Set a value on multiple devices via multicast
Use this action to change the same value on several Z-Wave devices at once using multicast, so all targeted devices receive the message simultaneously. This is handy for keeping a group of devices in sync, for example setting the same level on multiple dimmers at the exact same moment.
Correctly using this action requires advanced knowledge of Z-Wave. It performs minimal validation and passes your input straight to the Z-Wave JS API. For a single device, use the Set a value action instead.
Using this action from the user interface
If you prefer building automations and scripts visually, Home Assistant walks you through this action step by step. You pick what to target, tweak a few options, and save. No YAML knowledge required.
To set a value via multicast from an automation or a script:
- Go to Settings > Automations & scenes.
- Open an existing automation or script, or select Create automation > Create new automation.
- If you’re setting up a new automation, add a trigger in the When section. Scripts don’t need a trigger. They run when something else calls them.
- In the Then do section, select Add action.
- From the list of actions, search for and select Set a value on multiple devices via multicast.
- Select the Z-Wave entities, devices, or areas to target, then set the Command class, Property, and Value.
- Select Save.
Options in the UI
The area, or areas, to target. All Z-Wave devices and entities in the area are targeted.
When on, the command is broadcast to all nodes on the network. Defaults to off.
Using this action in YAML
If you work directly in YAML, or you want to know exactly what Home Assistant does under the hood, this section has the technical reference. It lists the field names you use in YAML, their types, and which ones are required.
In YAML, refer to this action as zwave_js.multicast_set_value. A basic example looks like this:
action: zwave_js.multicast_set_value
target:
entity_id:
- light.living_room
- light.kitchen
data:
command_class: 38
property: targetValue
value: 50
Options in YAML
The area ID, or list of area IDs, to target. All Z-Wave devices and entities in the area are targeted.
The device ID, or list of device IDs, to target. At least two entities or devices must resolve when not broadcasting.
The entity ID, or list of entity IDs, to target. At least two entities or devices must resolve when not broadcasting.
Whether the command is broadcast to all nodes on the network. When you have only one Z-Wave network, you do not need to provide a device or entity when this is true. With multiple networks, provide at least one device or entity so the action knows which network to target.
Good to know
- When not broadcasting, target at least two entities or devices on the same Z-Wave network.
- Multicast only works for devices on the same Z-Wave network.
Still stuck?
The Home Assistant community is quick to help: join Discord for real-time chat, post on the community forum with the action you’re calling and what you expected to happen, or share on our subreddit /r/homeassistant.
AI assistants like ChatGPT or Claude can also explain actions or suggest the right one when you describe what you want in plain language.
Related actions
These actions work well alongside this one:
- Set a value: Changes any value that Z-Wave recognizes on a Z-Wave device.