ZW+ Device Upgrade Experience and Tips

Hi all, I recently went through the process of upgrading my Z-Wave devices to Z-Wave Plus, and I wanted to share my experience and some tips I’ve gathered along the way. I had a few Z-Wave switches and outlets that I decided to upgrade, and I was curious about how seamless the transition would be, especially since these devices were integrated into my automations using Homey and Node-RED.

First, I wanted to understand if replacing the devices would require me to rework my existing automations. From what I’ve read, it seems that as long as you give the new device the same label and name as the old one, it should integrate smoothly without disrupting your current setup. However, I did some research and found that sometimes it’s a good idea to test the new device in a separate environment before fully replacing the old one, just to be sure everything works as expected.

During the replacement process, I made sure to follow the exclusion and inclusion steps carefully. I was pleasantly surprised that the new Z-Wave Plus devices were easier to include in my network compared to the older ones. The range and reliability have also improved, which is a huge plus for my setup.

One thing I’d recommend is to back up your automations before making any changes. It’s a simple step, but it can save a lot of headaches if something goes wrong. I also found that taking the time to label and organize my devices in the Homey app made it easier to manage my automations afterward.

If you’re considering upgrading your Z-Wave devices to Z-Wave Plus, I’d say go for it! The benefits in terms of range, reliability, and energy efficiency are well worth the effort. I’d love to hear about others’ experiences with Z-Wave Plus devices and any tips they might have for a smooth upgrade process.

Happy upgrading everyone! :rocket: