We get calls daily from folks looking to integrate their Z-Wave enabled alarm systems with HomeSeer. Usually, these calls are prompted by users who've outgrown the basic automation capabilities of those systems and they're looking features they don't currently have. These calls are not fun to field as we usually end up being the bearer of bad news. The problem, in a nutshell, is that these systems are not built with integration in mind.
In a typical HomeSeer system, HomeSeer functions as the primary controller for the home and the alarm system is a sub-system. HomeSeer controls the lighting, thermostats (and other sub-systems) and also can monitor and control the alarm panel. The alarm system can be monitored professionally to provide the highest level of security and HomeSeer provides redundant monitoring as well as whole-house (multi-protocol) event triggering. This is ideal.
With typical Z-Wave enabled alarm systems, the panel itself is the primary controller for the home and integration with other controllers is not possible. HomeSeer is unable to monitor or control these panels and the attached Z-Wave devices are also inaccessible to HomeSeer. Systems that work this way include ADT Pulse, Honeywell Tuxedo, GE Simon, 2GIG and others.
So, if you're considering the purchase of a Z-Wave enabled alarm system, use a little caution. Take some time to evaluate the automation functions of the system and be sure it meets your present and future needs. If you're not sure about that, we recommend looking at HomeSeer compatible alarm systems instead (DSC PowerSeries, Ademco Vista, Elk M1).
For those who've already invested in a Z-Wave alarm system but now wish to integrate with HomeSeer, all is not lost. In many cases, it's possible to replace the main alarm panel with a HomeSeer compatible system and use a "translator" module (like those by Resolution Products) to allow the new panel to work with existing sensors.
In a typical HomeSeer system, HomeSeer functions as the primary controller for the home and the alarm system is a sub-system. HomeSeer controls the lighting, thermostats (and other sub-systems) and also can monitor and control the alarm panel. The alarm system can be monitored professionally to provide the highest level of security and HomeSeer provides redundant monitoring as well as whole-house (multi-protocol) event triggering. This is ideal.
With typical Z-Wave enabled alarm systems, the panel itself is the primary controller for the home and integration with other controllers is not possible. HomeSeer is unable to monitor or control these panels and the attached Z-Wave devices are also inaccessible to HomeSeer. Systems that work this way include ADT Pulse, Honeywell Tuxedo, GE Simon, 2GIG and others.
So, if you're considering the purchase of a Z-Wave enabled alarm system, use a little caution. Take some time to evaluate the automation functions of the system and be sure it meets your present and future needs. If you're not sure about that, we recommend looking at HomeSeer compatible alarm systems instead (DSC PowerSeries, Ademco Vista, Elk M1).
For those who've already invested in a Z-Wave alarm system but now wish to integrate with HomeSeer, all is not lost. In many cases, it's possible to replace the main alarm panel with a HomeSeer compatible system and use a "translator" module (like those by Resolution Products) to allow the new panel to work with existing sensors.
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