Light Switches Posts

Hi DIYers! We are here to announce today that we have some new products available on our site. Our new offerings include the DSC Iotega Alarm System, several new Z-Wave Plus in-wall light switches, and even some hand tools that you can use to install your security system and sensors!

First we will talk about the DSC Iotega System. The Iotega is one of the newest alarm systems from DSC. This is one of the few systems on the market with Apple HomeKit support. It is the only system that can support both HomeKit and PowerG Sensors. These wireless sensors are great, as they offer an astounding range of up to 2km in open air (4km with wireless repeater) and 128-bit AES encryption for added wireless protection.

Alarm Grid already sells the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG support, which is one of our most favorite systems. We also sell the HomeKit-ready Resideo Lyric Alarm System, an exceptional system in its own right. But if you want to use both PowerG Sensors and Apple HomeKit, then you are stuck with the DSC Iotega.

The Iotega has a major drawback in that it does not support local programming. This makes the panel a poor choice for DIY users, as they cannot complete their own programming. But if you need a HomeKit-compatible system with PowerG support, the Iotega fulfills that niche. The system is also compatible with the Alarm.com interactive platform for remote access, Z-Wave Plus control and more. Please note that cellular monitoring service is require to use Alarm.com.

In addition to the DSC Iotega With Built-In Verizon LTE Communicator, we also now sell an Iotega 3-1 System Kit (System w/ Three (3) Door and Window Contacts & One (1) Motion Sensor), an Iotega Touchscreen Keypad and a desk mount for the touchscreen keypad.

Next for our new product releases are a plethora of new in-wall Z-Wave Plus smart lighting switches from Go!Control and GE. These products are great for any homeowner who wants to take smart control over their lights for remote operation and smart scene functionality. Go!Control and GE both offer some fantastic smart lighting devices, and we are excited to add these products to our growing lineup.

Perhaps the smart lighting device we are most excited about is the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 Z-Wave 3-Way Smart Switch. This in-wall switch controls lighting loads already connected with a load-bearing switch or dimmer. The module can connect with up to five (5) load-bearing switches for 7-way operation. Fewer load-bearing devices can be used if that is all that is needed for the setup.

But what makes the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 unique is that it eliminates the need for a traveler wire. Instead, the module uses Z-Wave Plus technology to send all communication signals. All you need to do for setup is connect the 120VAC line and a neutral wire. This is great for DIY installers who may not feel comfortable running a traveler wire.

Other Z-Wave Plus devices now available from Alarm Grid include:

• Go!Control WD500Z5-1 Z-Wave Wall Dimmer Switch
• GoControl WS15Z5-1 Z-Wave Smart Light Switch
• Go!Control PS15EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-in Appliance Module
• Go!Control PD300EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-In, 300W Dimmer Module
• GE 28170 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Dimmer
• GE 28172 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Switch
• GE 14318 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch
• GE 14294 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Dimmer
• GE 14287 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Fan Control
• GE 12723 Z-Wave In-Wall Add-On 3-Way Switch

Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures of the new Z-Wave Plus devices quite yet. But we hope to have them on the site in the near future.

Finally, we have a few hand tools that can help new users install their systems and sensors. These new offerings include the a wire stripper tool, a digital multimeter, a 6-in-1 screwdriver, and 13-piece screwdriver set. Not only are these tools great for setting up your system, they are also perfect for using around the house or around the shop in general. They are all high quality tools that make an excellent addition to any tool set.

• Jonard Wire Stripper Tool
• Pro'sKit Digital Multimeter
• Platinum Tools 6-in-1 Screwdriver
• Platinum Tools 13-Piece Mini Screwdriver Set

We hope that our new and existing customers can put these latest Alarm Grid products to good use. If you have any questions about these new products, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing these new products!

Great news DIYers! The Total Connect 2.0 Service used with Honeywell and Resideo Alarm Panels now supports If This, Then That, otherwise known as IFTTT. This is huge for TC2, as a plethora of new integrations and features are now possible! TC2 users can visit this page to get started.

As you may know, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform used with Resideo Alarm Systems. The service can be used with any compatible panel that has an AlarmNet Cellular or IP Communicator installed and activated. Once a user has a Total Connect 2.0 account, they can access the platform through the Total Connect 2.0 website or through a mobile app on their Android or iOS device.

Accessing TC2 allows an end user to perform various system functions. These functions include Arming and Disarming their system, checking current system status, controlling connected Z-Wave smart home devices, viewing connected Resideo IP Cameras and more. The end user will need an active monitoring plan that includes access to the TC2 platform. Users who are not currently monitored should check out our monitoring page for more information about alarm monitoring service.

It was already possible to use Total Connect 2.0 to trigger security system and Z-Wave actions based around certain predetermined events and time schedules. But IFTTT support adds a world of new possibilities. Thanks to IFTTT, end users can now quickly and easily integrate peripherals like Lutron Smart Lights, Sonos Speakers, Phillips Hue Lights, Roomba devices, Rachio Sprinklers, MyQ Garage Doors, Somfy Blinds and more.

IFTTT works by using Triggers and Actions. Basically when a certain "Trigger" occurs, an "Action" will follow. Currently, IFTTT only allows TC2 "Triggers" caused by changing the arming status of your system, or an alarm event on your system. We are hopeful that IFTTT will allow specific sensor triggers sometime in the future. Additionally, IFTTT can be used to create Triggers based on date & time or a predetermined schedule. The Action that follows a Trigger could be something like telling your Sonos Sound System to start playing music, your Lutron Lights to all turn off, or your Rachio Sprinkler System to start watering the grass.

What's great about IFTTT is that it is ultra-customizable and offers nearly any possible combination of connected devices and responses. You can have multiple Actions corresponding to the same Trigger, or multiple Triggers to cause the same Action. And despite being extremely intricate in terms of possible combinations, creating individual commands in IFTTT is actually quite easy. We are sure that end users will love this new integration and the ease of use that it provides.

We expect to release new content in the near future to help users get started with IFTTT for TC2. This will likely include all-new FAQs and videos designed to walk users through the process of creating new Triggers and Actions for use with their Resideo Alarm Systems and their connected smart devices. Stay tuned for more content coming soon!

For now, if you want to learn more about IFTTT and how it can be used with TC2, the best way is to reach out to us. We recommend sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com with your question or concern. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as quickly as possible. If you prefer to call us, you can do so at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you learn all about IFTTT.