Can I Use Z-Wave Devices with an Interlogix Simon XT?

Yes, you can use Z-Wave devices with an Interlogix Simon XT. The system will require a Z-Wave controller in order to gain this capability. A Z-Wave controller is integrated into most of the cellular communicators that are used with the panel. The devices can be controlled through Alarm.com.

The Interlogix Simon XT is quite limited when it first arrives. The system requires various upgrades in order to perform most of its functions. Arguably the most important upgrade for the Simon XT System is a cellular communicator. This will allow the system to use a different communication path other than POTS (plain old telephone service) connectivity. Cellular service is considerably faster and more reliable than POTS, and most security experts recognize cellular communication as the gold standard for alarm systems. Cellular connectivity will also allow a Simon XT System to sync with Alarm.com. This is an interactive service that allows an end user to arm and disarm their system, check the status of sensors and control Z-Wave devices. All of these actions can be done remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App.

The Simon XT also requires a separate add-on for using Z-Wave devices. Without a Z-Wave controller, the panel will have no way of managing Z-Wave devices. Interestingly, the cellular communicators for Interlogix Systems also double as Z-Wave controllers. This makes adding a cellular communicator extra important for getting the very most out of a Simon XT System. Once a cellular communicator and Z-Wave controller has been added to a Simon XT System, the panel will provide support for up to 232 different Z-Wave devices.

Any Z-Wave devices that are used with the Simon XT System can be operated through Alarm.com. This is done using a web browser or through the Alarm.com Mobile App. Certain smart home voice assistants can also manage Z-Wave devices through Alarm.com. This includes Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The smart home assistant device will take any provided command and pass it on to Alarm.com. From there, Alarm.com will pass the command onto the Simon XT System. The system will then forward the command to the Z-Wave device so that the action can be performed.

Please note that any Z-Wave devices established with the Simon XT System can also be controlled using the Simon XT Two-Way Talking Touch Screen. This is an external touchscreen keypad designed for use with the Simon XT System. However, an Alarm.com communicator with integrated Z-Wave controller will still be needed. An Alarm.com communicator is the only way to provide Z-Wave functionality for the Simon XT System.