Choosing Smart Home Sensors (Zigbee, Z-Wave & WiFi)

 

Z-Wave, Zigbee & WiFi Sensors are the "eyes and ears" of your Smart Home and can be used to detect motion, door openings, changes in temperature, humidity or even UV levels. This enables you to trigger all manner of things in your Smart Home Controller - from turning lights on, to sounding an alarm, to opening / closing blinds... the list is endless. Sensors enable things to happen automatically - which is one of the main goals of "automating" your home using home automation, turning it from dumb to Smart!

Manufacturers of Z-Wave, Zigbee & WiFi Sensors have different types available designed to do specific roles, this gives you the best product for the job, but can make choosing the right Sensor a little more difficult. You also have the choice between manufacturers to contend with, where some will offer more advanced capabilities and others will offer simpler functionality, often at a cheaper price. Remember that you can mix and match manufacturers on the same system as they are all compatible - more information can be found in our Understanding Compatibility guide.

This guide shows what Sensors can do in common scenarios within your Smart Home and then goes on to explain what different types of Sensor do at a high level, as well as showing some comparison details to help select between the manufacturers.

What Sensors can do in your Smart Home

Here are just a few examples to give you an idea what Sensors can do in various areas of a Smart Home - it's by no means an exhaustive list, its just a few ideas to get you thinking, ultimately anything is possible!

Lighting

Adding Sensors can really bring your Smart Home Lighting system to life. You can use Motion Sensors to turn the lights on when you walk in a room, and they automatically turn off again when you leave. Door / Window Sensors can turn the lights on as you open an entrance door, Light Sensors can control lights at dusk / dawn - ideal for garden and path or driveway illumination, and Smoke Sensors can turn the lights on if an emergency is detected to help people get out of the building.

Further information on ideas for Smart Home Lighting can be found in our Inline Lighting guide and our Plug & Play Lighting guide.

Appliance Control & Power Monitoring

It's amazing how much power is wasted in the average home - parasitic "standby" power consumption from TVs, gaming systems, stereos and even phone / tablet chargers can mount up to be hundreds of Watts! In turn this can add a huge amount to your monthly energy bills.

By using Motion Sensors and Door / Window Sensors your Smart Home Controller can know when your house is empty or people are sleeping and turn off unused appliances to stop them wasting your hard-earned money!

Energy / Utility Sensors also allow you to understand your home's energy usage over time, so that you can make small changes that make a big difference. For example, once you realise that your old washing machine is sucking up thousands of Watts of power and using hundreds of litres of water on every cycle, perhaps upgrading to a new, more efficient model - one that can wash even the largest loads on just a few hundred Watts and a mug full of water - will reap big savings.

Further information on ideas for Smart Home Appliance Control & Power Monitoring can be found in our Appliance Control & Power Monitoring guide.

Heating

Using Temperature Sensors in different rooms allows you to create a zoned Smart Home Heating system which provides heat when and where you need it. They can also play a more passive role in alerting you if the temperature drops to freezing and at the same time turning on the heating to prevent frozen pipes. Motion Sensors can be used to turn on heating only in the rooms that are actually being used, thereby saving you money by not heating empty rooms.

Other Sensors such as Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sensors could turn off the boiler if the it detects dangerous levels of CO which could indicate a faulty boiler - CO is known as the "silent killer" so this is an important function that your Smart Home can provide! Also, a Door / Window Sensor can detect a door or window being opened and turn off the heating in that room to save wasting heat - ideal for bedrooms where children seem to find it easier to open the window when they are hot, rather than adjust the thermostat!

Further information on ideas for Smart Home Heatiing can be found in our Heating guide and our Smoke & CO guide.

Security

Your Smart Home Security System can make use of Sensors all over the house. The obvious ones are Motion Sensors and Door / Window Sensors, that trigger alerts if motion is detected or doors and windows are opened.

Other Sensors can extend the capabilities to protect your home including Water Sensors to protect against leaks, Freeze Sensors to protect against low temperatures presenting a likelihood of freezing pipes, Smoke Sensors to protect against fire and CO Sensors to protect against poisonous gases.

Further information on ideas for Smart Home Security can be found in our Security Monitoring guide and our Water & Freeze guide.

