National Electric Code » et aux réglementations locales aux États-Unis, ou au Code canadien de l’électricité et aux réglementations locales canadiennes. Si vous ne vous sentez pas à l’aise ou qualifiés pour effectuer cette installation, veuillez consultez un électricien qualifié. Ce produit est conçu pour une utilisation intérieure uniquement et n’est pas conçu ou approuvé pour une utilisation avec une ligne électrique ayant un voltage autre que 120 VCA, 60 Hz, monophasé. L’utilisation du VZW36 avec une ligne électrique non approuvée peut avoir des résultats dangereux.

Other Warnings: Risk of Fire, Electrical Shock & Burns

Autres avertissements: Risque d’incendie, de choc électrique et de brûlures

Recommended Installation Practices: Use only indoors or in an outdoor rated box. Turn off the circuit breaker. Installing this module with the power on will expose you to dangerous voltages. Connect only copper or copper-clad wire to the module.

To reduce the risk of overheating and possible damage to other equipment, do not install to control a receptacle, a motor-operated appliance, a fluorescent lighting fixture or a transformer supplied appliance and do not use the VZW36 load output to control no more than indicated, which is: 300 Watts (Incandescent), 150 Watts (LED, and 150 Watts (CFL) for the light portion and 1.2 Amps (Resistive Load), no more than two (2) fans to the same module, and use only with split-capacitor or shaded-pole ceiling fan motors.

To install your Fan/Light Canopy Module (VZM36), you’ll need to identify the following four wires (NOTE: Neutral is not mandatory, but recommended):

  • Line: Usually black and can also be called the, “hot” or “live” and carries 120VAC electricity into the electrical box

  • Neutral*: Usually white and is commonly daisy chained from box to box, usually appearing as a white wire bundle.

  • Load: Usually black, blue or red

  • Ground: Bare copper wire or metal fixture (if grounded)

* Neutral is mandatory in certain installations. See the compatibility chart below.

If you are having difficulties identifying wires, please consult an electrician.

Pratiques d'installation recommandées : Utiliser uniquement à l'intérieur ou dans une boîte extérieure. Éteignez le disjoncteur. Installer ce module sous tension vous exposera à des tensions dangereuses. Connectez uniquement du fil de cuivre ou recouvert de cuivre au module.

Pour réduire le risque de surchauffe et de dommages possibles à d'autres équipements, n'installez pas pour contrôler une prise, un appareil à moteur, un luminaire fluorescent ou un appareil alimenté par un transformateur et n'utilisez pas la sortie de charge VZW36 pour contrôler pas plus que ce qui est indiqué. , soit : 300 watts (incandescence), 150 watts (LED et 150 watts (CFL) pour la partie lumineuse et 2,5 ampères (charge résistive), pas plus de deux (2) ventilateurs sur le même module, et à utiliser uniquement avec moteurs de ventilateur de plafond à condensateur divisé ou à pôles ombragés (sauf si vous utilisez un ventilateur d'extraction de salle de bain pour lequel la charge maximale est de 2,5 A).

Pour installer votre module de ventilateur/auvent de lumière (VZM36), vous devrez identifier les quatre fils suivants (REMARQUE : le neutre n'est pas obligatoire, mais recommandé) :

  • Ligne: généralement noire et peut également être appelée « chaud » ou « sous tension » et transporte l’électricité 120 VCA dans le boîtier électrique

  • Neutre: habituellement blanc et connecté en série d’une boîte à l’autre, les fils sont habituellement attachés ensemble dans la boîte électrique

  • Charge: habituellement noire, bleue ou rouge

  • Mise à terre: fil de cuivre nu ou boîtier métallique (si celui-ci est mis à la terre)Si vous rencontrez des difficultés à identifier les fils, veuillez consulter un électricien.

Équipement médical: Veuillez ne pas utiliser cet interrupteur pour contrôler de l’équipement médical ou nécessaire à la survie. Les appareils Zigbee ne doivent jamais être utilisés pour contrôler la marche or l’arrêt d’équipement médical et/ou nécessaires à la survie.

Vocabulary

Before we go into actual steps, it’s important to be familiar with the vernacular used on the following pages. Please see below:

  • Line: This is your hot wire (120V) - aka: “live” wire

  • Load: This is the wire that runs from your wall switch to your fan module

  • Neutral: This is the wire that carries current back to the power source (you may not have this in your house)

  • Fan Wire: This is the red wire that connects to your fan's motor wire

  • Light Wire: This is the blue wire that connects to your fan's light wire

Wiring Schematics

Please see the following link to the wiring schematics for this switch: Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module Schematics


Hub/Gateway Setup

The Inovelli smart module can be used on various hub platforms such as: SmartThings, Home Assistant - ZHA, Home Assistant - Zigbee2MQTT, Hubitat, and Amazon Echo. If you'd like specific instructions on how to setup this module on your hub's platform, please click the links below to be taken to them:

If you don't see your hub listed above, please go to the, "Quick Setup & Inclusion" section for generic instructions.


Setting Up Your Module w/a Smart Switch

The most common and user friendly setup with the Fan/Light Module involves using a smart switch to control the fan and light from the wall. To do this, you will use a combination of either Zigbee Bindings and Multi-Tap Scene Control, or simply using Multi-Tap Scene Control.

