Z-Wave Guide for Home Assistant

Z-Wave Home Assistant

Z-Wave is a reliable wireless protocol for smart home with excellent range and mesh networking. This guide covers everything from coordinator selection to advanced network setup!

Z-Wave vs Zigbee

Z-Wave advantages:

• Fewer devices = less interference
• Better interoperability (certification required)
• Longer range per hop
• Long Range (up to 1 mile with 800 series)

Zigbee advantages:

• More manufacturers and devices
• Generally cheaper
• Faster update frequency

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🔌 Coordinator Selection

Recommended USB Sticks

Coordinator	Series	Long Range	Price	Note
Zooz ZST39	800	✅ (US only)	~$35	Best value, reliable
Aeotec Z-Stick 7	700	❌	~$45	Well-known, stable
Aeotec Z-Stick 10 Pro	800	✅	~$60	Dual: Z-Wave + Zigbee
Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2	800	✅	~$30	Official HA hardware
HomeSeer SmartStick G8	800	✅	~$50	Good support

Z-Wave Long Range

Long Range is only available in US/CA/MX due to frequency regulations. In Europe (868 MHz) you still get the benefits of the 800 series: better range, lower power consumption, and S2 security.

GPIO Modules (for Raspberry Pi)

Module	Series	Price	Note
Zooz ZAC93	800	~$30	For HA Yellow/Pi
RaZberry 7 Pro	700	~$50	GPIO header

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📦 Installation

Z-Wave JS Add-on (Recommended for Beginners)

1. Go to Settings → Add-ons → Add-on Store

2. Search for Z-Wave JS and install

3. Find your USB stick:

   • Settings → System → Hardware → ⋮ → All Hardware
   • Use the /dev/serial/by-id/... path (stable)

4. Configure the add-on:

   device: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Silicon_Labs_...

5. Start the add-on and check logs

6. Go to Settings → Devices & Services

   • Z-Wave integration is discovered automatically

Z-Wave JS UI (Advanced)

HA Add-on

1. Add repository: https://github.com/hassio-addons/repository

2. Install Z-Wave JS UI add-on

3. Configure USB device

4. Start and open Web UI (port 8091)

5. Generate security keys:

   • S0 Legacy
   • S2 Authenticated
   • S2 Unauthenticated
   • S2 Access Control

6. Add Z-Wave integration in HA:

   • Websocket URL: ws://a]0d7a0ddc-zwavejs2mqtt:3000

Docker

# docker-compose.yml
version: '3.7'
services:
  zwave-js-ui:
    container_name: zwave-js-ui
    image: zwavejs/zwave-js-ui:latest
    restart: always
    tty: true
    stop_signal: SIGINT
    environment:
      - SESSION_SECRET=your-secret-key
      - TZ=Europe/London
    devices:
      - '/dev/serial/by-id/usb-Silicon_Labs...:/dev/zwave'
    volumes:
      - ./zwave-config:/usr/src/app/store
    ports:
      - '8091:8091'  # Web UI
      - '3000:3000'  # WebSocket

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🔐 Security Keys

S2 Security Classes

Class	Use	Devices
S2 Access Control	Highest security	Door locks, garage doors
S2 Authenticated	High security	Thermostats, alarms
S2 Unauthenticated	Basic security	Sensors, switches
S0 Legacy	Old protocol	Older devices

Generate Secure Keys

# Generate 16-byte hex key (32 characters)
cat /dev/urandom | tr -dc 'A-F0-9' | fold -w 32 | head -n 1

Save Your Keys!

IMPORTANT: Backup your security keys! Without them you cannot communicate with secure devices if you reinstall.

Store them securely (e.g., password manager).

