Quick question

[MarkJames]

So I used to use my Elk M1 rules for some ISY integration but have been phasing them out thanks to the ISY Elk module.  

 

Are there reasons why those with ISY, Elk, and the Elk module would choose to continue using Elk rules for their HA integration rather than direct control from ISY?

 

mark

[shannong]

I use Elk Automation rules still but not to control devices.

[DennisC]

I also use my Elk for anything I consider to be critical. For example. I hard wired my water shut off valve and my hot water circulator pump to Elk relays and control them from Elk's automation rules. I then import their status to the ISY for monitoring.

 

I wouldn't trust Insteon for critical items.

 

Dennis

[apostolakisl]

I also use my Elk for anything I consider to be critical. For example. I hard wired my water shut off valve and my hot water circulator pump to Elk relays and control them from Elk's automation rules. I then import their status to the ISY for monitoring.

 

I wouldn't trust Insteon for critical items.

 

Dennis

Totally Agree, I do the same.

[MarkJames]

I use Elk Automation rules still but not to control devices.

Same - there are lots of things that Elk can do internally - like chirp the siren - that you can't do with ISY.

 

It seems that exporting devices to Elk and controlling them from there is more  of  a 'legacy' function.

[MarkJames]

Totally Agree, I do the same.

 

I also use my Elk for anything I consider to be critical. For example. I hard wired my water shut off valve and my hot water circulator pump to Elk relays and control them from Elk's automation rules. I then import their status to the ISY for monitoring.

 

I wouldn't trust Insteon for critical items.

 

Dennis

 

Sorry if this is a silly question - but what's a hot water circulator pump for?

[shannong]

I also use my Elk for anything I consider to be critical. For example. I hard wired my water shut off valve and my hot water circulator pump to Elk relays and control them from Elk's automation rules. I then import their status to the ISY for monitoring.

 

I wouldn't trust Insteon for critical items.

 

Dennis

 

I didn't elaborate on my use of Elk rules but use them just as Dennis mentioned. My water valve is attached to my Elk since Insteon is unreliable and doesn't work without power to the house. I have rules that will shutoff the water valve should a water sensor go off.

 

I also use Elk rules to control/monitor dummy Outputs on the Elk as a means to communicate things between the two systems that I can't do natively.

[shannong]

Sorry if this is a silly question - but what's a hot water circulator pump for?

 

It's an electric pump that circulates the hot water through the pipes in the house so that you always have warm water at the tap without waiting for the pipes to empty out all the cold water between that tap and the water heater. Saves a lot of time and water.

[MarkJames]

It's an electric pump that circulates the hot water through the pipes in the house so that you always have warm water at the tap without waiting for the pipes to empty out all the cold water between that tap and the water heater. Saves a lot of time and water.

 

Nice!  I've heard of that but never seen that before.

[DennisC]

It's an electric pump that circulates the hot water through the pipes in the house so that you always have warm water at the tap without waiting for the pipes to empty out all the cold water between that tap and the water heater. Saves a lot of time and water.

Yes, I do this. I also have a hot water storage tank with a coil inside that I circulate boiler water through to heat hot water. When I are the Elk in vacation mode, which means we will be away for two days or more, I turn the circulator off and stop making hot water.

 

This is all done in the Elk and then I use the ISY to monitor the various systems. I also have phantom relays setup for different functions on the Elk that allow for monitoring by the ISY.

 

Dennis