I have what I would call a second generation going on third generation house as most of us probably do. We’ve gone past smart lights and disconnected systems to smart switches, sensors linked to home assistant or another hub, and some have started down the path of trying to build rudimentary intelligence into our homes. What I need to do now, is take a step outside of the safe confines of the home and out into a tool shed toward the back of my property. The shed is less than 100ft from the house so I am hoping that zwave signals will travel there fairly well. My concern is, the shed is like a small covered house, it’s dry inside, but not insulated. What I want to do, is install at minimum door, light switch, and maybe one external (covered and inside a protective box per code) smart outlet. What devices would you recommend for this effort?
I use the GE switches and outlets in the house, but I’m not tied to them, but I do want to stay with zwave. My primary concern is the temperature and limited weather exposure.
Well, as far as sensors are concerned the Aeotec gen 5 multi is about the only one I know of that is outdoors rated (IP42 waterproofing). But you could probably use most zwave door sensors as long as you are putting them on the inside (and where else would you put them?). If you are in a climate that gets very cold or very hot, I’d highly suggest looking for a sensor that you can use a lithium battery in. I use these in my weather station which is obviously exposed to extremes directly. I have a 18 month old set of lithium AA batteries in there now and they are still running fine.
GE has a great 600watt plugin switch that I have used - again with direct exposure - and it’s holding up well. They also make a 40amp outdoor switch that may work for you if you want a traditional switch, but it is not cheap by any means. Home Depot has them at $158 USD.
Outdoor (unobstructed) range is a nominal 330 feet, so a link to the shed is viable, with care.
As far as temperature goes, that varies a lot from device to device. Some devices have a relatively narrow band they’ll operate in, others a much wider band. Generally speaking, if you want it to operate outside of 0C to 30C, you’ll need to check.
Weather exposure, generally few will be rated for full exposure. Some like the Aeotec sensors are fine under overhangs if oriented correctly. Most however are intended for “indoor” use only.
I use a GE 12721 outlet in a protective box with a cover on my porch. My porch is covered, but is definitely exposed to high winds and blowing rain. So far, I have not noticed any issues with it. The wall it is installed in does have insulation in it.
I definitely agree with the above postings that state that you need to research the devices and confirm that they will work in your temperature range. An outlet that works in Florida may not work in New York or Alaska.
I would also consider using a GFCI outlet, along with an add-in, Z-Wave compatible module as well. If you don’t use a GFCI outlet, consider using a GFCI breaker instead. This protects the circuit from any potential damage due to water, ice melting, etc.
If the zwave range is not up to par, I’ve had great success with the RF outlets… RF seems to travel really far in my home. Much further than zwave for me.
IP based lights is also another easy one from a coverage standpoint.
(I’m having issues with a GE outdoor outlet getting back to my zstick that is 15 feet away. 
Agreed, the first outlet on the circuit is a GFCI outlet and works properly as tested by the code inspector. I’m in Tennessee, the lowest I can remember was about -10F and the highest was maybe 105F. Now the items are inside the shed, so it’s technically in the shade. I would consider the normal temperatures between 10F and 100F for this area.
I’ve got some of the switches that go inside the wall switch box and integrate with the traditional switches, and some of the standard GE smart switches. Do you have an opinion which ones would work better in my situation?
Humm, that’s interesting. I have a GE outdoor outlet that I used at Christmas to power the outdoor lights. It is probably 20 feet away from the nearest zwave device and much more than that from my hub and it has to go through a brick wall to get to the nearest zwave device. I had no problems with it at all. Does it join the network ok and then just not respond??
I have 3 of them. 2 just report as dead as I move them outside. So it has to go to through the brick wall. I have a zwave door sensor on the back door that is literally 10 feet from the ge outlet and it just doesn’t want to relay. If I move them inside, they pick up… but their range doesn’t seem to be the greatest. Maybe it’s my zwave stick… I’m not sure.
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a licensed electrician by any means, but I have installed my fair share of electric devices, plugs, switches, fans, outlets, etc. Assuming that you have a GFCI plug or breaker “upstream” from your Z-Wave device, you should be ok in most scenarios. Please note that these devices don’t do well in extreme heat or cold, so your mileage may vary once you get outside of their normal operating temperatures. The contacts could rust, etc, or it could just not work properly outside those ranges. With that being said:
For the add-on style plug, take a look at the GE 12720 add-on plug. It’s rated for outdoor use, works in 32-104 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may not work in the sub-freezing weather or extreme heat.
For the in-wall style plug, take a look at the GE 12722 in-wall plug. It’s rated for indoor use only, works in 32-104 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s no different from the outdoor device listed above. Keep in mind that if it is in a NEMA-approved wet-location electrical box and the box is closed, you should be protected from the elements (except temperature variations).
For the wall switches, I would use either the GE 12724 (dimmable) or the GE 12722 (non-dimming). Personally, I use a dimming switch everywhere I can, even if I am not planning to use the dimming capabilities, with 2 exceptions:
- Overhead ceiling fans - Use the GE12730 fan switch.
- If the device must have ONLY an on/off switch like a bathroom exhaust fan.
Either way, all of the units listed above are Z-Wave only, not Z-Wave Plus.
FYI - GE has recently released the GE 14291 (non-dimming), which is the same as the GE 12722 switch, but is built on Z-Wave Plus. I cannot speak for whether or not this device is currently supported in HASS, but if it does not, I am sure someone will make it work soon enough. If I were purchasing non-dimming switches today, I would consider this newer model simply for the future compatibility.
Hopefully this helps.
Thanks for the rundown. I am familiar with the GE line. I understand where you are coming from with the disclaimer at the top. I’m in the same boat you are. I was really wondering if anyone had any experience with devices in somewhat similar environments. Everything except the one external outlet that will be in the NEMA approved box, is “indoors”, but just not well protected from temperature variations. I’m not that worried about water at this point, at least not any more than I am with a standard wall switch.
I am interested in hearing about any door type sensors for a two door shed (hinges on the outside).
I really wouldn’t worry so much about it. I have a Wink window/door sensor in my mailbox and it’s doing fine in this blizzard as well as 100 degree heat last Summer. It’s a black PVC standalone mailbox on a post. So no insulation from cold and it’s an oven in the Summer.
These things are not rated for outdoor use at all and they are working great. Certainly more exposed than your shed is ever going to be.
BTW the GE Switch I recommended is rated from 5 top 104 degrees F operating range.