The latest generation ZeroWire and UltraSync technologies from Interlogix, a brand represented by UTC Fire & Security UK Ltd in the United Kingdom, are the solutions being used by leading security provider Bellit Security. UltraSync’s app-controlled and ZeroWire’s wireless packages bring together intruder, video and home automation features and add the advantage of 24/7 control via the user’s mobile phone.
Bellit Security Managing Director Daniel Halenko believes they are ‘game-changing’ products. “ZeroWire and UltraSync together give homeowners exactly the right mix of affordability, ease of use and convenience. This is a significant upgrade on what we’ve seen before and a major opportunity to shake up the industry.”
Smart phone and central monitoring options
"From our first completed projects, we could see how much customers love the technology – it really excites them" |
The ZeroWire panel, along with its associated UltraSync app, is designed to be monitored either through the user’s smart phone or via connection to a central monitoring station. Configuring ZeroWire is simple and based upon the concept of ‘scenes.’ A scene encapsulates a group of up to 16 actions, such as turning on the lights or disarming the system, which can then be triggered either manually, through a system event such as an alarm, or via a time schedule. A typical scene might be to turn off lights, lock locks and shut the garage door when leaving. Another scene might be to activate a sounder, start a camera recording and send an email when a sensor detects an intruder.
“From our first completed projects, we could see how much customers love the technology – it really excites them,” says Halenko. “We are incredibly positive about its potential.”
Residential installations
Blackburn-based Bellit Security has already begun investing in marketing ZeroWire smart home systems. One of their latest projects is a new, high-end residential property and it illustrates why this new technology is so appealing. The homeowner is a single mother with two teenagers who needed a solution that would not only provide peace of mind but make her busy life easier. For her, it was about home-management and life-management as much as security.
Her previous property had been seriously damaged by a flood caused by a frozen pipe. She loved that, with Z-Wave controlled valves installed, the ZeroWire smart home system not only detects flooding but can automatically turn the main water supply off. She doesn’t have to be at home to turn off the water supply and doesn’t even have to know where the stop-valve is - just one example of the kind of control she now has over her property. This feature alone will be a major attraction for other customers, such as those with blocks of apartments to manage.
Also at her property, Bellit Security installed two internal wireless cameras, wireless door and window contacts, and three wireless Passive Infra Red (PIR) detectors. All wirelessly signal back to the ZeroWire panel, which can then communicate with either a central monitoring station or a mobile phone, depending on the customer’s wishes. In this case, the homeowner used the UltraSync app from her mobile phone to view her cameras, see the status of the intruder system and control items such as lights and thermostats.
Smart home functionality provides a means for a mother to check in on her home, and her teenage children, wherever she is |
Remote monitoring
Smart home functionality provides a means for a mother to check in on her home, and her teenage children, wherever she is. This doesn’t mean spying on family members but getting phone notifications that somebody has arrived home safely at the time they are expected. For people looking after potentially vulnerable family members, the benefits are also clear.
The UltraSync app, using geo-location technology paired with a smartphone’s GPS, can advise the ZeroWire panel when a user has left or returned to a predefined physical location. Another added feature: the ZeroWire panel can automatically turn off Z-Wave lights when the user has left home and then turn the lights back on as the user returns home. This is done by the user putting a “geo-fence” around the house at the desired distance, so the home ‘wakes up’ and is ready to welcome them when they arrive. This includes things like the lights and heat turning on and the alarm system turning off. No longer would a homeowner have to search for their keys while the security system counts down to activation.
Mobile alarm notifications
Lastly, the ZeroWire can “push,” or send, alarm notifications to the homeowner’s mobile phone. When the system detects an intruder (or any specified alarm event), it sends a message to the user’s mobile phone. The user can then view the cameras, check whether there’s a problem and make an informed decision about how to respond, including contacting emergency services if necessary.
“Bellit Security is a great example of how security providers are using UTC Fire & Security technology to offer customers exciting, life-enhancing smart home solutions,” says Kevin Swann, managing director, UTC Fire & Security UK Ltd. “Now, with ZeroWire and UltraSync, homeowners can manage their properties remotely and have convenience, control and peace of mind. These are solutions that consumers will embrace because they enhance their busy lives in a very obvious way.”
It’s a message UTC Fire & Security and many security providers are convinced the industry – and its customers - are not only ready for but keen to hear.
Smart home automation is attracting a lot of attention these days, within the security sector and beyond |
Smart home automation systems
Smart home automation is attracting a lot of attention these days, within the security sector and beyond, with companies such as Apple and Google developing visions for consumer lifestyles that are transformed by the Internet of Things. But with its established position in both the security and fire segments – which are subject to well-established commercial standards – UTC Fire & Security is well-placed to be among the industry leaders.
These innovative offerings reflect that. For communications, ZeroWire utilises IP, WiFi and optional GSM connections. The non-proprietary Z-Wave protocol is supported, which gives access to over 1,700 third party products such as thermostats, locks and lights. With EN Grade 2 and PD6662 accreditation, ZeroWire meets the required standards for police response to alarms if required.
The ZeroWire range of wireless peripherals includes indoor and outdoor cameras, a smoke detector, door/window sensors, indoor and outdoor sirens, a range of PIR detectors and a two-way key fob. With support of the Z-Wave protocol, this extends support to include third-party products such as thermostats, locks, plugs and dimmers. ZeroWire provides a single platform for both home security and automation.
ZeroWire and UltraSync provide homeowners with a proven smart home automation system |
Easy installations
Ease of installation and on-going support has been a major consideration in the design philosophy of ZeroWire. All sensors are connected wirelessly so no wiring is required. Additionally, the UltraSync capability means that communication with a central monitoring station is established simply by plugging in the network cable and the ZeroWire unit ‘dials home’ itself, via the cloud, without the need for any IT knowledge such as port forwarding. Once installed, with the plug and play remote connection established, support such as configuration changes or firmware updates can be handled remotely.
ZeroWire and UltraSync provide homeowners with a proven smart home automation system, incorporating a traditional security capability along with control of a wide range of additional products such as camera and thermostats. Allowing ease of mind and convenience for a variety of customers, regardless of location.