Power backups for Hub, modem, and wifi

[danfelix (Dan)]

My question is about the need for power backups for the modem, wifi router, and the ST Hubs.

I use a Zooz water valve shut off. It is Z-Wave. I also installed a Zooz battery backup for the valve, in the event of a power failure. The Zooz water shut off valve is listed as ‘Local’ in the ST devices Execution listing.

Do I need only a power backup for the ST Hub (v2) or do I also need a backup for the modem and wifi router in order to be able for the unit to automatically close the valve during a power outage with a water leakage detection from a battery powered ST leakage detector?

My suspicion is that if there is a power failure then the cable internet signal into the house will also fail so I will be unable to remotely close the valve, regardless of power backups on any device.

Thanks.

[Andreas_Roedl]

Yes, of course!

@danfelix

My suspicion is that if there is a power failure then the cable internet signal into the house will also fail so I will be unable to remotely close the valve, regardless of power backups on any device.

That’s why I have a router with 4G/LTE fail-over - it’s actually connected via LTE all the time, since it’s more stable than the DSL.

[HalD (Hal)]

If you create a routine to close the valve that runs local to your hub then you won’t need your Internet to be available for the routine to run.

For any access via the SmartThings app, even if you’re at home, you’ll need working Internet access.

[Andreas_Roedl]

@HalD

If you create a routine to close the valve that runs local to your hub then you won’t need your Internet to be available for the routine to run.

The device the SmartThings hub is connected to, being a router or Ethernet hub, must be powered as well. As soon as the Ethernet link goes down, the Thread border router (and Zigbee part, IIRC) won’t work.

Since the SmartThings hub is usually connected via Ethernet to a router, it must be powered as well.

Read the whole thread, because it’s not easy to explain (and understand…):

Local automations not so local?

Let’s say you have only one SmartThings hub, which is also the only Thread border router and Zigbee coordinator. You create an automation so a Zigbee button turns on a Thread light. All is connected directly to the hub and the automation is as local as it gets, so it should always work. However… if you disconnect the Ethernet cable of the hub, the automation stops working. Is that expected? I could understand it in case it was a external Thread border router or WiFi devices were involved and whatnot, but in this case there’s no need to reach outside the hub to run the automation.

[mocelet]

@Andreas_Roedl

and Zigbee part, IIRC

Automations with Zigbee only devices worked for me with no dependencies, the problem was Thread that, even with everything connected to the hub, it would not work with the Ethernet link down.

[Andreas_Roedl]

BTW: recently tested it with the V4 and the latest firmware and still the same issue.

[HalD (Hal)]

Interesting thread (pun kind of intended)

Are Routines that involve Thread devices on a V3 hub marked as “local” in the SmartThings app?

[mocelet]

Absolutely, as long as everything else is local too, that’s the point of the post.

[danfelix (Dan)]

Thanks. I just need it to auto close with power down so your answer will work fine.

[HalD (Hal)]

Be aware of the info from @mocelet

If any of the devices involved in operating the valve are Thread you’ll need to ensure there is power to whatever Ethernet box you’ve connected your hub to. Otherwise Thread communication will fail.

[mejifair (Erik)]

I use a set of battery backups from Cyberpower for all of my network and connected equipment. In the even of a power failure all of my devices stay online (even my HDHomerun for OTA TV access) and I am notified that the power is out.

Since the ZooZ is local, it would be awesome if there was a routine that would allow for a power outage to auto run for different devices.

But yes, IMO I think it’s very important.

[HalD (Hal)]

@mejifair

battery backups from Cyberpower

I have used Cyberpower line conditioning UPSes for a very long time. But my most recent one had the battery die in slightly over a year. My wiring closet with all hubs and a small NAS pulls just over 100w.

[homeagain]

Has anyone introduced a smart UPS yet?