How to Manage Z-Wave devices on a SEM-DSC PowerSeries

How To
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The Z-Wave controller on the SEM-DSC PowerSeries is built into the Alarm.com cellular module (SEM), so swapping the panel requires no action in regards to Z-Wave, while swapping the module requires the deletion and addition of any existing Z-Wave devices.

It is recommended to enroll no more than 60 total Z-Wave devices and up to 5 thermostats to ensure network stability. Z-Wave network stability depends on many factors, including the number of enrolled devices, network layout, environmental interference, and the number and types of rules and schedules being used.

To enroll Z-Wave devices using the panel:

Note: If using module firmware version lower than 187a L2 flashes instead of L5 for the following steps.

  1. Locate the Alarm.com module.
  2. Press and hold the button on the module, and watch the L5 LED.
  3. Release the button once the L5 LED flashes in a 4-flash pattern.
  4. Trigger a device to add it to the network.
  5. When a device is added successfully, the L5 LED remains solid for 60 seconds and the panel will beep.
  6. It is required to re-enter Add Mode before triggering the next device, which cannot be done until the L5 LED turns off.
  7. Devices should show up on the Alarm.com Customer Website and app, within five minutes of adding the devices.

Tip: If a device is not adding to the network, it may be required to delete the device’s network data using the device deletion process before you can add it to the new network (some devices come from the factory with network data).

To remove Z-Wave devices using the panel:

Important: If using a module on a firmware version lower than 187a, the Z-Wave LED is L2 instead of L5 for the following instructions.

  1. Locate the Alarm.com module.
  2. Press and hold the button on the module, and watch the L5 LED.
  3. Release the button once the L5 LED or flashes in a 4-flash pattern.
  4. Press and hold the button on the module a second time.
  5. Release the button once the L5 LED flashes in groups of 2.
  6. Trigger a device to erase its network data and delete it from the network.
  7. When a device is deleted successfully, the panel beeps.
  8. It is required to re-enter Delete Mode before triggering the next device.

Z-Wave Network Rediscovery

After adding all desired Z-Wave devices to the network, it is important to run a Network Rediscovery. Running a Network Rediscovery allows each device to detect nearby devices and identify the best path of communication to the panel, as well as alternate paths in the case of a node failure.

With the SEM-DSC PowerSeries the Network Rediscovery cannot be run locally. Only remote commands from your Alarm.com dealer can be sent to perform this crucial function. If you are a Surety subscriber, we can send commands for you, just let us know.

This process can take up to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the Z-Wave network. Smaller networks take significantly less time. To give the network rediscovery the best chance of completing quickly and successfully, it is recommended not to use any Z-Wave devices while running a rediscovery.