home-assistant.io/source/_docs/z-wave.markdown
DubhAd 018890a3b8 Rewriting the Z-Wave documentation (#3467)
* Z-Wave documents refactoring

* Continuing to update documentation for Z-Wave

* Wakeup correction

Note that it only applies to devices that can be battery powered (for example, my Aeotec sensor is USB powered, but as it supports Wake the option is shown)

* Polling impact notes

Example of what the impact of polling can be

* Fix object_id to entity_id
2017-10-14 19:16:28 +02:00

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Markdown

---
layout: page
title: "Z-Wave"
description: "Using Z-Wave with Home Assistant."
date: 2017-09-21 10:59
sidebar: true
comments: false
sharing: true
footer: true
redirect_from: /getting-started/z-wave/
---
[Z-Wave](http://www.z-wave.com/) integration for Home Assistant allows you to observe and control connected Z-Wave devices. Z-Wave support requires a [supported Z-Wave USB stick or module](/docs/z-wave/controllers/)) to be plugged into the host.
There is currently support for climate, covers, lights, locks, sensors, switches, and thermostats. All will be picked up automatically after configuring this platform.
Before configuring the Z-Wave setup, please take a moment and read [this article](https://drzwave.blog/2017/01/20/seven-habits-of-highly-effective-z-wave-networks-for-consumers/) to understand the most common pitfalls of Z-Wave networks.
## {% linkable_title What is Z-Wave %}
Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol designed for home automation. It uses a low power, and low bandwidth, mesh network that allows devices that aren't within direct range of each other to communicate indirectly, via other nodes. Any device that's permanently powered (not battery powered) will help build the mesh, if you don't have enough powered devices, or you locate these poorly, your mesh will be unreliable.
There is a limit of 232 devices in a single Z-Wave network. If you need more devices then you could set up a second Home Assistant system with its own Z-Wave network and connect these with the [MQTT Eventstream](/components/mqtt_eventstream/) or [MQTT Statestream](/components/mqtt_statestream) components.
The Z-Wave standard was improved with Z-Wave Plus, and if you only use Z-Wave plus devices then you will gain the full benefits.
## {% linkable_title What do you need to use Z-Wave %}
There are 2 basic things you'll need to use Z-Wave, a Z-Wave [controller](/docs/z-wave/controllers/) and one or more [devices](/docs/z-wave/devices/).
### {% linkable_title Regional differences %}
There are 12 different regions for Z-Wave devices, which relates to the frequency the devices use. There is overlap between the regions, but you should ensure that you buy devices for your region. Wikipedia has a list of the [frequencies used](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z-Wave#Radio_frequencies).