Z-Wave FAQ

Z-Wave Mesh Network

What is Z-Wave technology ? Z-Wave technology was developed by Zensys Corportion and allows users to create a wireless, two-way mesh network within a home, condo or apartment. This network allows complete control of a large number of compatible devices throughout the home from a single remote control, wall panel, or Internet interface. Click here to see an over view of Z-Wave What is the The Z-Wave Alliance ? The Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of leading independent manufacturers who have agreed to build wireless home control products based on the Zensys' Z-Wave open standard. Having this standard means every product that bears the Z-Wave mark will work with all other Z-Wave products, with no special programming, and regardless of who originally manufacturers the item. As a result, total control of home lighting and devices have been made simple, accessible and affordable. What type of devices will Z-Wave technology allow me to control ? Z-Wave products and applications fall into every conceivable area of control for residential and commercial uses. These include home interior and landscape lighting. HVAC and security control, as well as home theaters, automated window treatments, pool and spa controls, garage and access controls and much more. How does the Z-Wave system work ? Each device in the network, such as a lamp, light switch, thermostat etc. has an individual code, selected from more than 4 billion options. When you program one of the controllers it learns that unique code. Then when you press the appropriate button, the controller sends a signal to the device telling it what to do. What kinds of devices can go on a Z-Wave network ? Any electrical device can be controlled using Z-Wave technology. Some examples include indoor and outdoor lights (both on/off and lighting levels), temperature, electronic entry systems, motion controls, motorized blinds, home theater systems and pool/spa controls. How many devices can I put on my network ? A Z-wave network supports up to 232 devices. Multiple Z-wave networks can be combined via gateways. Interestingly enough unlike other RF systems that require expensive repeaters the Vizia system actually works better with more devices on the network. Are these products difficult to install ? Some devices, such as lamp controllers, simply plug into existing electrical outlets. You use them the same way you would use a timer. If you can perform simple household repairs such as replacing a light switch or an electrical outlet, you can Z-Wave enable your home. What kinds of controllers are available ? Currently, you can choose from a handheld remote control, in wall master controller, or Internet interface. Click here to see the 2 and 4 button in wall master controller demo Does Z-Wave require a central controller ? No. Because it is a mesh network, it can be controlled from anywhere in or around the home. Each device acts independently. How difficult is it to program the controller ? If you can program your VCR or television, you can program a Z-Wave system. How do I know whether the desired action has occurred ? You will receive a message on the controlling device telling you that the action has been completed. This message will only appear if the device being controlled sends a completion signal. Can I control multiple devices at once ? Yes. You can control any combination of devices with a single push of a button, and even set scenes using multiple types of devices. What are scenes ? Scenes are a pre-set combination of actions that occur at the touch of a single button. For example, you can create a scene for dusk that closes window treatments, adjusts the themostate temperature, turns on inside lights to a pre-set level, turns on the television and activates an outdoor motion sensor. Can I use Z-Wave with outdoor devices and landscape lighting ? Yes, providing they remain within range of the controllers, which is currently 75 feet. I have a large home will Z-Wave work there ? Not only does this mesh network help get around construction obstacles. It also helps extend the system range by relaying the signal along multiple devices. Large homes that don't work well with other types of lighting controls (due to size or construction) can finally be controlled easily via Z-Wave technology. Current tests show a Z-Wave network can cover homes well over 10.000 square feet. Is Z-Wave expensive ? Although a Z-Wave light switch may cost a little more than a normal light switch, it is still far less expensive than other home control technologies and far more flexible. The Z-Wave technology helps keep the prices of individual modules lower. As a result some Z-Wave components can be installed for well under $100.