Climate & Comfort

Sensors can play an active role in controlling the climate and comfort levels in your Smart Home. Temperature Sensors can detect if the room is getting too hot due to direct sunlight, so that your Smart Home Controller can close the blinds, shutters or curtains.

Similarly, Humidity Sensors or Air Quality Sensors could allow your Smart Home Controller to know when your rooms are getting stuffy and could open windows, turn on extractor fans or ramp up the Air Conditioning.

Light Sensors can detect dusk and have the Smart Home Cotnroller automatically close the blinds for you (and open them in the morning). Or perhaps you can combine light levels in your rooms with the light level outside and the position of the sun, to provide a Circadian lighting system where you are able to control the colour and intensity of the light at particular times of the day.

Further information on ideas for Smart Home Climate & Comfort can be found in our Climate & Comfort guide.

Sensors Shared

Remember, you can share the same Sensor between all these different tasks because your Smart Home Controller can be configured to do many things based off the same "trigger". So a Motion Sensor in the lounge can control the lights, protect the room when you're away, and monitor if you're in the room to turn the heating on. Creating full Smart Home "automation" will likely end up using fewer Sensors than you may think!

Further information on picking the best Smart Home Controller to suit your requirements can be found in our Choosing A Smart Home Controller guide.

Sensors

We have a huge range of Sensors available so below we have split the range into several broad categories and shown the most popular ones used by our customers and staff. We discuss some ideas for common scenarios that will put eachtype to good use and lay out a comparison table for some of the key features and functions of each Sensor.

Multipurpose, Motion & Light Level / Lux Sensors - Z-Wave | Zigbee | WiFi

Multipurpose Sensors, as the name implies, combine several different Sensors into a single device - saving space and cost. These are the most popularproduct and usually cover Motion, Temperature and Light Level / Lux as a minimum

It rarely makes sense to use a single-purpose Motion, Light Level / Lux or Temperatureas it's more cost effective to buy a single device that does them all - it makes sense to use Multipurpose Sensors whereever you can as they can be installed in all areas of your Smart Home allowing flexibility of use in the future.

That said, sometimes a single-purpose device is the best option, for example if aoffers a specific function or feature like being outdoor rated.

Usage Scenarios:

  • Control room lighting based on occupancy.
  • Trigger outdoor security lighting when motion is detected.
  • Use historic motion data to create a real-life lighting schedule to simulate occupancy when you're on holiday.
  • Turn on lights when it's actually dark, not just based on time.
  • Turn up the heating when somebody enters the room if the temperature is low.

Z-Wave product choices:


Fibaro Motion Sensor

Aeotec MultiSensor 7

Aeotec MultiSensor 6

Aeotec TriSensor

Philio Motion Sensor

Philio MultiSensors

  • Tiny Motion Sensor that also monitors temperature and light levels - ideal for lighting, heating and blind control.
  • Motion Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • Vibration Sensor
  • Orientation Sensor
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 44mm (dia)
  • Device(s):
  • Fibaro Motion Sensor
  • Latest 700 Series 6-in-1 Sensor - updated and improved version of its predecessor, 6 features in in one device.
  • Motion Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Humidity Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • UV Sensor
  • Vibration Sensor
  • Battery or 5V USB Powered
  • Z-Wave repeater (when powered from USB)
  • Recesssed Mount Available
  • Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 35mm
  • Device(s):
  • Aeotec MultiSensor 7
  • Aeotec Recessor
  • Versatile 6-in-1 Sensor - the best all round Z-Wave Sensor available as it offers so many features in one device.
  • Motion Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Humidity Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • UV Sensor
  • Vibration Sensor
  • Battery or 5V USB Powered
  • Z-Wave repeater (when powered from USB)
  • Recesssed Mount Available
  • Dimensions: 40 x 45 x 45mm
  • Device(s):
  • Aeotec MultiSensor 6
  • Aeotec Recessor
  • Budget friendly 3-in-1 Sensor focusing on motion, temperature and light level - excellent for lighting and security applications.
  • Motion Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • Battery Powered
  • Recesssed Mount Available
  • Dimensions: 40 x 45 x 45mm
  • Device(s):
  • Aeotec TriSensor
  • Aeotec Recessor

