An interview with Manfred Lehmann, Strategic Product Manager at WAGO (link). The long-established German electrical engineering manufacturer is currently introducing its first Matter-enabled products. Lehmann explains what this means for electricians and what strategy the company is pursuing in a conversation with matter-smarthome.
Dies ist die Übersetzung eines deutschen Interviews.
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Mr. Lehmann, why is Wago adopting the Matter standard – and why now?
Manfred Lehmann: It’s in line with Wago’s strategy. We want to empower electricians to be successful in the long term. We have always done this with our products, such as our terminals. What was missing until now was access to automation for electricians in residential construction. Wago automation technology is mainly used in functional buildings. With the new WAGO Home Automation product line, smart houses and apartments can be easily realized. The Matter standard is the key to this. It has set a trend that will change the electrical industry. We are convinced that electricians will also have to deal with it intensively.
Why is Matter so relevant for specialist companies?
Lehmann: Many devices in the Matter ecosystem come from consumer electronics: smart lamps, sockets, or robot vacuum cleaners. The end customer brings their own platform for control. The challenge is to connect this consumer world with a professional building installation, such as blinds or, in the future, heat pumps and wall boxes.
“We see a clear trend away from rigid systems that remain unchanged for years.”
We see a clear trend away from rigid smart home systems that are programmed once and remain unchanged for decades. Instead, the electrician installs the basis and the customer then develops the system further themselves.
That sounds like a paradigm shift. Until now, building technicians have done everything – from installation to complete automation.
Lehmann: Yes, the industry often struggled to sell investment-intensive complete solutions. IoT devices for well under €100 greatly lower this barrier to entry. This allows a smart home to be built up slowly over the years. Today, end customers frequently start on their own, for example with smart lighting, and later turn to a specialist company to automate other areas such as blinds. This is exactly where we come in with WAGO Home Automation.
Why do you offer your product range in two wireless versions? Other manufacturers opt for Matter over Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread.
Lehmann: We basically rely on Thread. We are convinced that this is the right communication standard for the smart home of the future. The mesh network, the range, and the low energy consumption clearly speak in its favor. We see Wi-Fi as more suitable for households with an older Matter controller without a Thread Border Router.
So it has nothing to do with the fact that some manufacturers had connection problems with Thread? And that Wi-Fi is more widespread overall?
Lehmann: No, it was never about having a second option up our sleeve in case Thread didn’t catch on in the market. We firmly believe in Thread. It’s the right communication standard for this application.
“We firmly believe in Thread. It is the right communication standard for this application.”
These topics are new to many electricians. What do installers need to be prepared for?
Lehmann: Matter brings new requirements for specialists, particularly when it comes to dealing with IP and home networks. At the same time, commissioning is much easier than with traditional solutions. No training or special proprietary system components are required.
Essentially, it involves scanning QR codes and integrating devices into a Matter ecosystem. We offer smartphone apps for both tasks: there is an electrician app and an app for end consumers. Nevertheless, a certain basic understanding of networks is, of course, required, which is why we support specialist companies with online tutorials and training courses.
How do the two commissioning apps work at Wago?
Lehmann: Using the Home Setup feature in his WAGO app, the technician scans the individual QR codes of the devices before installation. He creates rooms and configures functions such as switch configuration, dimming curves, and blind running times. In the process, project documentation is created with all information and device codes in digital form.
Once installation is complete, the end customer receives the project file. He imports it into his WAGO Home Setup app. Here, all prepared devices can be transferred directly to the desired Matter ecosystem – without having to perform any additional scans. However, it is still possible to modify the settings or perform individual scans.
What about liability and support issues after this handover?
Lehmann: Currently, there is no formal acceptance function in the process. Looking ahead, we are considering further developing the app to offer more support after installation. However, it is clear that the system will continue to change after handover to the end customer.
How do your modules differ from other products on the market? Why should electricians choose Wago?
Lehmann: Our modules feature Wago quality, which is confirmed by VDE certification. I don’t know of any other manufacturer that offers flush-mounted actuators with this seal of approval. Specialist companies can rely on this quality. Added to this is the simple installation with our lever terminals.
“I don’t know of any other manufacturer that offers flush-mounted actuators with this seal of approval.”
In addition, each module also functions as a generic switch: the input can be used independently of the output. While the actuator switches a connected 230-volt light, for example, the switch in front of it triggers Matter scenes – with a short, long, or double press of the button. This is also a distinctive feature.
And then, of course, we are familiar with the everyday work of electricians. This is evident in the fact that the inputs and outputs of the modules are linked together ex works. So the circuit works immediately after installation and does not first have to be configured via an app, as is the case with other manufacturers.
How will development continue? Where does Wago want to go with Matter?
Lehmann: Wago has always been known for open, manufacturer-independent systems. With Matter, we’re continuing down this path. We’re putting together a dedicated team, starting with eight products, and want to work with electricians to build a sustainable smart home market. So, we want to really get into this market and cover areas where Wago is already present today.
The new relays are essentially a smart version of the terminal blocks we have offered so far. If you look at where else our products are used, the electrical cabinet would be a logical next step. But we don’t want to say any more about that at this stage.
Mr. Lehmann, thank you very much for this interview.
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