Hi all,
Does anyone know of a battery operated Z-wave low-voltage relay or switch, something like this, but battery operated? https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Z-Wave-Multi-Input-Output-Contact/dp/B00B6RZ7MM/
I have a gas fireplace I’d like to automate, but there’s no (working) power outlet in it. I’d need the switch to be self-powered.
In my search, it doesn’t look like there is, but thought I’d check.
Thanks!
In most locations remotely controlling your fireplace is against code. Keep that in mind.
My gas fireplace uses a battery remote and battery receiver that came with it.
my fireplace will work without power except the fan will not run.
qubino and fibaro both make 12v z-wave switches that you might be able incorporate.
Although Not Z-wave compatible, you could use “5v-12v dc wifi relay module” from ebay, they are cheap but don’t use Smartthings, they use the same app as Sonnoff switches (EWelink ) then power it with a cheap rechargeable phone battery and usb cable. its also compatible with Alexa.
since I have power at/under the fireplace I use a Wemo plug with a rib relay plugged into that. then I wired the rib relay contacts to bypass the battery remote. I programed the Wemo switch to automatically shut off after 60 min. this has been running flawlessly for more then 2 years now. (also compatible with smartthings and alexa)
Alexa turn on the fireplace. 
@Macklemonster did you ever find a zwave low voltage battery powered relay? I’m kinda surprised there isn’t one considering they have things like battery controlled door locks. I currently use an Insteon relay and ran wires along the baseboard, but I’d like to find a relay.
@FutureTense I did not unfortunately. I purchased the wireless relay mentioned above, but it ran down a battery in a very short amount of time. So no joy in find a low current switch.
To be specific, setting up your fireplace so that it can be operated from more than about 30 feet away, that is out of line of sight, is against code in many places in the US. That’s why the typical battery operated remote for most gas fireplaces only has a very short range.
As soon as you add any control that could be operated by SmartThings, then you are adding the capability of operating from literally miles away. That’s what “remotely“ means in this context. Although you might not intend ever opening the app on your phone while you were at the office and starting the gas fireplace at your home, just the fact that you can becomes a code violation.
This type of code violation may also void your homeowners insurance as well. So as @kahilzinger Mentioned, it is important to check with your local township before adding any fireplace controls to SmartThings.
Check this out
This uses a servo. You could use a low voltage WiFi relay to move the switch. I haven’t seen one, but I’m sure it’s out there.
Battery and wifi don’t usually go together. Wifi is a very power-hungry protocol. Because it has to keep the connection alive at all times to receive a signal, it can’t power down like z-wave and zigbee can. So, i am willing to bet you won’t find a good wifi device. But you may find a z-wave or zigbee one.
I found a zwave switch that literally flips a light switch. It’s working perfectly.
There are other smart relay devices out there, but the advantage of MIMOlite is that it can be configured to “pulse” the relay contacts (default is 500mS). So for example, if you’re using the NO contacts, when triggered, it will close and reopen them 500mS later. Alternatively, you can configure it to do a hard close or open (sometimes called “latched”).
Define “battery operated”! Most of these smart relays can be operated from 6V-12V, and you can buy batteries with those voltages. If you’re looking for a device that’s powered from a couple of double-A batteries, you may have to hunt around more.