‎Integration of third-party smoke detector from ABUS via Z-Wave

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mpauli

Integration of third-party smoke detector from ABUS via Z-Wave

troubleshooting

Hello I recently became a user of the Ring alarm system. One major reason that previously held me back from purchasing Ring is that the Ring smoke detectors are only available in the US.Now, ABUS has released a Z-Wave smoke detector, and since Ring claims to support third-party sensors, I chose this combination. While I am able to integrate the ABUS Z-Wave smoke detector into the Ring app, it doesn’t seem to do anything. There is no option to select it as a smoke detector and when I activate the test alarm, it doesn’t even show up in the app. Therefore, I have two questions: In the event of a real smoke or fire alarm from my third-party smoke detector, would I be notified through the app? And if not, what is the purpose of integrating a third-party sensor into the app if it doesn’t interact with the app? I would appreciate any feedback, as there is unfortunately very little documentation available online on the topic of Z-Wave sensors and Ring. Kind regards

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13-11-2024 04:43:50

Responses (2)

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Tom_Ring
Hi @mpauli. If you are using anything but officially support Ring devices, there is no guarantee that it will work or function as it was intended. If you want to use those specific smoke detectors, I would suggest using the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO listeners.
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14-11-2024 07:11:59
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user63814
@mpauli Sadly, despite Z-Wave being invented as an open system, supposedly allowing all Z-Wave devices to work together (a bit like Matter), Ring have chosen to close the Z-Wave system to utilise only Ring branded devices. Further to that, products bought in the US do not work on a system bought in the EU.  My guess is Ring paid Z-Wave a higher licence fee to be able to do this. As you rightly state, people would love to buy more Ring devices, but Ring choose to not market certain products to Europe and the UK. Why? Who knows. I'm unsure why a company would choose to limit sales this way. Imagine how much money Amazon could make if they released the Listener, Flood and Freeze sensors etc. to Europe.....it might have been enough to offset the need to double the subscription charges we've been saddled with in these times of hardship. But hey, it's Amazon, and I guess we must help Bezos afford his next private jet! Incidentally, the Ring Smoke Detectors you speak of, are actually only Listeners. They are basically a microphone, tuned to hear your existing Smoke Alarm and message your Ring app when your existing Smoke Alarm sounds. I ended up buying connected Google Nest Protects for my home. In a way, I like this idea as the Nest app, being independent, is not relying on Ring to relay problems. Having two independent systems is probably best as if the Ring Base station fails in any way, you would lose all notifications, at least if you have independent fire alarm notifications, the chances of getting the notification is increased. Then, if Ring see fit to introduce the Listener to the European range, you can always add it to double your chances of getting a notification. Just don't hold your breath for that to happen though. Incidentally,  and for my interest only, you said " and since Ring claims to support third-party sensors, I chose this combination.". If you have a moment, can you send me a link to where you saw this please, I'd like to research it. Thanks.
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18-11-2024 09:13:38
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