Shelly Embraces Z-Wave Long Range: A New Era in Smart Home Automation

The smart home landscape is constantly evolving, and Shelly, a prominent player in the field, is making significant strides by integrating Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) technology into its product line. This move promises to enhance the reliability, range, and security of smart home devices, catering to a growing demand for robust and seamless automation solutions. This article, brought to you by www.mysmarthomediy.com, will delve into Shelly's new Z-Wave offerings, exploring their features, benefits, and impact on the future of smart homes.

Introducing Shelly's Z-Wave Long Range Product Line

Shelly has long been recognized for its innovative approach to home automation, and the introduction of Shelly Z-Wave Long Range products marks a significant milestone. These devices, part of the Shelly Wave series, leverage the latest Z-Wave 800 series chipset and the extended reach of ZWLR, offering a compelling alternative to traditional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based smart home solutions.

What Makes Z-Wave Long Range Special?

Before diving into specific products, let's understand the benefits of Z-Wave Long Range technology:

• Extended Range: ZWLR significantly increases the communication distance between devices, making it ideal for larger homes and outdoor applications. The series 800 Z-wave has tested to reach distances of 100m and more outdoors.
• Improved Reliability: The sub-GHz frequency used by Z-Wave penetrates walls and obstacles more effectively than Wi-Fi, resulting in a more stable and reliable connection.
• Enhanced Security: Z-Wave technology is considered more secure due to its use of AES 128 encryption, making it more resistant to interception compared to Wi-Fi.
• Lower Power Consumption: Z-Wave devices generally consume less power than Wi-Fi devices, making them more energy-efficient and suitable for battery-powered applications.

These features make Shelly Z-Wave Long Range products a great choice for users seeking a reliable and secure smart home ecosystem.

Shelly Wave Series: The First Z-Wave Long Range Devices

Shelly's initial foray into the Z-Wave market includes several devices, each designed to address specific smart home needs. Here are some key products from the Shelly Wave series:

Shelly Qubino Wave 1 and Wave 1PM

Credit: www.residentialsystems.com

These are the foundational devices of the new Shelly Wave series, and they are the first to support Z-Wave technology. These devices are similar to the Shelly Plus 1 and Shelly Plus 1PM, but they differ in that they use the Z-Wave protocol instead of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

• Shelly Qubino Wave 1: This device allows users to control a wide range of appliances and equipment, including lights, power outlets, security systems, and heaters. Its dry contact allows for versatile use with various power supplies and loads.
• Shelly Qubino Wave 1PM: This smart switch adds the capability to measure energy consumption, helping users monitor and manage the power usage of connected devices. This device is also designed to fit into standard electrical boxes and switches.

The use of Z-Wave in these devices brings several advantages, including lower power consumption, extended range, and increased data security.

Shelly Wave Smart Plugs

Credit: www.amazon.com

Shelly has also introduced smart plugs that incorporate Z-Wave Long Range technology:

• Shelly Wave Plug US: This SmartThings certified smart plug enables remote control and automation of connected appliances. It also monitors real-time energy consumption. This device is designed for the US market and has extremely low power consumption (< 0.3 W).

These smart plugs provide a simple way to add smart control to any device that plugs into a standard outlet.

Shelly Wave Pro Series

Credit: www.amazon.com

For more advanced installations, Shelly offers the Wave Pro Series, which includes devices like:

• Shelly Wave Pro 1 US: A Z-Wave smart relay switch with dry contacts, suitable for controlling various devices.
• Shelly Wave Pro 1PM US: A Z-Wave smart relay switch with power metering, designed for DIN-rail installations.
• Shelly Wave Pro 2 US: A 2-channel Z-Wave smart relay switch with dry contacts.
• Shelly Wave Pro 2PM US: A 2-channel Z-Wave smart relay switch with power metering.
• Shelly Wave Pro 3 US: A 3-channel Z-Wave smart relay switch with dry contacts.
• Shelly Wave Pro Shutter US: A Z-Wave shutter controller with power metering.

These Pro series devices offer enhanced features and are designed for more complex automation setups, typically found in commercial or larger residential settings.

How Shelly Z-Wave Devices Enhance Your Smart Home

The integration of Shelly Z-Wave Long Range products brings numerous benefits to your smart home:

• Enhanced Automation: Users can automate a wide range of devices, from lighting and garage doors to irrigation systems and more.
• Remote Control: Control your devices from anywhere in the world using a Z-Wave hub and its corresponding app.
• Scheduling and Scenes: Set automated schedules and scenes based on time, sunrise/sunset, or other conditions.
• Energy Management: Monitor and control the energy consumption of connected devices to optimize expenses.
• Reliable Connectivity: The Z-Wave mesh network ensures stable and reliable communication, even in environments with obstacles.
• Improved Security: The use of S2 (Security 2) AES 128 encryption provides a secure environment for your Z-Wave network.

Z-Wave Mesh Networking

One of the key advantages of Z-Wave is its use of mesh networking. Each Z-Wave device acts as a signal repeater, extending the range of the network and ensuring that communication is not limited by distance or obstacles. This is particularly useful in larger homes where a single hub may not be able to reach all devices directly.

Integrating Shelly Z-Wave Long Range Products into Your Smart Home

To get started with Shelly Z-Wave Long Range products, you will need a Z-Wave compatible hub or software. Some of the popular options include:

• Aeotec Smart Home Hub: A versatile hub that supports Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi protocols. Credit: www.smarthome.com.au

• Home Assistant Green: An affordable option that supports a wide range of smart devices and online services. Credit: www.smarthome.com.au

• Homey Bridge: A hub that combines various wireless technologies, including Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and more. Credit: www.smarthome.com.au

• Homey Pro (2023): A high-end hub that supports various wireless technologies, making it suitable for large and complex smart home setups. Credit: www.smarthome.com.au

• Aeotec Z-Wave USB Z-Stick 7: A USB dongle for use with automation software solutions like Home Assistant. Credit: www.smarthome.com.au

• Fibaro Z-Wave Home Center 3 Lite: A smaller version of the advanced Home Center 3, suitable for smaller smart home installations. Credit: www.smarthome.com.au

• Fibaro Z-Wave Home Center 3: A powerful and versatile smart home controller that supports Z-Wave Plus, Zigbee, Bluetooth LE, and Wi-Fi. Credit: www.smarthome.com.au

Once you have a hub, you can easily include your Shelly Z-Wave devices into your network by scanning the QR code on the device.

Conclusion

The introduction of Shelly Z-Wave Long Range products signifies a major step forward in smart home technology. These devices offer enhanced range, reliability, and security, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you are automating lighting, controlling appliances, or managing energy consumption, Shelly's new Z-Wave lineup provides a compelling solution for a more connected and efficient smart home. As the smart home industry continues to evolve, Shelly's commitment to innovation positions them as a leader in the field, offering users reliable and cutting-edge solutions.