The Linked Devices feature on the Z-Box hub allows you to combine multiple compatible devices into one virtual device for simplified control. Once linked, the group will appear as a single device in your interface, making it easier to manage several devices at once with a single action or automation.

This is especially useful for scenarios where you want multiple devices to operate in sync—such as turning off all lights in a room or managing several sensors as a unified system.

 

Currently supported Linked Device categories include:

• Binary Sensors

• Multilevel Sensors

• Thermostats

• Humidifiers

• Video Doorbells

• Switches

• Blinds and Blinds with Positioning

• Sprinklers

We've included examples for programming switches, binary sensors, and thermostats using linked devices. For more in-depth look at linked devices for creating a smart sprinkler system, check out the article here.

Switches: Creating Linked Devices

If your setup includes multiple switches that you want to control together, the Linked Devices feature offers a simple alternative to creating a scene. Instead of setting up complex automations, you can group the switches into a single Linked Device. This allows them to operate in sync, with one switch acting as the Primary Device.

In this configuration, the primary switch controls the group, and the other switches automatically mirror its state. The following example demonstrates how to link three switches so that changes to the primary switch are reflected by the other two.

 

1. To create a group of switches, from the Device menu of the Z-Box web interface, click on the Add Device menu. 

 

2. Select the Other Devices option.

 

3. From the Linked Devices menu, click on Switches.

 

4. Enter the Name and the Room for the linked device.

 

5. From the Select Devices drop-down menu, select at least two devices to be grouped.

 

6. From the Select the Primary Device drop-down menu, select the device that, if switched manually, will change the status for the entire group

 

7. Select the device type category from the drop-down menu. The linked Device may act as one of the following types:

• Color controller (the first occurrence is RGBW controller): linked devices replicate brightness, color, and power state of the primary device
• Relay: linked devices replicate the power state of the master device 
• Color controller (the second occurrence is the color controller: linked devices replicate color parameters of the primary devices
• Multilevel switch: linked devices replicate the voltage output of the master device (Dimmers)

 

8. By default, devices included in the linked devices are hidden from the dashboard. If you want them to show on the dashboard, uncheck the check box next to the Hide device included in the linked device. Only the single-linked device will be showing if you uncheck this option.

 

9. Click Save. You will be redirected to the Device setting menu where the newly added linked device will be displayed.

 

Binary Sensors: Creating Linked Devices

On the Z-Box Hub, you can streamline your automations and device management by linking multiple binary sensors of the same type into a single, unified virtual sensor. This linked sensor acts as a primary sensor and reflects the collective status of the connected devices. You can choose how the primary sensor responds using logical operators—AND or OR—to define its behavior. For example, using the OR operator means the primary sensor will be triggered if any of the linked sensors are triggered, while the AND operator requires all linked sensors to be triggered before the primary sensor activates. This is especially useful for creating complex conditions in automations, like monitoring multiple doors or windows, or combining motion sensors across a zone.

 

1. To create a group of binary sensors, from the Device menu of the Z-Box web interface, click on the Add Device menu. 

 

2. Select the Other Devices option.

 

3. From the Linked Devices menu, click on Binary Sensors.

 

4. Enter the Name and the Room for the linked device.

 

5. Select the Binary Sensor Type to be grouped. 

 

6. From the Select Devices drop-down menu, select the devices that you want to be linked.

 

7. From the Select Logical Operator, select the AND or OR operator to be used to group the sensors. Click Save. 

 

8. By default, devices included in the linked devices are hidden from the dashboard. If you want them to show on the dashboard, uncheck the check box next to the Hide device included in the linked device. Only the single-linked device will be showing if you uncheck this option.

 

9. Click Save. You will be redirected to the Device settings menu where the newly added linked device will be displayed.

 

The newly created linked sensor can now be used as a trigger for scenes or notifications. If you selected the OR operator, the action will be triggered when any of the linked sensors are breached. With the AND operator, the action only occurs when all linked sensors are breached. For example, you could configure an alarm siren to activate when at least one door or window sensor is triggered, providing a flexible and reliable way to monitor multiple entry points at once.

 

Creating Binary Thermostats Using Linked Devices

If you don’t have a Z-Wave thermostat, the Z-Box Hub allows you to create a virtual thermostat using the Linked Devices feature. By combining a temperature sensor with a relay connected to your heating system, you can achieve thermostat-like control and automation without needing a dedicated Z-Wave thermostat.

The available operating modes for your virtual thermostat will depend on the types of devices you include. If you link only a heating device , the virtual thermostat will support heating modes only. However, if you also add a device for cooling, additional modes—such as Heat, Cool, Auto, and Off—will become available. This flexibility allows you to tailor your virtual thermostat setup to match your system's capabilities and seasonal needs.

 

1. To create a virtual thermostat, from the Device menu of the Z-Box web interface, click on the Add Device menu.

 

2. Select the Other Devices option.

 

3. From the Linked Devices menu, click on Thermostat.

 

4. Enter the Name and the Room for the linked device.

 

5. From the Main Device drop-down menu, select the main device that will be monitoring the temperature. 

 

6. Under the Switches section, select the heating and/or cooling device. The selected device will be the switch or a relay that will turn on/off the heating/cooling system. 

 

If you choose a device (Switch/Wall Plug) solely for heating, the linked device will only support heating modes.

 

However, if you include devices for cooling as well, the Linked Device will offer additional modes such as Heat, Cool, Auto, and Off.

 

7. By default, devices included in the linked devices are hidden from the dashboard. If you want them to show on the dashboard, uncheck the check box next to the Hide device included in the linked device. Only the single-linked device will be showing if you uncheck this option.

 

8. Click Save. You will be redirected to the Device setting menu where the newly added linked device will be displayed.

 

The heating and cooling schedule for the linked Device can be set in the Climate panel. To learn how to create and manage a climate panel, check out this article: How To Manage the Climate Panel And Thermostat Schedules On Your Z-Box Hub.

 

Please reach out to our support team if you have any questions; we're happy to help!