Dry Contact Relay Device

Hi @skeezix ,

So to simplify for the Community, it sounds like you're asking for some sort way to trigger another (possibly non-SimpliSafe) device in event of an alarm.

We do have a similar request already, specifically for a strobe light component.

But SimpliSafe is a closed system, and our top priority is keeping things locked down and fully secure, so we have been historically cautious about allowing our system to interface with 3rd party components. Take for instance the very popular request to integrate the service with the Google-spearheaded Matter standard. While SimpliSafe is a member of the alliance that is working to develop Matter, we do not at this time have any news regarding whether we'll integrate it with our existing systems.

Yes it would be nice to have a relay that could shutdown HVAC when fire alarm is triggered. 

I'm not taking sides either way. Probably not going to happen here for a long time. If ever.

Simplisafes system is closed and that's their choice. I didn't know it either or care actually at the time of purchase.🤔

After all, it is sold as a security system only. I don't like closed either. I like completely local to my LAN and no or few clouds at all, if possible. And in budget reach if possible.

Some other security systems may allow some other integrations. Probably limited though. I personally will never know. I'll never buy another commercial security system when I can do it myself.

But we here are. Simplisafe owners.

Some things you can do from simple to complex, IF;

You have a One UI 5.0 or above Samsung device, is intercept the incoming Simplisafe text via modes and routines and also use the Smartthings app, then Samsungs can integrate with compatible smart things. Relays, lights, smart plugs etc. Samsung sells a smart hub also. I don't have one. Research.

You used to be able to intercept incoming text verbiage at IFTTT and do the same thing. You'd have to verify it now. I only played with it to test IFTTT. It worked then, slow with freebie applets. Paid may be faster.

You can spend more money. What a lot of folks ask for here is really tied into a home automation system.

I use Home Assistant. There are others. For example; I setup a completely parallel security system for redundancy. If one fails I have backup.

You could buy an Aqara hub and use some of their entry sensors, wet sensors etc. research necessary as what it can do.

There are fire alarm listening devices for sale and can be integrated. Example; My Wyze cams are smoke and CO alarm listening devices. They work to set off Tasker built alarms.

Upon receipt of a text from my X-sense smoke alarms, notifications come & triggers sirens at night. Sirens are on my Samsung phone, fed to a bluetooth speaker. I don't hear well with hearing aids out. Research and thorough testing required for any of this.

There are on the Android side automation apps, like MacroDroid or Automate, Tasker etc. at the play store.

Most allow some free testing. I use Tasker and its plugins personally (complex for some users) and Samsung modes and routines until i completely replace modes & routines with Home Assistant.

On the Apple side there's not much iOS allows. But, Home Assistant can integrate somehow with Homekit. I'm not iOS, requires research.

There's a Simplisafe integration in Home Assistant, as long as Simplisafe lets it live and it continues to be supported.

You can use Simplisafe alarm triggered in home assistant to use for other home assistant automations and devices. And there are several others available for use in automations.

It's all DIY. Kinda like Google Home and Alexa, their there, but don't exactly come with preset automations exactly. DIY setup mostly.

And many more probably, I'm old and forgetful.😉😁

It all makes me wonder: does SimpliSafe not have a future in product development. I see repeated asks for proprietary repeater to extend alarm elements to workshops etc... nothing from SimpliSafe Priduct Team. This thread asks for a proprietary relay for integrating elements SimpliSafe probably has no plan to monetize. So, if SimpliSafe is just catering to vanilla installations, it seems they do not have any interest in marketing new hardware. I think SimpliSafe is emphasizing the "Simpli" part of their name, and we knew that when we bought in.

Totally agree. My old system had a dry contact which I controlled a relay for security lights and a strobe light. I understand after reading the posts SS doesn't want 3rd party but this would have nothing to do with security of their system. My old system had a terminal block in the sensor that I could wire to whatever. Seems like a no brainer.