Imagine this situation: a friend has gifted you a Google Nest Cam while your home is covered by ADT sensors. Can your ADT sensors work with Google Nest Cam, or should you resell the cam? Many homeowners using ADT sensors often face such situations when they get a smart home system from a different company.
You can use ADT sensors with other systems with or without a monitoring service. However, ADT is compatible with many smart home devices if you pay for its high-end monitoring service, which costs $60.97 monthly.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss other systems you can use with ADT sensors. Let’s get started!
Google’s Partnership With ADT
Google manufactures many smart home appliances. Therefore, partnering with ADT would make system integration between the two companies easier.
In 2020, Google bought a 6.6 percent share of ADT. The move brought a sigh of relief to people who wanted to use their Google devices with ADT.
The partnership between Google and ADT opened a myriad of possibilities. Smart home users could use Google’s Nest Services with ADT sensors and systems.
Other Systems Compatible With ADT Sensors
Just as you can use ADT without monitoring service, you can use ADT sensors with other systems. The following devices are compatible with ADT sensors and systems:
Google Nest
Google Nest is a line of smart home products from Google. Products in the Nest line include:
- Google Nest Cam Indoor. This is a security camera that monitors indoor services.
- Google Nest Guard. It’s a security system used mainly for indoor monitoring.
- Google Nest Cam Outdoor. It’s a security camera for outdoor monitoring.
You can use your Nest devices with ADT’s monitoring service by signing up for Nest Aware.
Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa is the most popular voice-controlled digital assistant. You can use the device to perform various tasks, such as setting alarms and adding items to a shopping list.
It’s possible to use Amazon Alexa with ADT sensors to control equipment like thermostats, lights, smart locks, and security systems.
Integrating ADT and Alexa is highly efficient since it allows you to disarm your security system using a spoken code. In this case, you don’t have to remember a physical code.
Finally, you can also integrate your ADT sensors with Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Show, and Echo input.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant became compatible with ADT sensors after the partnership between the two companies. As a result, you can use Google Assistant to arm your security system and get live updates on your home’s status.
You can also use voice commands to control other devices in your home, such as lights and thermostats.
Although Google Assistant works similarly to Alexa, it cannot disarm security systems using a spoken code. Therefore, you need a physical PIN to disarm your system using Google Assistant.
Google Assistant works seamlessly with ADT sensors in conjunction with the following devices:
- Google Home. It’s a voice-activated speaker powered by Google Assistant.
- Google Nest Hub Max. It’s a smart display with a built-in speaker and camera.
- Smartphones. You can use Google Assistant on Android and iOS devices.
Google Thermostats
Smart home thermostats play various roles, including:
- Controlling the temperature in your home. You can use a thermostat to set the temperature in your home manually or automatically.
- Monitoring energy usage. Smart thermostats help you monitor your energy usage and make changes to save money on your utility bills.
You can use ADT sensors with Google’s Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat. These thermostats are compatible with ADT Pulse, a home automation system.
Here is how these thermostats work:
- Nest Thermostat E. It’s an energy-saving thermostat controlled by a smartphone. The thermostat operates using a simple schedule that knows when everyone has left the home and when they return. Therefore, it automatically switches on devices like lights, coffee makers, and music.
- Nest Learning Thermostat. It’s an energy star-certified thermostat that helps you save money on utility bills. The thermostat has a built-in sensor that detects when someone is home and adjusts the temperature accordingly. The word “learning” means that the thermostat learns your preferred temperature and creates a schedule based on that.
You can use ADT sensors with other devices to create a complete smart home system. This allows you to monitor and control your home using a single app. You’ll most likely need a home automation system to connect all devices. ADT Pulse is a popular option for this purpose.
Types of ADT Sensors
ADT sensors are smart home devices that detect changes in the home’s atmosphere. These changes include:
- Motion
- Smoke
- Carbon monoxide
- Water
- Temperature
The sensor alerts you either through a security alarm or app notification of a specific change that needs your attention. Therefore, you should choose a sensor based on the change you want to detect.
The following are the primary ADT sensors:
Motion Sensors
These sensors detect movement in your home and can trigger security cameras to record footage. Most motion sensors use infrared technology to detect movement.
The sensor beams an active infrared light onto an object to monitor its distance. The sensor then determines if there is a change in distance, insinuating motion. If so, the sensor sends a signal to the security alarm or your phone since it has detected motion.
Smoke and Heat Detectors
These sensors help detect fire emergencies by sensing either smoke or heat. Most homes have both types of detectors since they work differently.
Smoke detectors sense visible particles in the air that come from burning materials, such as wood or plastics. On the other hand, heat detectors sense an abnormal increase in temperature.
Smoke and heat-detecting sensors use a thermistor to trigger a signal when the temperature exceeds a set threshold. In most cases, the temperature is set at 58°C (136.4°F).
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous and hard-to-detect gas since it’s colorless and odorless. Therefore, a carbon monoxide detector is a critical device in any home to help identify the presence of this gas.
The sensor uses an electrochemical cell to detect carbon monoxide levels in the air. The sensor then sends a signal to the security alarm or your phone if it detects high carbon monoxide levels interfering with its electrical current.
Final Thoughts
ADT sensors work seamlessly with other systems, especially if you’re subscribed to ADT’s highest monitoring service. However, it’s worth consulting ADT when trying to use their sensors with other systems. This is to get the correct procedure to link the devices and ensure a seamless operation.
