Smart home technology offers many benefits. Namely, there's ample opportunity for smart home automation. This works through device connectivity, where smart home gadgets communicate and trigger various events. While there are many communication protocols, Samsung SmartThings delivers top-notch compatibility. Since it functions with many protocols including Zigbee and Z-Wave, Samsung SmartThings is solid choice when selecting smart home tech. [Read:Smart Home Protocols: 10-min IoT Protocols Glossary for Beginners]
SmartThings operates with its proprietary SmartThings software and a compatible SmartThings smart home hub. Armed with the hub, devices connect, sharing information with the hub and with other devices synced with the hub. Check out the best SmartThings garage door sensor options on the market! [Read: Samsung SmartThings vs Wink Hub – Which one is better for whom?]
Samsung SmartThings requires two items to function: SmartThings software and a SmartThings hub. Then, compatible devices such as Z-Wave and Zigbee gadgets may sync with the hub. From there, the devices and hub "talk," sharing information with one another. Using these inputs, events trigger. For instance, a security camera begins recording movement during a set time of the day or night, and can, in turn, set off an alarm. This is where the SmartThings software and SmartThings app comes in. Here, you may set up routines which automate tasks such as turning on lights when a specific event occurs. You may configure lights to turn on at sunrise or sunset, or utilize other SmartThings compatible devices like motion sensors. Essentially, routines are if this then that sequences which set off with a certain trigger.
SmartThings compatible garage sensor: What is a SmartThings garage sensor?
Wouldn't it be smart if... you could close your garage door from your mobile phone?
A SmartThings garage sensor is merely a sensor which monitors or controls a garage door. For this, what you'll need is a garage door sensor for SmartThings and SmartThings hub. Well, and a garage too, of course. Under the Doors & Locks section, select New Door. Then, you have the option to pick either Garage Door or Conventional Door. Choosing Garage Door yields the option to use several actions and scenarios such as knowing if a door is open or closed, alerts when open, and remote control. For control, you'll need a SmartThings garage door sensor and a relay switch. On the sensor side, you'll need a device that boasts a tilt or angle sensor and orientation sensor. Therefore, the sensor tells if a door is open or closed.
Best SmartThings garage door sensor options
I recently reviewed a list of Z-wave garage door sensors and SmartThings compatible security cameras. In this post, I will focus only those that integrate well with Samsung SmartThings. It is worth mentioning that garage door sensors sense the door position but may not control them (open or close). Garage door controllers, on the other hand, can sense as well as control open and close. Controllers, obviously, are more expensive. So, let's check out some of the best SmartThings compatible garage sensor devices available today!
The Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor is a top choice for smart home monitoring and control. Packed into this robust SmartThings device, you'll find vibration, angle/tilt, orientation, and temperature sensors. As such, you can tell when a device is open or closed. This allows for increased monitoring of a home. In addition to placement on your garage door, you may employ its various other features such as the temperature sensor to turn on a fan using a SmartThings wall switch.
Since it's a Zigbee sensor, you may need Zigbee repeaters. Without these, the range is pretty limited. Additionally, on a garage door you must place the sensor horizontally to register when the door is open and closed. Nevertheless, it's simple to set up and sports an array of sensors. Thus, the Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor is a top choice as a SmartThings garage door sensor.
The Z-Wave Plus gold plated garage door tilt sensor is a barebones garage door sensor for SmartThings. With a fie-year battery life, it's long-lasting and capable of mounting virtually anywhere. With its Z-Wave communication protocol, there's strong connectivity and excellent compatibility. The included flush mounting bracket makes installation a breeze. Use with a relay allows pretty much any garage door to open. However, some users reported false alarms. While there's a workaround, it's a potential flaw to take note of. But use with SmartThings, and even IFTTT makes this Z-Wave Plus gold plated garage door tilt sensor a top choice as a SmartThings garage door sensor.
Pros:
Z-Wave protocol
Reliable
Good wireless range
Excellent mounting bracket
Easy to install
IFTTT compatibility
Cons:
Potential false alarms
Best SmartThings Devices for Home Automation in 2019:
Differing from tilt sensors, contact sensors are intended for mounting on doors, windows, cabinets, and more. Then, these give information on if a door is open or closed. It's incredible inexpensive, and can be used as a garage door sensor. Simply sync the Iris Contact Sensor with a Samsung SmartThings hub, and it will allow monitoring of whether a garage door is open or closed. However, this is merely for smart home security purposes. Unlike tilt sensors, this merely tells you if a garage door is open or closed. It's useful to set up alerts if your garage door has been open for a set amount of time for example.
Though the SmartThings app is robust, users disliked the Iris app which can be a bit overwhelming and intrusive. Still, the Iris Contact Sensor with its small form factor, great wireless range, and ease of use is the best pick as a Samsung SmartThings compatible garage sensor.
A superb multi-sensor device, the Visonic MCT-340 E wireless door window temperature sensor with ZigBee is ideal as a garage door sensor for SmartThings. Since it's a tiny device, it's unobtrusive and can be mounted with 3M tape. Set up with SmartThings is a breeze, and the open/close distance is fantastic. With a super low price and multiple sensors, it's a nifty SmartThings compatible sensor option.
Yet orientation is located in the top right of the device. Therefore, if the Visonic MCT-340 E needs to be rotated you'll need to make adjustments to ensure the sensor continues monitoring the property. Inexpensive, functional, and easy to use as well as install, the Visonic MCT-340 E is an awesome garage door sensor for SmartThings use.
Pros:
Easy to install
Inexpensive
Zigbee protocol
Pairs easily
Temperature sensor
Cons:
Sensor orientation may require tweaks depending on install
A tiny device, the NYCE NCZ-3013-HA is a Zigbee garage door tilt sensor. It's compatible with a bevy of software options from SmartThings to Securifi, Zipato, Telegesis, and Iris. This reports the open and closed status of garage doors, and features a whopping five-year battery life. There are three colored LED event indicators onboard.
The NYCE NCS-3014-HA pairs easily with SmartThings and is incredibly easy to mount. With its minuscule footprint, the NyCE NCZ-3014-HA is an awesome garage sensor for SmartThings. Disappointingly, response time is a bit slow. For instance, if it's tilted and then tilted back quickly, the NYCE NCZ-3014-HA fails to register an event. But for a slower garage door, this is an awesome choice.
Pros:
Small footprint
Easy to install
Zigbee
Pairs easily
Cons:
Slow response time
Garage door sensor for SmartThings: Final thoughts
Overall, there are loads of SmartThings garage door sensor options available. Depending on your needs, you may select a tilt sensor, contact sensor, or even a multi-purpose sensor. For basic sensing, a tilt sensor is more than enough. But if you need full control and have the budget for it, you might consider a robust garage door controller that is compatible with SmartThings. The Samsung multipurpose sensor is the best pick based on its bevy of included sensors including a temperature sensor. This Z-Wave Plus sensor is a great SmartThings garage door sensor option.
Your turn: Which SmartThings compatible garage sensor devices do you recommend?