Zigbee product choices:

Aeotec SmartThings Motion Sensor Frient Motion Sensor Pro Frient Motion Sensor Basic Aduro Motion Sensor
  • The Aeotec SmartThings Motion Sensor is a multi-function device offering motion sensing along with temperature and light readings - an all round sensor suited to many security and environmental monitoring applications.
  • Motion Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 56.6 x 50.2 x 55.7mm
  • Device(s):
  • Like the Aeotec, the Frient Motion Sensor Pro also has motion, temperature and light reading capabilities - by using standard AA batteries it claims a 3 year battery life!
  • Motion Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 21mm
  • Device(s):
  • A basic, no frills device to get the job done - budget friendly option to suit simple security monitoring and automation tasks.
  • Motion Sensor
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 21mm
  • Device(s):
  • Like the Frient, this is a simple device to get the job done - a bit on the large side but with a decent bracket allowing 120 degree positioning.
  • Motion Sensor
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 57 x 42mm
  • Device(s):

WiFi product choices:

Shelly Motion Sensor Shelly Motion Sensor 2
  • The small real time sensor is equipped with the lowest power consuming WiFi chip in the world. The sensor detects motion in less than 200 milliseconds – as fast as a blink of an eye!
  • Motion Sensor
  • Vibration Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • Rechargeable Battery Powered
  • DC Power Capable
  • Dimensions: 85 x 59 x 36mm
  • Device(s):
  • Shelly Motion 2 is a high-sensitivity, ultra-low power consumption Wi-Fi motion sensor. It also features light and temperature metering, allowing more Smart Home scenarios to be covered from one single device!
  • Motion Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Vibration Sensor
  • Light Level Sensor
  • Rechargeable Battery Powered
  • DC Power Capable
  • Dimensions: 89.3 x 41.4 x 22.9mm
  • Device(s):

Door & Window Sensors - Z-Wave | Zigbee | WiFi

Technically known as "Contact" Sensors, these send an alert to your Smart Home Controller when a door or window is opened. They work by having a magnet close to the main Sensor body and when the magnet is moved too far away (for example by the window opening), the Sensor is triggered.

As with multipurpose Sensors, it can sometimes be best to choose a Door & Window Sensor that incorporates several different features into one device for flexibility (for example a Window Sensor with a temperature function can be used to detect when the sun is shining directly through that window).

Usage Scenarios:

  • Turn lights on and off automatically when doors are opened and closed.
  • Protect your furnishings from harmful UV by closing the curtains as the temperature at the window increases.
  • Create a security alert system to monitor your doors and windows when you're away from home.
  • Turn off your radiator TRV when somebody opens a window or door.
  • Use window temperature to automatically lower the blinds.

Z-Wave product choices:

Fibaro Door & Window Sensor 2 Aeotec Door / Window Sensor 7 Aeotec Recessed Door / Window Sensor 7 Sensative Strips Door / Window Sensor Philio MultiSensors
  • Versatile Door / Window Sensor available in multiple colours with an integrated Temperature Sensor - allowing it to also monitor temperature for your heating or freeze protection.
  • Contact Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • External Sensor Connections
  • Available in different colours
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 71 x 18 x 18mm
  • Device(s):
  • Fibaro Universal Door & Window Sensor 2
  • One of the smallest contact Sensors available featuring unique Tilt Sensor to detect tilt angle - perfect for monitoring open / close / tilt windows or for up-and-over garage doors.
  • Contact Sensor
  • Tilt / Angle Sensor (Pro version)
  • External Sensor Connection (Pro Version)
  • External Powered Option (Pro Version)
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 71 x 19 x 18mm
  • Device(s):
  • Aeotec Door / Window Sensor 7
  • Aeotec Door / Window Sensor 7 Pro
    • A truly invisible sensor that can be recessed into the frame of a door or window - Smart Home as it should be, hidden and out of sight so as not to affect the aesthetics of your home!
    • Contact Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Needs to be recessed
    • Dimensions: 64 x 19.2mm
    • Device(s):
    • Aeotec Recessed Door / Window Sensor 7

    Zigbee product choices:

