Using a Smart Home Hub like SmartThings, Ezlo, Hubitat, Hometroller for Security

Using a Smart Home Hub like SmartThings, Ezlo, Hubitat, Hometroller for Security

Smart hubs like Smartthings are great in general.  They are not true security systems but they can often be made to function similarly to a security system with an arm/disarm function and push or text or email alerts if a "zone" is breached.  .  For example EzloSecure has a built-in security function.   Hubitat has something called "Hubitat Safety Monitor".  Smarthings offers "Smarthings Home Monitor".  These systems use ZWave or Zigbee door, window, motion type sensors and the app to provide basic security functionality.  EzloSecure can also support some 2Gig sensors and keypads.

These systems can also monitor for water leaks by adding water sensors, and can send an alert when a leak is detected.  They can even shut off a water valve automatically when that happens.

All of these are excellent smart home hubs and if you're looking for basic security function and an alert then they may be a good option.  Keep in mind that this is "self monitoring" which relies on the hub's cloud service for alerts, or email and text messages, and for the user to be able to respond appropriately to the alert.  This may be appropriate for some applications but may not be best for something urgent like a fire or home invasion.  Why not?  What if the text message gets delayed or your phone is on do-not-disturb?  What if you're in the bathroom, a closed door meeting or out of the country on vacation and you get a fire alert?  

For the right application these are excellent systems but they are not true alarm systems and self monitoring is not a replacement for professional central station monitoring and professional security services from a pro.

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