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➕ Add Devices

Standard Inclusion

1. Open Z-Wave JS UI or HA integration

2. Click Add Device / Inclusion

3. Choose security level:

   • Default (recommended)
   • S2 for maximum security
   • No Security for testing

4. Put device in inclusion mode (see manual)

   • Typically: Press button 1x

5. Wait for interview (can take minutes)

6. Name the device

SmartStart (QR Code)

1. Find QR code on the device

2. Go to Add Device → SmartStart

3. Scan QR code or enter DSK

4. Device is added automatically when powered on

Exclusion (Remove Device)

# Important: Exclude devices BEFORE adding them
# to a new network - even if never added before!

1. Click Remove Device / Exclusion

2. Put device in exclusion mode (see manual)

3. Wait for confirmation

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🌐 Network Optimization

Mesh Network Basics

Device Type	Function	Examples
Controller	Network center	USB stick
Router	Extends mesh	Dimmers, switches (powered)
End Device	Cannot route	Battery sensors

Placement Tips

Optimal:
┌────────────────────────────┐
│         [Router]           │
│            │               │
│ [Router]──[Controller]──[Router] │
│            │               │
│         [Router]           │
└────────────────────────────┘

Avoid:
- Controller in corner
- Long chains without routers
- Devices behind metal/water

Heal Network / Rebuild Routes

# Only when necessary:
# - After moving devices
# - For persistent problems

# NOT regularly - generates lots of traffic

In Z-Wave JS UI: Settings → Rebuild Routes

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🔧 Advanced Configuration

Device Configuration

# In Z-Wave JS UI you can change:
# - Wake-up interval (battery sensors)
# - Report intervals
# - LED indicator
# - Association groups

Association Groups

Allow direct communication between devices:

# Example: Switch controls lamp directly
# Group 2 (Basic Set) → Lamp node ID

# Advantages:
# - Works without controller
# - Ultra-fast response
# - Reliable

# Disadvantages:
# - Hard to manage
# - No HA automation

Firmware Update

# Z-Wave JS UI → Device → Firmware Update
# Upload .otz or .hex file from manufacturer
# IMPORTANT: Only use official firmware!

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🔍 Troubleshooting

Device Not Responding

1. Check Node Statistics in Z-Wave JS UI

   • RTT (round-trip time) over 1000ms = problem

2. Ping the device to test connection

3. Re-interview the device:

   • Device → Re-interview

4. Check battery level (for battery-powered)

5. Consider adding router between device and controller

Dead Nodes

# Symptoms:
# - Device marked as "Dead"
# - No response

# Solutions:
1. Wait 24 hours (may wake up)
2. Press device physically
3. Remove Failed Node (if permanently dead)

Network Map

In Z-Wave JS UI: Network → Map

Shows:

• All devices and connections
• Signal strength
• Routing paths

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📊 Z-Wave vs Zigbee Comparison

Feature	Z-Wave	Zigbee
Frequency	908 MHz (US) / 868 MHz (EU)	2.4 GHz
Interference	Minimal	WiFi overlap possible
Max devices	232	65,000+
Max hops	4	Unlimited
Certification	Required	Optional
Price	Higher	Lower
Long Range	Yes (800 series)	No

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Ofte stillede spørgsmål

Should I choose Z-Wave JS or Z-Wave JS UI?

Z-Wave JS is simpler and integrated directly into HA. Z-Wave JS UI provides more control, MQTT support, and better debugging. For most users, Z-Wave JS is enough.

Can I migrate from 500/700 series to 800 series?

Yes! You can backup/restore the network via Z-Wave JS UI. However, it requires specific firmware version (7.19.0+). Check documentation for your new stick.

Why don't I see all entities?

Wait for the interview to complete (can take several minutes). If still missing: Re-interview the device. Some devices require wake-up first (press button).

Is Z-Wave Long Range worth waiting for in Europe?

No, Long Range is only US/CA/MX due to frequency regulations. But the 800 series still has better range, lower power consumption, and latest security in Europe.

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📚 Next Steps

Zigbee2MQTT

Alternative protocol for smart home.

See guide →

Automations

Use Z-Wave devices in automations.

See guide →

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Last updated: December 2025