How Do I Add a Z-Wave Device to My Alarm.com SEM?

You can add a Z-Wave device to your Alarm.com SEM by clearing the device from the network, putting the SEM in its enrollment mode and activating the inclusion function on the Z-Wave device. The lights on the SEM module should then indicate that a Z-Wave device has been learned-in.

The Alarm.com System Enhancement Module (SEM) is a cellular communicator that allows a compatible hardwired alarm system to connect with the Alarm.com network. The module includes a built-in Z-Wave controller so that Z-Wave smart home devices can be used with the system. An important thing to remember with an ADC SEM is that local Z-Wave control will not be possible. Instead, all Z-Wave operation will need to take place through Alarm.com. This can be done using a web browser or remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App on iOS and Android devices.

Complete the following steps to add a Z-Wave device to your Alarm.com SEM:

1. Clear the device. Before adding a Z-Wave device, you should always clear it from the network first. Many Z-Wave devices are added to a network for testing purposes before they even leave the factory. Clearing a Z-Wave device first will help ensure that it can be added properly.

To clear a Z-Wave device, start by pressing and holding the Z-Wave button on the ADC SEM. This button is found on the SEM board, directly above the orange Z-Wave antenna. The button can be released once the LED L2 light begins flashing in groups of four. Then hold down the button a second time. Release the button once the LED L2 light begins flashing in groups of two. This indicates that the Alarm.com SEM is now in its exclusion mode.

With the SEM in its exclusion mode, activate the inclusion function on the Z-Wave device to clear it from the network. Many Z-Wave devices have a button for this purpose. Other Z-Wave devices may enter this mode in a different way. Check the installation manual for the Z-Wave device to find out how to put it in its inclusion mode. The LED L2 light will illuminate solid when the device has been successfully cleared.

2. Add the device. After clearing the device from the network, you can then enroll it with the SEM. Press and hold the Z-Wave button on the SEM until the LED L2 begins flashing in groups of four. This indicates that the SEM is now in its inclusion mode. Then activate the inclusion function on the Z-Wave device in the same way as Step 1. The LED L2 light will illuminate solid, indicating that a Z-Wave device has been added.

3. Test the device. Check Alarm.com and make sure the new Z-Wave device is displayed under the "Automation" tab. Make sure that you can successfully control the device from Alarm.com. You can then integrate the Z-Wave device with various Smart Scenes if desired.