NOTE: We recommend using a Blue Series 2-1 Switch so you can utilize Zigbee Bindings.

If you'd like specific instructions on how to setup your module to work with a smart switch, please click the links below to be taken to them:


Advanced Features

The advanced features shown below are what is built into the module firmware, and may or may not be supported by your hub/ gateway. We’ve confirmed they’re supported on SmartThings, Hubitat, and Home Assistant (ZHA and Z-Wave2MQTT).

This module is packed with a ton of amazing features, which include smart bulb/fan mode and approximately 30 different parameters to customize your module.

Module Parameters

To see the list of parameters on this module, please click on the following link: Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module Parameters

Smart Bulb & Fan Mode

Smart Fan Mode is used to maintain power to your smart bulb and fan if you have them wired to your smart module. Said differently, smart bulbs and fans require constant power to them and with traditional light switches (non-smart), if you turn the light switch off, power is cut to the smart bulb or fan and they are unable to communicate with the hub and fall offline. By using Smart Bulb & Fan Mode, you will maintain constant power to the smart bulb and/or fan and use virtual commands from the switch to turn on/off/change speeds of your smart fan.​

NOTE: You will also have to make sure the "dumb" light switch is either always left on or there is a smart switch with Smart Bulb/Fan Mode enabled so that there is constant power to the module.

Zigbee Binding

Zigbee Bindings are used to "bind" two or more Zigbee devices together. The benefit is that when two Zigbee devices are bound together, they no longer need the hub to communicate with each other (they will still report status to the hub). This is important because if your hub goes offline, the bound Zigbee devices will still communicate. Some common examples are:

  • 2+ Zigbee modules bound together to sync fans and/or lights

  • Zigbee switch to Zigbee module

Setup instructions are different for each hub, so we've created instructions for the following hubs:


Factory Resetting Your Module

In the event that you have to factory reset your module, you can do it at the module itself or by cutting power to it at the breaker (or if you have it connected to an Inovelli switch, you can pull the air-gap if power is located at the switch).

Factory Resetting at the Module

To factory reset your Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module at the module itself, please hold down on the Pairing Button (A) for 20 seconds until the LED Indicator (B) turns red.

Factory Resetting by Cutting Power

To factory reset your Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module at the power source (ie: via the circuit breaker or via your smart switch), please follow the directions below:

  • Start by cutting power to the canopy module (this can be done by either turning off the circuit breaker or by pulling the air-gap on your Inovelli switch if the module is connected to it)

  • Turn the canopy module power back on for 2 seconds, then power off again for 2 seconds

  • Repeat this pattern six (6) times (make sure the final state is On so there's power to the canopy)

  • To confirm the module has been reset, the Fan’s light should flash a few times and then remain on


Product & Contact Info

Product Info / Specs

Name: Smart Fan/Light Canopy Module

SKU #: VZM36

Power: 120V AC, 60Hz Signal

(Frequency): 2.4 GHz

Operating Temperature Range: 32-95° F (0-35° C)

Maximum Fan Load (Amps): 1.2 Amps

Maximum Light Load (Watts): 300W Incandescent, 150W LED, 100W CFL

Range: Up to 100 meters line of sight between the Wireless Controller (HUB) and the closest Zigbee Repeater.

Certifications: ETL Listed, FCC/IC & Zigbee Certified

For indoor use. Specifications subject to change without notice due to continuing product improvement.

Compatible Hubs

While most Z-Wave enabled hubs are compatible with the Blue Series Fan/Light Canopy Module, the hubs below have been tested and verified to work. If you do not see your hub listed, please reach out prior to purchase.

  • Samsung/Aeotec SmartThings (V1, V2, V3 - SmartThings Station is not compatible)

  • Hubitat (C4, C5, C7, C8)

  • Home Assistant (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT)

Company Info / Warranty

If you run into any issues, feel free to reach out to us. We typically answer tickets within 24-48 hours and are staffed by actual smart home owners.

All Inovelli products come with a one (1) year warranty (defined as 365 days). This warranty protects you from breakdowns in the material or workmanship under normal use. This warranty is limited in a couple areas. Purchases must be made from Inovelli or an authorized reseller. The product should be used in the manner directed in the instructions. The product must only be used and/or installed in the United States or Canada.

For full warranty info, please visit: inov.li/warranty

Project Cheryl

This project was named after Eric H's mom, Cheryl, who passed away in 2019 of cancer. She was an incredible person who instilled a solid work ethic and a stubbornness to never give up. Another reason this project is named Cheryl is because the goal is to have this pair directly to our button controller, which is named project Walt (which is Eric H's dad, who also passed away).

As we always do, we relied heavily on our amazing community who quickly grasped onto this project and helped us along the way. In fact, many of the signatures you see on the product page are community members, who’ve stepped up and helped develop and beta tested this product with us. We believe the products should be built by people who actually use them not by some corporate project manager.

To see the origin of this project, as well as the journey scan the code or visit: Project Cheryl

PDF Copy of the Manual

(Keep in mind this may be out of date)

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