    Aeotec SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor Frient Entry Sensor Pro Frient Entry Sensor Basic Aduro Contact Sensor
    • The Aeotec SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor is a multi-function device offering magnetic contact sensing along with gyroscope and vibration functions - an all round sensor suited to many security applications.
    • Magnetic Contact Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Vibration Sensorr
    • Gyroscope Sensorr
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 43.8 x 51.9 x 13.7mm
    • Device(s):
    • Features a magnetic contact sensor and temperature function - by using standard AAA batteries it claims a 3 year battery life!
    • Magnetic Contact Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 76 x 26 x 17mm
    • Device(s):
    • A basic, no frills device to get the job done - budget friendly option to suit simple security monitoring and automation tasks.
    • Magnetic Contact Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 76 x 26 x 17mm
    • Device(s):
    • Another simple device - no need for complicated devices to carry out simple tasks like alerting when a door is opened!
    • Magnetic Contact Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 60 x 40 x 13mm
    • Device(s):

    WiFi product choices:

    Shelly Door / Window 2
    • The Shelly Door / Window 2 detects and reports the opening and closing of doors / windows, tilt angle, vibration, temperature and light level - an all round sensor suited to both security applications and Smart Home environmental scenarios.
    • Magnetic Contact Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Light Level Sensor
    • Vibration Sensorr
    • Gyroscope Sensorr
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 82 x 23 x 20mm
    • Device(s):

    Smoke, CO, CO2 & Air Quality Sensors - Z-Wave | Zigbee | WiFi

    These Sensors extend your Smart Home capabilities to protect your house from fire, smoke and other poisonous gases such as Carbon Monoxide (also known as the "silent killer").

    You really can't have too many of this type of Sensor in your home, we would typically suggest to at least cover common areas where these hazards could occur - for example the kitchen, garage, etc. For ultimate safety consider installing Sensors in every room because the earlier you can get an alert that there's a potential problem, the more chance you have to deal with it before it's become too serious!

    Usage Scenarios:

    • Flash your lighting when smoke or CO are detected.
    • Automatically open windows or turn on air circulation fans when CO2 levels rise.
    • Turn off your boiler when CO is detected.
    • When Air Quality deteriorates indoors, boost the fresh air input on the HVAC.
    • When VOCs are high, send an alert to remind yourself to take allergy medications.

    Z-Wave product choices:

    Fibaro Smoke Sensor Heatit Smoke Sensor Fibaro CO Sensor MCO Home CO2 Sensor MCO Home PM2.5 Air Quality Sensor MCO Home Multi Sensor
    • Great looking Smoke and Heat Sensor that sounds a built-in siren and sends alerts for smoke or rapid increases in temperature - ideal to help with detecting smokeless fires.
    • Smoke Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Integrated Siren
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 65mm (diameter) x 28mm (height)
    • Device(s):
    • Fibaro Smoke Sensor
    • Advanced Smoke Detector with built in motion sensor, temperature sensor and controllable siren - great for creating an interlinked smoke sensor system.
    • Smoke Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Motion Sensor
    • Integrated Siren (separately controllable)
    • Can be Interlinked (via Z-Wave)
    • Battery Backup (230V AC Powered version)
    • 230V AC Powered or Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 105mm (diameter) x 41mm (height)
    • Device(s):
    • Heatit Z-Smoke Detector (AC Mains Powered)
    • Heatit Z-Smoke Detector (Battery Powered)
    • Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sensor that sounds an integrated siren and sends alerts to your Smart Home Controller - perfect to pair with the Fibaro Smoke Sensor for aesthetically pleasing protection in every room.
    • CO Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Integrated Siren
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 65mm (diameter) x 28mm (height)
    • Device(s):
    • Fibaro CO Sensor
    • Four Sensors in one device, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Humidity, Temperature and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) - combination Sensor to monitor your environment for air quality problems.
    • CO2 Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • VOC Sensor
    • Z-Wave Repeater
    • Mains Powered (12V DC or 230V AC Versions)
    • Dimensions: 90 x 130 x 28mm
    • Device(s):
    • MCO Home CO2 Sensor 12V
    • MCO Home CO2 Sensor 230V
    • PM2.5 Air Quality, Temperature and Humidity Sensor in one smart looking device - combination Sensor to monitor your environment for dangerous 2.5 micrometer particles that can contribute to heart and lung diseases.
    • PM2.5 Air Quality Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Z-Wave Repeater
    • Mains Powered (12V DC or 230V AC Versions)
    • Dimensions: 86 x 135 x 34mm
    • Device(s):
    • MCO Home PM2.5 Air Quality Monitor 12V
    • MCO Home PM2.5 Air Quality Monitor - 230V
    • PM2.5 Air Quality, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Light, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Smoke, Noise, Motion, Temperature and Humidity Sensor all in one low-voltage device - is this the ULTIMATE environmental multi-sensor?
    • PM2.5 Air Quality Sensor
    • VOC Sensor
    • Light Level Sensor
    • CO2 Sensor
    • Smoke Sensor
    • Noise Sesnor
    • Motion Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Z-Wave Repeater
    • Mains Powered (12V DC)
    • Dimensions: 110 x 110 x 32mm
    • Device(s):
    • MCO Home Multi Sensor

