SONOFF Dongle-PZG23 – Z-Wave 800 USB Coordinator

Z-Wave 800 – The Most Stable Wireless Connection for Your Smart Home

Z-Wave and Zigbee complement each other perfectly. While Zigbee excels at fast automation with sensors and lighting, Z-Wave is the protocol par excellence for reliable, interference-free communication with locks, sirens, thermostats, and security devices. The SONOFF Dongle-PZG23 is SONOFF's first Z-Wave USB coordinator and brings the powerful Z-Wave 800 protocol directly to Home Assistant via Z-Wave JS – simply, locally, and without a cloud.

Powered by the Silicon Labs EFR32ZG23 chip (ARM Cortex-M33, 512 KB Flash, 64 KB RAM), the Dongle-PZG23 supports Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) for direct point-to-point communication up to over 1000 meters in open space. The built-in S2 security standard encrypts all communication between devices. Thanks to a dedicated frequency channel (868 MHz EU), Z-Wave works completely interference-free alongside WiFi and Zigbee .

💡 Already using a Zigbee dongle? The Dongle-PZG23 works alongside a Zigbee coordinator like the ZBDongle-E or Dongle Plus MG24 on the same Home Assistant server – both protocols run simultaneously and completely independently.

✅ Key Features & Benefits

• EFR32ZG23 chip (Silicon Labs) – ARM Cortex-M33 @ 78 MHz, 512 KB Flash, 64 KB RAM; the most advanced Z-Wave chip available
• Z-Wave 800 Series – Latest generation Z-Wave with improved performance, security and power management compared to Z-Wave 700
• Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) – Direct point-to-point connection up to 1000 meters; no mesh hops required for distant devices
• S2 Security – Highest Z-Wave security standard; all communication encrypted from device to coordinator
• SmartStart – QR code pairing for easy and secure addition of new Z-Wave devices
• Plug and play – Instantly recognized by Home Assistant via Z-Wave JS; also compatible with openHAB
• 868 MHz EU frequency – Completely interference-free alongside WiFi (2.4/5 GHz) and Zigbee (2.4 GHz)
• 2 dBi external antenna – Adjustable for optimal signal direction and coverage
• USB extension cable included – Place directly away from electromagnetic interference
• Aluminum housing – Same proven construction as the other SONOFF dongles
• Compatible with Zigbee dongles – Run Zigbee and Z-Wave simultaneously on one Home Assistant server

🔌 Compatibility

🏠 Practical Example: Fully Smart Home with Z-Wave + Zigbee

1. The SONOFF ZBDongle-E manages your Zigbee network of lights, sensors and switches.
2. The Dongle-PZG23 manages your Z-Wave network with door locks, sirens and thermostats – completely locally.
3. Both dongles run simultaneously on one Home Assistant server.
4. An automation combines both protocols: Zigbee motion sensor detects motion → Z-Wave siren triggers alarm.
5. Thanks to ZWLR, a sensor post 300 meters away communicates directly with the coordinator, without mesh hops.

⚙️ Technical Specifications

⚠️ Points of attention

• SONOFF Official Firmware Only – Unlike Zigbee dongles, the Dongle-PZG23 only supports firmware flashing via SONOFF; community firmware is not supported
• One Z-Wave coordinator per integration – A second dongle requires a separate integration such as Z-Wave JS UI
• USB 3.0 Interference – Use the included USB extension cable or a USB 2.0 port for maximum signal stability
• EU frequency (868 MHz) – Make sure your Z-Wave devices also work on the EU frequency; US devices (908 MHz) are not compatible
• Homey not compatible – Homey and Homey Pro have a built-in Z-Wave radio and do not support external USB coordinators

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use the Dongle-PZG23 alongside a Zigbee dongle?

Yes. Z-Wave (868 MHz) and Zigbee (2.4 GHz) operate on completely different frequencies and don't interfere with each other. You can use the Dongle-PZG23 and a Zigbee dongle like the ZBDongle-E simultaneously on the same Home Assistant server.

What is Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) and do I need it?

ZWLR enables direct point-to-point communication without mesh hops. Ideal for devices far from the coordinator—outdoor lights, garage doors, or basement sensors—with a range of over 1000 meters in open space.

Which Z-Wave devices work with the Dongle-PZG23?

All Z-Wave-certified devices on the EU frequency (868 MHz), including Z-Wave 700 and 800 devices. Well-known compatible brands include Zooz, Fibaro, Aeotec, Qubino, and many others.

Does the Dongle-PZG23 work with Home Assistant?

Yes, fully plug-and-play via the Z-Wave JS integration in Home Assistant . Home Assistant automatically recognizes the dongle after plugging it in.

Can I use two Z-Wave dongles?

You cannot use two Z-Wave adapters in the same Z-Wave JS integration. A second dongle requires a separate integration, such as the Z-Wave JS UI, after which both networks are managed independently.

Can I flash firmware myself?

The Dongle-PZG23 only supports official SONOFF firmware. Community or third-party firmware is not supported.

✅ slimhuisje.nl – your technology partner for smart homes, we support you with every smart home adventure!