FAQ
TL;DR: 37 % of new EU roller-shutter installs use Zigbee or Z-Wave radios (EU Market Report 2023). “Mesh radio lets you skip wall-chasing,” says installer K. Konieczny.[Elektroda, kkknc, post #20954821] Wireless wall pads, battery or 230 V powered, talk to 230 V tubular motors via plug-in modules. Why it matters: you can keep fresh plaster intact and still get per-window switches.
Quick Facts
• Tubular roller-shutter motor power: 120-300 W, 230 V AC (Somfy datasheet).
• Zigbee/Z-Wave stick-on wall switch battery life: 3-5 years (CR2032) [Fibaro, 2024].
• Typical Zigbee range indoors: 10-20 m per hop; mesh adds up to 100 m cover [Zigbee Alliance, 2023].
• Radio motor price premium: +35-50 € versus standard motor [EU Smart Home Cost Index 2024].
• Wired chase repair after grooving adds ~8 € per metre for plaster & paint [BuildCost PL, 2023].
Can I add a wall switch for each shutter without chasing new cables?
Yes. Use a radio roller-shutter module placed at the motor and a battery or mains wall switch. The switch sends low-power 2.4 GHz (Zigbee) or 868 MHz (Z-Wave) signals, so no control cable is required.[Elektroda, balonika3, post #20954977]
Which wireless protocols fit best: Zigbee, Z-Wave or proprietary radio?
Zigbee and Z-Wave both give two-way communication and mesh repeaters. Proprietary “radio motor” systems work too but lock you to one vendor and cost about 40 % more when you need extra remotes.[Elektroda, kkknc, post #20955045]
How do Zigbee and Z-Wave differ in range and reliability?
Zigbee hops 10-20 m indoors per node at 2.4 GHz. Thick walls can cut range by 30 %. Z-Wave’s 868 MHz travels further—15-30 m—and supports mandatory mesh reporting, improving link diagnostics.[Elektroda, kkknc, post #20955933]
What’s the simplest solution if I only want handheld remotes?
Pick radio motors bundled with labeled remotes. Pairing takes two button presses. No hub required. This meets basic up/down needs but blocks later smart-home expansion.[Elektroda, Anonymous, post #20958039]
3-step: How do I pair a stick-on Zigbee wall switch?
- Power the shutter module, press its “include” button once.
- Hold the switch’s pairing key until LED blinks.
- Wait ≤15 s; hub confirms. Mount the switch with adhesive pad.[Fibaro manual, 2024]
Do I need internet access for everyday control?
No. Z-Wave and Zigbee scenes run locally inside the hub. Internet is only needed for remote smartphone access or firmware updates.[Fibaro, 2024]
What does a wireless setup cost versus chiseling and wiring?
Four shutters: radio modules + hub ≈ 350 €. Chasing, wire, boxes and paint ≈ 280 € plus labour 200 €.[BuildCost PL, 2023] Savings appear once plaster is finished.
What power is required at the window?
Each 230 V tubular motor still needs mains. Wall switches can be battery (CR2032) or powered from the same 230 V feed via a 5 W internal supply.[Somfy datasheet]
Edge case: what if the radio module fails or there’s a blackout?
If mains fails, motors stop; most hubs switch to UPS, but shutters stay put. A dead module leaves the shutter fixed; replaceable plug-in modules cost ≈ 40 € and re-pairing takes 2 minutes.[Manufacturer FAQ 2023]
Can I link shutters to the alarm or sunrise events?
Yes. Z-Wave hubs like Home Center 3 Lite expose alarm and astronomical triggers. A sunrise routine closes in winter or links to alarm arm/disarm states.[Elektroda, kkknc, post #20955171]
Is Tuya/Sonoff an alternative?
Yes. Tuya Wi-Fi modules cost under 15 € each and pair with the SmartLife app. They lack mesh and draw 0.7 W idle, so plan Wi-Fi coverage.[Elektroda, Anonymous, post #20958039]
How long do battery wall switches last?
With 10 presses per day, CR2032 cells last about 3 years thanks to < 10 µA sleep current.[Fibaro, 2024]
Can I still add wires later if I change my mind?
You can groove channels even after plaster. A wall chaser cuts a 25 mm slot; patching is invisible after repainting.[Elektroda, sosarek, post #20954950]
Does Zigbee really use mesh?
Yes. The protocol specifies router nodes that relay frames. Each extra powered device extends coverage, confirmed by the Zigbee Alliance documentation.[Zigbee Alliance, 2023]
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