Shelly is a widely known smart home device provider, best known for their small relays that allow you to retrofit devices to be smarter. Shelly has officially joined the Works with Home Assistant program, certifying a selection of its Z-Wave devices for use with the Home Assistant platform. These products can be used to make traditional devices like lights, fans, or older appliances controllable through a smart home system. The new certification means that Shelly’s Z-Wave products have been tested for reliable use with Home Assistant and are now recommended for users who want to add smart controls to their homes.
Z-Wave is a wireless technology designed for smart home products. It operates on a different radio frequency than WiFi, which helps reduce interference and allows for better performance in homes with thick walls or large areas. Recent updates to the Z-Wave standard, such as the Long Range feature, have increased the distance these devices can communicate. For people who want to keep their smart home controls local and avoid cloud-based solutions, Z-Wave products are a good fit. To use these Shelly devices with Home Assistant, users need a Z-Wave adapter along with the Z-Wave JS add-on, which is supported by the Open Home Foundation.
Shelly’s Z-Wave devices include features like energy monitoring and low power usage. They are designed to fit behind existing light switches or plugs, so they do not change the look of a room. This makes them a practical way to upgrade older devices without needing to replace them, which can help reduce electronic waste. Among the newly certified products are the Shelly Wave PM Mini, Shelly Wave i4, Shelly Wave 1PM Mini, Shelly Wave 2PM, and Shelly Wave Pro 1PM. The Minis are small enough for tight spaces and can be installed by a professional or by users who are comfortable with electrical work, depending on local rules.
The Works with Home Assistant certification program is different from many other smart home certification systems. Instead of only checking boxes on paper, each product is tested directly by the Home Assistant team to make sure it works as expected out of the box. Companies that join the program agree to keep supporting their devices with updates and to stay involved in the Home Assistant community. The program is managed by the Open Home Foundation and funded by Home Assistant Cloud subscribers.
Shelly has also been active in the Home Assistant community outside of product certification. The company has worked with Home Assistant at events and shared real-world uses of its products, for example, in places like the Las Vegas Mob Museum. Shelly’s CTO, Leon Kralj, has stated that the company’s focus on local control, privacy, and flexibility fits well with Home Assistant’s goals. Shelly is also preparing to release new Z-Wave Long Range products that promise wireless coverage up to one kilometer.
For users wondering about support for other devices, it is noted that just because a product is not yet listed as Works with Home Assistant does not mean it will not work. The certification only covers products that have gone through the program’s full testing process. More Shelly devices are expected to be added in the future, as they expand their Z-Wave product lines. Users can follow updates or install certified devices themselves by following guides on the Shelly website or seek professional help if needed. The partnership between Shelly and Home Assistant is set to bring more certified devices and features to the smart home market over time.
View the original press release.
