Z-wave associations/connection

What is an association?

An association is a direct link between entities. This means that the connection will still work even if the Smarthub is switched off.

For example, one can pair:

• a water leak sensor with a water-shutoff valve to shut off the water supply
• a wireless switch directly with a light
• a thermostat with a relay that should turn on and off at the same time as the thermostat
• two lights so that they are synchronised
• a magnetic contact with a light so that the light turns on when the door is opened, and turns off when the door is closed

Groups

Z-wave association is made of groups. These groups define what functionality you want to use in your pairing. When you include a Z-Wave device, an association is already set from the product to the Smarthub. This is referred to as the "lifeline" and is the communication path from the Smarthub to the device. This is group 1. That is why, the usual functions that we are going to use in the associations in most cases start at group 2.

Setting up an association

Associations are one-way communication. If you are going to connect a wireless switch and a dimmer, you have to create a connection from the switch to the dimmer. Let's use this as an example:

1. Connect the switch and the dimmer to the Smarthub. If you are wondering how it is done, follow the instructions in the manual linked here.
2. Navigate to the switch. Go to settings → devices → find the switch → select "associations".

3. When it asks for a group, enter the number that represents the function you want. In this case, it's group 2, since we're going to configure the top pair of buttons. Do not press "next step" until we have moved on.

4. Since the Switch is a battery powered unit we will need to wake it up before proceeding. This is because it is asleep and will not register the association without being awakened. It is done by putting the switch in inclusion mode (hold the top two buttons for 3 seconds). When the switch lights up, you can press "next step".

5. Now you will see the list of devices it can be associated with. Select the device(s) you want, turn off the switch again (ref. step 4) and press "finish".

6. Test if the association works.

Keep in mind

There are a few things that are important to remember:

1. Devices you want to associate MUST be at the same level of security. This is important since they are linked directly and the hub will not be able to act as an interpreter in between. The easiest way is to use insecure/regular inclusion if you know they are to be associated.
2. All battery-powered devices MUST be woken up before creating the association. The vast majority of battery devices are asleep to save power, and will therefore not receive the message that it should be connected to another device. Wake up = put the device in inclusion mode (read the product's manual).
3. Since it is a direct connection, the devices depend on being in relative proximity to each other. This of course varies with signal strength, building mass, etc.