Your ZAC38 Range Extender is ready to install out of the box.
The unit is designed to boost your Z-Wave network. With the NEW 800 series chip, it helps provide faster communication and more range to support your existing Z-Wave mesh.
With a back-up battery, the device can provide power outage notifications to your hub if the device is supported and integrated.
Add this device to your Z-Wave mesh where you may need an extra signal boost to extend the range of your current network or improve the mesh. You will want to ensure you repair/heal the network after including the device, to ensure the hub is able to utilize this device in reaching your current Z-Wave devices.
The best way to think of the Z-Wave mesh is as the backbone of your home automations. This mesh network is the way Z-Wave devices communicate with each other and with the hub.
A single Z-Wave network (single hub) can support up to 232 devices, with up to 4 hops; therefore, the total home coverage will depend on the amount of mains powered Z-Wave products on the network. The maximum range with 4 hops is roughly 600 feet (or 200 meters), based on the average Z-Wave mains powered device. Having one or more Z-Wave repeating devices (like the ZAC38) will help strengthen the ability of your Z-Wave devices to maintain communication with the hub. Your environment, the distance to the furthest device, obstructions and device performance will determine the number of repeating devices required. A Z-Wave repeating device is one that is plugged into an outlet or powered by mains voltages. Battery powered Z-Wave devices do not repeat signals. Non-repeating devices are known as end devices, whereas Z-Wave repeating devices are routers.
Z-Wave devices build this communication mesh automatically, but it is not instantaneous. When building your mesh, you want to start by including the mains powered devices that will be located closest to the hub first, then building outward as you include devices. This allows the hub to utilize the necessary repeaters to reach the further device. You also want to ensure you give your Z-Wave mesh time to establish itself before automating your Z-Wave devices. It may take several hours for your Z-Wave mesh to automatically find the optimal routing. To maintain successful communication, all Z-Wave devices must be accessible. If you add devices near the hub, then move them to their final location, you may experience routing issues down the road; therefore it is preferable to join your devices in their intended permanent location.
Let us know if you have any questions, we'll be happy to help!