    Zigbee product choices:

    Frient Intelligent Smoke Sensor Frient Intelligent Heat Alarm Frient Air Quality Sensor Aduro Smoke Detector
    • Small, simple Smoke Sensor with interlink capability - includes temperature sensing for additional environmental monitoring functions.
    • Smoke Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Integrated Siren
    • Can be Interlinked (via Zigbee)
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 65 x 40mm
    • Device(s):
    • Small, simple Heat Alarm with interlink capability - false alarms are mitigated by using rising temperature for fire detection instead of smoke.
    • Heat Alarm
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Integrated Siren
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 65 x 40mm
    • Device(s):
    • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Temperature and Humidity Sensor all in one - combination Sensor to monitor your environment for air quality problems.
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 21mm
    • Device(s):
    • A basic smoke Sensor - tiny size for the discretest of installations!
    • Smoke Sensor
    • Integrated Siren
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 51 x 47mm
    • Device(s):

    WiFi product choices:

    Shelly Gas CNG Shelly Gas LPG
    • Shelly Gas has built-in highly sensitive modules for measuring the air for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) leaks - it also features a flame-resistant shell so it can notify even in the most extreme emergencies!
    • CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Sensor
    • Integrated LED Flash
    • Integrated Siren
    • Gas Valve Output Actuator (12V DC)
    • Mains Powered
    • Dimensions: 89.5 x 38mm
    • Device(s):
    • Shelly Gas has built-in highly sensitive modules for measuring the air for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) leaks - it also features a flame-resistant shell so it can notify even in the most extreme emergencies!
    • LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Sensor
    • Integrated LED Flash
    • Integrated Siren
    • Gas Valve Output Actuator (12V DC)
    • Mains Powered
    • Dimensions: 89.5 x 38mm
    • Device(s):

    Water & Flood Sensors - Z-Wave | Zigbee | WiFi

    Get early warnings of potential flooding, leaks and freezing pipes by allowing your Smart Home Controller to fully protect your whole house - especially important when you're away on holiday, or for hard to see places like behind washing machines or under baths.

    Usage Scenarios:

    • Get an early warning of potential freezing temperatures in basements and cellars.
    • Automatically turn off the incoming water supply when leaks are detected.
    • Turn off the dishwasher or washing machine if water is detected underneath them.
    • When water is detected turn on a sump pump.
    • Monitor your pond by detecting when the water level drops.

    Z-Wave product choices:

