Home Alarm Essential: the Somfy security system gains an affordable control unit that is still functional in the event of a breakdown

Somfy is back with a new alarm center for the summer. The Link Essential aims to replace the original Link control unit while offering a more affordable alternative to the Link Advanced control unit for those who do not need all of its features. We did not fail to welcome the latter during our test of the Home Alarm Advanced pack, but the Essential version should therefore do a little less. With it, and the resulting Home Alarm Essential packs, Somfy is more specifically targeting apartments and small houses.

Battery and backup connection

However, the Link Essential unit retains the evolutionary character of its predecessor. For example, up to 50 IntelliTAG detectors can be connected to it. It is also compatible with all of the accessories in the Somfy security range: IntelliTAG detectors for openings, but also cameras, sirens and badges and keypads for access control. Of course, the control unit can also be controlled via the Somfy mobile application thanks to its Wi-Fi connection.

Somfy also offers a LoRa connection which, for €2.99/month, allows you to continue to receive alerts in the event of a network failure – but not to maintain access to camera images if there are any. In the event of a power failure, a backup battery is also provided. It will be able to keep the central active for up to 24 hours. In comparison, the Link Advanced central offers a free GSM connection for 5 years and its backup battery must allow up to 14 days of monitoring without current.

Scenarios with TaHoma

Above all, the new model loses RTS and io compatibility for controlling household equipment such as motorized shutters. It therefore does not natively support Somfy “security scenarios”, allowing for example to close the shutters automatically in the event of an intrusion or to simulate a presence in the event of absence, but Link Essential can be supplemented with a TaHoma box to enjoy it anyway. It is also compatible with IFTTT, Google Home and Alexa.

The new Link Essential central unit is available alone at the recommended retail price of €147 or in a Home Alarm Essential pack with more or less accessories from €334, which is practically the price of the Link Advanced central unit alone. In addition, it is therefore possible to subscribe to the LoRa emergency connection for €2.99/month, but also to a remote monitoring service billed for €9.99/month. These two services are offered without obligation.