As a leading name in the U.S. electrical industry for over a century, Leviton has built its reputation on innovation in lighting, wiring devices, and network infrastructure. But when the smart home revolution began accelerating in the mid-2000s, the company faced a critical decision: which wireless protocol would best serve their customers’ growing automation needs?
“When we were evaluating wireless protocols back in 2007, Z-Wave stood out immediately,” says Greg Rhoades, Director of Marketing at Leviton. “The mesh networking capability, the dedicated frequency band, and the focus on interoperability aligned perfectly with what our customers were telling us they needed – devices that just work, reliably, every time.”
That conviction led to Leviton joining the Z-Wave Alliance in 2007 alongside the launch of their first Z-Wave device. Today, the company’s Decora Smart® line encompasses smart dimmers, switches, fan controllers, outlets, and plugs – all engineered with the reliability and security that professional installers and homeowners have come to expect from the Leviton name.
Beyond Product Compatibility
For Leviton, Alliance membership has proven to be far more than just ensuring their devices play nicely with others in the Z-Wave ecosystem.
“The real value comes from having a seat at the table with industry thought leaders,” explains Rhoades. “We’re not just developing products in isolation – we’re actively contributing to the standards that will define smart homes for years to come. That collaborative approach to innovation is something you can’t get anywhere else.”
This involvement has become increasingly important as the smart home landscape grows more complex. In a world where digital security threats evolve daily, Leviton points to Z-Wave’s S2 security protocols as a critical differentiator and those conversations have flowed straight into Leviton’s product roadmap—most recently, the launch of its new Z-Wave 800 Series devices.
Continuing to Build on Proven Ground
Whether the project is a volume-built subdivision, a bespoke custom home, or a sprawling MDU property, installers stick with Leviton’s Z-Wave products because it wires in like any standard Decora device and stays compatible with the thousands of Z-Wave products already in the field. That same checklist guided Leviton’s move to the 800 Series which they recently launched. With this upgrade Leviton has been able to keep the workflow identical for installers, then layer in faster processing, lower standby power, and the latest S2 security.
“Whether it’s a 40-unit town-home project or a 400-unit high-rise, our partners choose Z-Wave because it installs like a standard switch today and leaves the door open for whatever tomorrow brings,” says Rhoades. “The 800 Series simply gives them more speed, efficiency, and security on the network they already count on.”
Looking Forward
Nearly two decades after the first Z-Wave device launch, Leviton shows no signs of slowing their smart home innovation. Their continued investment in Z-Wave technology – and active participation in Alliance initiatives – signals a long-term commitment to the interoperable, standard-driven ecosystem that both installers and homeowners increasingly demand.
For a company that’s been powering American homes since 1906, that kind of forward-thinking approach isn’t just good business – it’s essential for staying relevant in an industry where the only constant is change.
For more information about Leviton’s smart home solutions, visit leviton.com or follow them on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
