As people have extended needs there are companies that are offering options that are available as addons to your home security system. This might include motion sensors that also have video cameras in them or it might be a system that allows you to control your thermostat, lighting and even your appliances from your Alarm System.
The first thing that should be said and realized is that there is a big difference between these systems and why you need them. Sure there can be justification to some extent that these add on products are an extension of your security system but in reality we have not yet got to the point where whole home automation is perfected. For that reason I always suggest that you take a moment and consider what and why you are doing something before you get in too deep. Although it might be convenient for you to have all of these systems tied together so maybe you can use one interface or app on your phone to control everything are you at the same time adding additional burden to a high necessity system that you need to work perfectly at all times. In my opinion at this time it is a better solution to keep home automation, security and surveillance as separate systems unless the benefit outweighs the burden of maybe a few extra clicks on your phone.
Z-Wave Technology And Home Systems Integration
Z-Wave is a communications standard that allows extended access or interoperability between systems. There are a large number of devices that are designed to work on this standard and you should understand that this is in addition to the propitiatory standards that your security system makes use of. For this reason you need to know not only is the device able to communicate over Z-Wave but are there features in your Security System to take advantage of that device.
Simple things like Additional Sirens, Door Locks, Garage Door Openers and even basic lighting are normally available on most newer security systems however how well these devices are integrated or if one brand of device will work with your system is not always apparent.
If you see a new device like a Nest Thermostat that states it is Z-Wave and you know your Security System is Z-Wave that doesn’t necessarily mean that your Security System can discover that device and then add all the features needed to control it into your Security System.
For this reason it is very important that you verify compatibility before you make your purchase. You should know the version of the Security System you have and its current Firmware Level.
For instance 2Gig which is a pretty well known Security System maker has three versions of its control panels at this time and each control box has different levels of firmware on it that offer different features. If you have a version one control device it may not work with a new Z-Wave Device while their newest version three control panel might pick the device up and offer all the features to you. The same is true for all makers of Security Control Panels. However 2Gig does offer firmware upgrades which you can install which will expand the feature set or cure bugs just like you are upgrading the operating system on your desktop computer.
What Type Of Z-Wave Devices Are Available
This is always changing but the range of devices that are available over the z-wave format include the basic things like door and window contacts, motion detectors, remote wireless sirens for a basement or other area in your home, garage door openers, door locks, thermostat controls, smoke detectors, door bells with cameras, whole home water shutoff valves, light switches, outlet receptacles, addon plug in receptacles for appliances or other devices, Flood Light Add On Sensors, Humidity Sensors, and the list goes on.
Like we said before it is not necessarily if that new device can be discovered but it is if all of the support options are available in your Security Control Panel to control, read and make use of that device.
How Do I Know The Z-Wave Device I Am Buying Will Work With My Security System?
The first thing you want to do is check with the manufacture of the device and they should list your system as compatible with their device. You also want to check reviews of the product because although it might be listed as working with your system there might be extended requirements to set it up or there might be loss of features. Always find reviews of the product that show the device working with your specific Security System and show its setup and actual use.
Final Note
As first said it is important to not only understand the use of these devices but it is also important to justify their integration with your Security System. Sure would it be nice to be at work and be able to turn your crock pot on at 1pm so dinner is ready when you get home? I guess if you enjoy crock pot meals it would be but at what cost are you adding this functionality into your Security System.
It is my belief that Security, Surveillance and Automation should be kept separate that way they don’t interfere with each other. But this is a case by case decision you should make. Is it worth adding a Z-Wave Floodlight controller to your Security System? Maybe it is. Is it worth adding your crock pot .. I am thinking probably not. So keep this in mind before you start adding and adding and adding more processes and devices for your Security System to Monitor and Control.