FAQ

Product

What is WallSense?

An in-wall sensor for round European back boxes. Two mmWave radars see whether someone is there and where. Sensors measure CO2, VOC, NOx, temperature, humidity and ambient light, and the front works as a touch surface. It runs on ESPHome and works in Home Assistant.

When can I buy WallSense?

Not yet. WallSense is in development. Check smarthomeshop.io/wallsense/en for the current planning.

What is the difference with CeilSense and UltimateSensor?

WallSense sits flush in a wall box. CeilSense is made for the ceiling, with an LED ring. The UltimateSensor is free-standing, with the option of particulate matter and a voice assistant.

Does WallSense have a camera?

No. It has no camera and makes no images, only radar points.

Does WallSense measure particulate matter?

No. For particulate matter, see the UltimateSensor or UltimateSensor Mini with the optional SPS30.

Installation

Which back box do I need?

A round 60 mm back box, with 60 mm screw centers. The module is 26 mm deep. With Ethernet/PoE and a bare RJ45 connector without a boot, about 40 mm of installation depth is required, so it also fits shallow round boxes. See Frames and Compatibility.

Which frames fit?

Gira System 55 fits directly. Adapter plates for Jung, Berker, Merten, Busch-Jaeger and Niko are in development. See Frames and Compatibility for the series.

Can WallSense share a frame with a switch or socket?

Yes.

How do I power WallSense?

With PoE over an Ethernet cable, or with 110 to 240 V mains. USB-C is only for flashing firmware and is not a power option. Have mains connections made by a qualified installer.

Can I use WallSense in a bathroom?

WallSense is not rated for wet rooms. It is for indoor use only.

Radar

Why mmWave instead of PIR?

PIR only sees motion. mmWave also sees breathing and small movements, so the light stays on while you sit still.

How far does WallSense see?

The modules are specified up to 9 m at ±75° (LD2412) and up to 6 m at ±60° (LD2450). These are module specifications, not a guaranteed WallSense range. The room tool on the product site uses 80 percent of those figures: about 7.2 m and 4.8 m. Mounting, the frame, obstacles and settings affect detection, and range can be shorter when people sit still.

Can it detect pets, or see through a wall?

Yes, both can happen. mmWave can notice small moving objects such as pets, fans and moving curtains, and 24 GHz radar can detect through thin walls. See the placement advice.

Can I make zones?

Not on the device yet. The LD2450 module supports three rectangular zones, and those will follow with release firmware. Room Designer support is planned. Today you can build a zone in Home Assistant from the X/Y positions, see Zone Around the Sofa.

Home Assistant and App

Do I need Home Assistant?

Today, yes. WallSense works with Home Assistant through ESPHome. The SmartHomeShop app will follow, and with supported cloud firmware the app does not need Home Assistant.

Does the SmartHomeShop.io integration or the app support WallSense?

Not yet. WallSense is not yet a product in the integration and not yet in the app. ESPHome entities work in Home Assistant without the integration. Room Designer support, cards and app support are planned.

Does WallSense support Ethernet or Thread?

Yes, both are part of the product. The current firmware is a WiFi test build, and the firmware for Ethernet with PoE and for Thread will follow with release firmware. With Thread, WallSense connects to Home Assistant through your Thread border router, with no WiFi or Ethernet cable. See Connect via Thread.

Touch and LEDs

What does the touch surface do?

In the current firmware it controls the rear LEDs: single press, double press and hold. Touch Button also appears in Home Assistant for your own automations. A press also triggers the built-in LED action. See Touch Control.

Can I control the LEDs from Home Assistant?

The sixteen rear LEDs, yes: color, brightness and effects. The front LED, not yet. In the current firmware it only gives touch feedback. See LED Lighting.

Support

What warranty do I get, and where can I get help?

Two years of warranty and fourteen days to change your mind after delivery. For help, use the support portal or Discord. See Warranty and Support.