Power Use Notifications

[MWoods329]

Hi all,

I'm interested in getting my ISY994i to send text message notifications when the washing machine and dryer are done.

My system is mostly dual-band Insteon in every room, but I have the Zwave board as well and have three Zwave devices so far.

A whole back I ran the washer through a Syncrolinc, but since my washer cycles through the same energy usage, I would get around a hundred or more text messages every load of laundry.

Through some of my research I understand that the new Zwave by Aeon Labs Gen5 DSC10 would work to measure energy consumption of the 240VAC dryer and act as a remote cutoff. But does ISY994i have the ability to interpret a variable based on this and send a notification?

Also had heard the Aeon Labs DSC06106-ZWS may be able to do what I had attempted to do with a Syncrolinc before.

Has anyone tried this or know if it's possible?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi MWoods329,

 

I cannot comment on whether or not this device works with your washer/dryer. This said, I can comment that ISY can receive energy and power values from this device and you can use them in your programs.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[Xathros]

In addition, there is no reason that a Synchrolinc can't do what you want.  Your programs just need to be written such that they wait till the washer is actually done before sending the message.  My system is similr thought I do not use a Synchrolinc.  I have to have my program wait at least 1 minute before notifying as the delay between the segments of the wash cycle can take up to 35 seconds. 

 

If using a Synchrolinc or a ZWave energy monitor, you should be able to do the same plus you may have the ability to identify certain conditions based on current draw.  For instance, my dryer has a cool down segment that keeps the drum running but does not run the heating element.  This should be easy to identify based on the current draw.  If you can, you can notify that the dryer is "Almost done" whereas I have to wait till mine has stopped completely for 1 minute before I am notified.

 

-Xathros

[MWoods329]

 

What are you using for your dryer? Is it 220/240 VAC and 30 amp?

 

Thank you all!

[Xathros]

I'm using a CT-800 current transformers on the washer and dryer  to send signals to digital inputs on my CAI Webcontrol board.  This allows me to know if the washer or dryer are running or not.  It does not tell me the power usage as the CT800 just gives me a simulated dry contact switch saying on or off.

 

I may move to ZWave smart energy switches as that would also allow me to shed these loads during demand response times.

 

-Xathros