Does the 2GIG GC Touch Support Z-Wave Smart Home Devices?

Yes, the 2GIG GC Touch features a built-in Z-Wave Plus V2 controller that supports a wide range of smart home devices. You can add and control door locks, thermostats, lights, and garage door controllers directly from the panel's touchscreen interface or remotely through the Alarm.com app.

The Z-Wave protocol is a wireless communication standard designed specifically for home automation. Whether you have the AT&T LTE or Verizon LTE version of the panel, full Z-Wave functionality is built in. The 2GIG GC Touch supports up to 232 Z-Wave devices, though Z-Wave Long Range is not currently supported. Up to 122 of these devices can also be controlled through Alarm.com, allowing the GC Touch to function as both a security system and a smart home hub.

The 2GIG GC Touch uses a Z-Wave Plus V2 controller with an 800 Series compatible chip, which allows it to work with a wide range of existing Z-Wave devices. A Z-Wave Plus V2 controller is designed to be backward compatible, meaning it can communicate with older Z-Wave Plus and standard Z-Wave devices. This helps users expand or upgrade their system without replacing existing smart home equipment, while still benefiting from newer performance and reliability improvements offered by the updated Z-Wave platform.

While the GC Touch can communicate with older Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus devices, those devices remain limited by their own hardware and feature set. Earlier generation devices do not support newer capabilities introduced with 700 or 800 series technology, such as extended range, improved power efficiency, or enhanced performance. As a result, older devices will function normally but will not gain access to features that require newer Z-Wave hardware.

Compatible Z-Wave Devices

The 2GIG GC Touch works with a variety of Z-Wave devices to extend your smart home capabilities:

• Smart Door Locks: Lock and unlock doors remotely, create custom access codes, and receive notifications when doors are locked or unlocked.
• Thermostats: Control heating and cooling settings, create schedules, and monitor energy usage from the panel or app. Energy monitoring may require additional hardware.
• Lights and Dimmers: Turn lights on and off, adjust brightness levels when supported, and set up automated lighting schedules.
• Garage Door Controllers: Open and close garage doors remotely and receive alerts when the door status changes.

Adding Z-Wave Devices

To add Z-Wave devices to your 2GIG GC Touch tap Settings (⚙) then enter the Installer Code (1561 by default). Tap Automation Device, then Add Device, and the panel will enter inclusion mode for 30 seconds while scanning for nearby Z-Wave devices. Trigger the device you want to add according to its instructions, and it will automatically appear in your device list with its security level displayed.

Z-Wave support on the 2GIG GC Touch transforms your security panel into a smart home controller. The built-in Z-Wave radio eliminates the need for a separate hub, simplifying installation and management. For help with Z-Wave devices for home automation on your GC Touch panel, contact the Alarm Grid support team at support@alarmgrid.com, Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time.