A Z-Wave hub can run Somfy shades. The link runs through a Somfy bridge, and the bridge you pick depends on two things: the motors already on your windows and the controller that runs your house. The Somfy motors we stock for US shades use RTS, Zigbee, wired or SDN control, and Somfy connects those shades to smart-home platforms through TaHoma switch and the Universal RTS Interface II. This guide maps each route so a Z-Wave owner orders the right part the first time.
Somfy Z-Wave control starts with your motor's radio
Read the motor label or the original remote before you shop. A Telis or Situo RTS remote means RTS motors. A Ysia remote means Zigbee motors. Our RTS vs Zigbee comparison covers range and feedback in detail.
Somfy RTS motors listen on 433.42 MHz, a one-way radio Somfy runs across awnings and interior shades. Somfy Zigbee motors run two-way Zigbee 3.0 and report position back to the hub. Z-Wave hubs speak a third radio, so a Somfy bridge sits between the two networks. Once the bridge joins your platform, your shades show up in the same app as your Z-Wave locks and thermostats.
The ZRTSI and the hubs that took over its job
Somfy once sold a plug-in Z-Wave to RTS Interface, the ZRTSI (1811265). Somfy's own instructions describe it as a Z-Wave bridge that turns Z-Wave commands into RTS signals, with 16 virtual nodes tied to 16 RTS channels. It plugged into a standard 110V outlet and joined the Z-Wave mesh as a repeating node. Somfy recommended one unit for each 25 to 35 foot area that held RTS motors.
Somfy has since moved its smart-home path to TaHoma switch, which carries RTS and Zigbee and links to the major platforms through partner integrations. Installers who need a hard-wired link to a pro automation controller use the URTSI II. If you own a working ZRTSI, keep it in service. For a new install or a replacement, the two current Somfy routes below take its place.
TaHoma switch for Z-Wave homes on a partner platform
The Somfy TaHoma Switch RTS and Zigbee Smart Hub (1871037) controls up to 40 RTS channels or up to 60 Somfy Zigbee products from the TaHoma app. Somfy lists integrations with SmartThings, Control4, Crestron, Savant, Elan, RTI, URC, Brilliant and Alarm.com, plus Philips Hue and Sonos. Voice control runs through Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and Apple Home works with select Zigbee motors.
Check your Z-Wave controller against that list. If your locks and sensors already run through SmartThings or Alarm.com, TaHoma switch links your Somfy shades into that same platform. Scenes and schedules then fire shades alongside your Z-Wave devices. Somfy also opens the hub to third-party software through its Synergy API.
Large homes can join up to 10 TaHoma switches for multi-zone RTS coverage. Hubs installed in a closet or rack can use the Somfy TaHoma Switch with Ethernet Adaptor (1871038) for a wired network link. Our TaHoma switch vs Beecon, URTSI II and UAI Plus guide compares the full hub lineup.
URTSI II for wired automation controllers
Some Z-Wave homes run on a professional controller with serial ports. The Somfy Universal RTS Interface II (URTSI II) 16 Channel (1810872) converts RS232, RS485 and IR commands into RTS radio commands. It works with Somfy RTS motors and receivers on shades, draperies, awnings, solar screens, pergolas and rolling shutters.
One URTSI II gives 16 RTS channels. Installers link up to 16 units for 256 channels on a single project. The controller sends a serial string and the URTSI II transmits the matching RTS command. Our URTSI II setup guide walks through channel programming and wiring.
Bridge specs that change the order
| TaHoma switch (1871037) RTS capacity | Up to 40 RTS channels |
| TaHoma switch Zigbee capacity | Up to 60 Somfy Zigbee products |
| TaHoma switch multi-hub | Up to 10 hubs joined |
| TaHoma switch link to platforms | Partner integrations, Synergy API, Wi-Fi or Ethernet |
| URTSI II (1810872) channels | 16 per unit, up to 256 with 16 units linked |
| URTSI II inputs | RS232, RS485, IR |
| URTSI II radio frequency | 433.42 MHz RTS |
| Warranty, both bridges | 5 years |
Zigbee motors for new Z-Wave curtain and blind projects
Many shoppers searching for Z-Wave blinds or a Z-Wave curtain opener are planning new windows. Somfy's answer for new work is Zigbee 3.0. Zigbee motors report their position to TaHoma switch, so your app shows a shade at 40 percent open after someone moves it by hand remote.
Somfy builds Zigbee into roller shade motors such as the Somfy Sonesse 40 406A2 Zigbee 3.0 Motor (1245921), and Glydea Ultra drapery motors accept the Somfy Zigbee 3.0 Module for Glydea Ultra Motors (9000043). Pair a Somfy Ysia 5 Channel Zigbee Remote (1871154) for hand control in each room. Our Somfy Zigbee guide lists the hub and repeaters a Zigbee system needs.
Picking your route
Match your house to one line:
- RTS shades and a SmartThings or Alarm.com platform: TaHoma switch.
- RTS shades on a Control4, Crestron, Savant or Elan controller with serial ports: URTSI II, or TaHoma switch through the partner integration.
- New shades or draperies with position feedback: Somfy Zigbee motors plus TaHoma switch.
- A working ZRTSI on an older Z-Wave network: keep it, and plan TaHoma switch for the next upgrade.
Our team answers fitment questions from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM ET at 859-414-6872 if your controller sits outside these lines.
Somfy Z-Wave FAQ
Does Somfy make a Z-Wave motor?
The Somfy motors ShadeMotorsDirect stocks for US shades use RTS, Zigbee, wired or SDN control. Z-Wave homes reach those motors through a Somfy bridge. TaHoma switch connects RTS and Zigbee shades to partner platforms such as SmartThings and Alarm.com, and the URTSI II connects RTS shades to serial automation controllers. Somfy's 5-year warranty covers the motors and both bridges.
Can I still use a Somfy ZRTSI?
Yes, if it still works on your network. The ZRTSI (1811265) bridges Z-Wave commands to 16 RTS channels and plugs into a 110V outlet. For a replacement or a new install, Somfy's current route is TaHoma switch for app and partner platforms, or the URTSI II for RS232 and RS485 controllers.
Can one TaHoma switch run a whole house of shades?
One TaHoma switch controls up to 40 RTS channels or up to 60 Somfy Zigbee products. An RTS channel can carry one shade or a group of shades programmed to it. Larger homes can join up to 10 TaHoma switches for multi-zone RTS control, all managed from the TaHoma app on your phone.
Do Somfy Zigbee motors work with a Z-Wave hub?
Somfy Zigbee motors pair with TaHoma switch, which then links to the partner platforms Somfy lists, including SmartThings, Control4, Crestron and Alarm.com. Your Z-Wave devices and your Somfy Zigbee shades meet inside that platform's app, where you build shared scenes and schedules. Somfy Zigbee motors also report shade position back to the app.
Shade Motors Direct is an authorized source for genuine Somfy motorized window shade, blind, and drapery parts.
