How to Use Energy Features

[mfranzel]

Hi everyone,

I was curious how to use the energy management features of the ISY. From what I have read, I can purchase a module called a Utility Meter Module and somehow connects to the Smart meter on the outside of my home. Is this correct? Then I saw something saying I could use a Brultech meter as well.

 

Basically, what is all of this and how can I manage my electricity??

 

So confused here!

 

THANKS!

[Teken]

Hi everyone,

I was curious how to use the energy management features of the ISY. From what I have read, I can purchase a module called a Utility Meter Module and somehow connects to the Smart meter on the outside of my home. Is this correct? Then I saw something saying I could use a Brultech meter as well.

 

Basically, what is all of this and how can I manage my electricity??

 

So confused here!

 

THANKS!

 

Hello,

 

If you have an electronic meter that uses ZigBee protocol and your POCO is one of many utilities listed as supporting the ISY-994 ZS. Then you can use this model to read the energy from the meter and craft programs to meet your needs.

 

Another aspect is demand response which applies to the ZS model.

 

If your POCO is not one of the listed companies participating in allowing the ISY Series Controller the next option is to purchase a ISY-994 IZ.

 

This model will allow you to connect a Brultech ECM-1240 or a Green Eye Monitor (GEM) to the ISY Controller. You will see 7 to 32 channels which you can then craft programs to react to your environment and command those Insteon devices to turn on / off.

 

One thing to note about going the route of the meter option from the POCO. As far as I am aware you're only going to see the total energy from the meter for what ever period of minutes, hours, days, etc. There is no method to see down to the circuit level and in my eyes is really a waste of time and effort.

 

This is why if you're even going to begin this great journey then I would highly suggest you invest in a Brultech GEM. The Brultech GEM offers 32 discreet energy, 8 Temperature, 4 Pulse channels which can monitor water / gas.

 

If you're interested and want to know a lot more you may follow this link: http://www.brultech.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=929

 

The above resource outlines all of the products and more. Along with ongoing development of many new products which in many ways integrate well with the ISY Series Controller. This install thread details many aspects of the set up, pitfalls, and trouble shooting.

 

This is another related link about the Brultech Dash Box and what it offers in complimenting the energy data being monitored: http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/13801-dash-box-state-variables-now-supported/