    Fibaro Flood Sensor Aeotec Water Sensor 7 Philio 3-in-1 Multisensor Sensative Drip Aqua Scope Water Contact Sensor
    • The ultimate combined Flood, Temperature and Tilt Sensor to protect your home against floods and freezing - it even floats on water.
    • Water Leak Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Integrated Siren
    • Battery or 12V DC / 24V DC Powered
    • Z-Wave Repeater (when powered from DC)
    • Additional Output Terminals
    • Dimensions: 72mm (diameter) x 28mm (height)
    • Device(s):
    • Fibaro Flood Sensor
    • Latest 700 Series water sensor available in basic and Pro versions.
    • Water Leak Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor (Pro Version)
    • Humidity Sensor (Pro Version)
    • Dimensions: 70 x 13 x 20mm
    • Probe length: 1.1m
    • Device(s):
    • Aeotec Water Sensor 7
    • Aeotec Water Sensor 7 Pro
    • Integrated Water Leak, Humidity and Temperature with a wired Sensor - ideal for wall mounting for optimal positioning to monitor room temperature and humidity.
    • Water Leak Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 28 x 35 x 95mm
    • Device(s):
    • Philio 3-in-1 Multisensor - Flood / Temperature / Humidity
    • Tiny Sensor strip for detecting leaks and potential freezing conditions and it's almost invisible when mounted - integrated battery gives 10-year battery life.
    • Water Leak Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Freeze Sensor
    • IP43 Outdoor Rated
    • Quick Mount Frame
    • Paintable
    • 10-year Battery Powered (not replaceable)
    • Dimensions: 195 x 15 x 3mm
    • Device(s):
    • Sensative Strips Drip 700
    • Sensative Mounting Plate for Drip
    • Sensative Round Magnet
    • Unique detection on any side of the device, will sense water from any direction - built in temperature sensor for freeze warnings.
    • Water Leak Sensor
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Freeze Sensor
    • IP67 Outdoor Rated
    • Battery Powered
    • Designed to work with Ball Valve Servo to actually prevent floods!
    • Dimensions: 68 x 23mm
    • Device(s):
    • Aqua Scope Water Contact Sensor
    • Aqua-Scope Ball Valve Servo

    Zigbee product choices:

    Aeotec SmartThings Water Leak Sensor Frient Water Leak Detector
    Features two areas for water detection and temperature function - perfect for monitoring for leaks and potential freezing conditions.
  • Water Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Top / Bottom Sensors
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 60 x 36 x 24mm
  • Device(s):
  • WiFi product choices:

    Shelly Flood
    For water detection and temperature measurement - perfect for monitoring for leaks and taking control of Under Floor Heating.
  • Water Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor
  • Battery Powered
  • Dimensions: 70 x 19mm
  • Device(s):
  • Temperature & Humidity Sensors - Z-Wave | Zigbee | WiFi

    These devices work well as part of a multi-zoned heating system - by allowing your Smart Home Controller to monitor the temperature of individual rooms and zones you can maximise the efficiency of your radiators.

    As we mentioned previously though, consider whether single-purpose Sensors make sense - by utilising a Multipurpose Sensor you can save money as one Sensor provides many features!

    Usage Scenarios:

    • Use room temperature data to create a multi-zoned heating system.
    • Monitor tanks and pipes to ensure your boiler is operating efficiently.
    • Detect changes in humidity to automatically control kitchen and bathroom extractor fans.
    • Create graphs and reports of monitored temperatures to learn how your home reacts to heat and cold.
    • Protect garages, sheds and other outbuildings from frost and damp by controlling storage heaters automatically.

    Z-Wave product choices:

    Aeotec aërQ Temperature & Humidity Sensor Secure Temperature Sensor Secure Temperature & Humidity Sensor Philio 2-in-1 Multisensor Sensative Comfort
    • A tiny Humidity and Temperature Sensor with smart Air Quality measurements - calculates dew point and warns against mould growth environmental conditions.
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 18mm
    • Device(s):
    • Aeotec aërQ Temperature & Humidity Sensor
    • A sleak Humidity and Temperature Sensor - ideal for discrete wall mounting for optimal positioning to monitor room temperature and humidity.
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 28 x 35 x 95mm
    • Device(s):
    • Philio 2-in-1 Multisensor - Temperature / Humidity
    • Tiny Sensor strip for temperature and ambient light level and it's almost invisible when mounted - integrated battery gives 10-year battery life.
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Light Level / Lux Sensor
    • IP43 Outdoor Rated
    • Paintable
    • 10-year Battery Powered (not replaceable)
    • Optional Slide Switch Accessory
    • Dimensions: 195 x 15 x 3mm
    • Device(s):
    • Sensative Strips Comfort 700
    • Sensative Round Magnet
    • Sensative +Switch

    Zigbee product choices:

    Frient Smart Humidity Sensor
    • Simply and stylish temperature and humidity sensor - offering up to 5 year battery life from standard AA batteries!
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 21mm
    • Device(s):

    WiFi product choices:

