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Updated November 27, 2006 06:00 PST
What are the pros and cons of Z-Wave vs. UPB PLC systems?
UPB uses the power wiring to transmit its signal so it
cannot be used for portable and battery operated devices.
UPB products are limited to a few manufacturers, and to
date, only lighting products. Z-Wave products are manufactured
by over 40 companies and cover products such as Lighting,
Window Coverings, Touch Screens, Alarms, Motion Detectors,
Universal Remote Controls and support from several Home
Control management platforms and software.
UPB can be very reliable but in most cases requires a bridging
device to be placed in the main circuit breaker panel in
standard 120/240V split single-phase power systems. Z-Wave
on the other hand uses a robust mesh network strategy where
every device can act as a repeater ensuring full coverage
of large spaces without the need for bridging devices.
Also, as UPB devices are installed in a network the signal
strength on the network decreases with each one due to loading
of the power line. With Z-Wave, the more devices installed
in the network the stronger the mesh is.
Are there any light switches that are battery operated
and if so how long will the battery last?
There are many battery operated handheld transmitters like
the Intermatic HCA09 or the Monster AVL300 that can be used
to switch lights and other things on and off. However, it
sounds like you want to know if there are any in-wall mounted,
battery operated transmitters that could be used to "fake"
a light switch and be mounted where there is no wiring available.
Sadly, the answer is no, not at this time. This is a popular
product configuration and we're certain it will not be long
before one or more of the companies building Z-Wave enabled
products will put one on the market.
Mark Walters is the vice president of Zensys and head
of the Z-Wave Alliance - an organization that is bringing
order to the growing cluster of companies creating products
around the technology.
