Z-wave Solutions Guide: How To Include Devices Into The Z-wave Network

By Author: Leola Huffman
Total Articles: 35
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Once a device is configured into the network, security becomes important. Learn how to choose and associate devices perfect for your Z-Wave network.

Quick Start Solutions Guide for Z-Wave

1. Choose a Device

2. Add Devices into the Network

3. Link Devices and Functions

4. All Systems Go!

Choose a Device

Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol designed for home automation, which lets you control different types of devices such as the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller, the Z-Wave Plug-in Dimmer Controller, door and window openers from a central remote control, a computer or other Z-Wave-ready devices. Z-Wave networks are comprised of controlling devices or transmitters, and devices to be controlled or receivers. There is always at least one transmitter and one receiver in a network, but in most cases there are more receivers.

Add Devices into the Network

To begin with, all devices, both transmitters and receivers, should be included in one single network, in a process called inclusion. ...
... After being included, all devices are interlinked, which means they can send and receive commands from each other, but do not perform any functionality yet. The transmitter is usually included first by turning it into the inclusion mode by pressing a dedicated button or a sequence of buttons. Receivers are often linked to the transmitter by pressing a button or two on the receiver device. To confirm that the receiver is successfully included, wait for a blinking LED or another specific indicator. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the manual of the device to be used.

Link Devices and Functions

Once all devices are included, you need to define the specific relationships between the switching controls of the transmitter and the functions of the receivers, in a process called association. Just like with the inclusion process, association is initiated by the transmitter, which is switched into an association mode by pressing a button or two. In most cases, buttons on both the transmitter and receiver side should be pressed to confirm the association. . To confirm a successful association, wait for a blinking LED or another specific indicator. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the manual of the device used.

All Systems Go!

After the processes of inclusion and association, the functions are now ready for use and the Z-Wave network can be expanded with more devices repeating the previous steps.

Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller and Z-Wave Plug-in Dimmer Controller
The Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller and Z-Wave Plug-in Dimmer Controller are generally used to control electric loads and lamps in particular. Switches usually switch all kinds of electric loads but the application of dimmers is limited to lamps.

When installing the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller and Z-Wave Plug-in Dimmer Controller, the wiring system is important. Z-Wave-enabled switches and dimmers function by receiving a command from the central network and performing local switching and dimming. They are controlled by a Z-Wave controller and powered by the 230V or 110V they are switching or dimming.

About the Author:

Leola Huffman, raised in in Center Line, in 2007 Michigan graduated from DeVry University. After she graduates in May 2007, Leola plans to move to Baltimore, Maryland, where she will teach public school as a Teach for America corps member. During her two years with Teach for America. Leola Huffman will earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Johns Hopkins University. Click here, for more info.