    Shelly H&T Shelly Plus H&T
    • With built-in modules for Humidity and Temperature - it's the world’s first WiFi Humidity & Temperature sensor working for over 1 year on battery!
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 35 x 45mm
    • Device(s):
    • With over 1 year of battery life, Shelly Plus H&T can make sure that you are always aware of the temperature and humidity levels in your home.
    • Temperature Sensor
    • Humidity Sensor
    • Battery Powered or USB Powered
    • E-Ink Display
    • Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 26mm
    • Device(s):

    Energy & Utility Sensors - Z-Wave | Zigbee | WiFi

    Taking control of your energy usage can be one of the most statisfying uses of your Smart Home technology because you can use the data and information obtained to make real savings to your monthly bills.

    Energy & Utility Sensors offer an accurate way to monitor energy but in most cases they'll need to be installed by an electrician as they will need to be connected directly to your electricity supply.

    Usage Scenarios:

    • Understand where your energy usage is costing you money.
    • Automatically turn off appliances when they aren't being used to save standby power.
    • Monitor your renewable energy generation.
    • Detect potential problems such as leaks by monitoring water and gas meters.
    • Control appliances so that they use cheaper off-peak electricity.

    Z-Wave product choices:

    Aeotec Clamp Power Meter Qubino Smart Meter
    • Clamp meters with bi-directional current reading capabilities - perfect for monitoring of used electricity (imported), sold electricity (exported) or generated electricity (solar PV or wind).
    • Voltage Sensor
    • Current Sensor
    • Power Sensor
    • Energy Sensor
    • 60A 10mm Clamps
    • Bi-directional capability
    • IP43 Outdoor Rated
    • Single Clamp (Single Phase) and Three Clamp (Three Phase) versions
    • Must be wired into mains at Consumer Unit
    • Dimensions: 108 x 67 x 30mm
    • Device(s):
    • DIN Mounted with high accuracy and available for single phase and three phase installations - by subdividing your Consumer Unit it's possible to measure individual circuits or groups of circuits!
    • Voltage Sensor
    • Current Sensor
    • Power Sensor
    • Energy Sensor
    • Bi-directional capability
    • Switching (with other modules)
    • Single Phase and Three Phase versions
    • Max Current (Smart Meter): 65A (230V)
    • Max Current (3-Phase Smart Meter): 80A Total, 65A Per Phase (230V)
    • 230V AC Mains Only
    • Must be wired into mains at Consumer Unit
    • Dimensions: 36 x 90 x 64mm
    • Device(s):

    Zigbee product choices:

    Frient Electricity Meter Interface
    • Compatible with almost any electric meter with an LED pulse count capability - identify when your consumption peaks and start lowering it to control your energy bills.
    • Pulse Count Sensor
    • Works with Electronic Meters
    • Automatic Sensor calibration
    • Battery Powered
    • Dimensions: 115 x 35 x 70mm
    • Device(s):

    WiFi product choices:

    Shelly EM Shelly 3EM
    • WiFi-operated energy meter with contactor control - has two inputs for CT Clamps to monitor up to two circuits and one contactor output to control one circuit.
    • Voltage Sensor
    • Current Sensor
    • Power Sensor
    • Energy Sensor
    • 2A Contactor Output
    • 2 CT Clamp Inputs
    • 50A CT Clamp or 120A CT Clamp Options
    • Bi-directional Metering (can track usage / import and production / export)
    • Dimensions: 39 x 36 x 17 mm
    • Device(s):
    • WiFi-operated energy meter with contactor control - has three inputs for CT Clamps to monitor up to three circuits and one contactor output to control one circuit.
    • Voltage Sensor
    • Current Sensor
    • Power Sensor
    • Energy Sensor
    • 10A Contactor Output
    • 3 CT Clamp Inputs
    • 3 x 120A CT Clamps Included
    • Bi-directional Metering (can track usage / import and production / export)
    • Dimensions: 73 x 57 x 22 mm
    • Device(s):

     

    Getting Help and Advice

    Hopefully this guide has helped clarify how Z-Wave, Zigbee & WiFi Sensors can be used and which are the best for your needs. If you need any further help or advice, contact Vesternet and we will do our best to answer all your questions.