How do I choose between using Control and Status in my program statements?

[paulbates]

The primary purpose of the ISY is to enact automation in your home including an external event like a switch being turned on or off, or a sensor changing state. The ISY "If" statement, using Control or Status conditionals, is the way to capture this for automating.

 

A common point of confusion for new ISY programmers is the difference between Status versus Control and when to use each in ISY program statements. It was hard for me when I started using my ISY, and I still have to think about it today sometimes. The explanation for Control vs Status provided in this post is is one of the best  I've found on the board. Start reading the answer after "No problem".

 

In some applications either status or control might work, so don't overthink it if you get automation working the way you need it to. Below are some common ways each is used.

 

Control: Control captures an actual activity directly at a device:

For when you want to automate based on an action caused at a device, like a switch being turned on locally, or motion being sensed.  

 

Example uses for control. Act on: Detected motion sensor movement, or a light switch getting turned on locally by someone.  

 

I have this program we use to open our attic dampers with a remotelinc. If the C on button is pressed, this program runs

Remote C - Attic Dampers - Open

If
        Control 'Upstairs / Julies Remote - C' is switched On
 
Then
        Set 'HVAC / Attic-Damper Control' On
 
Else
   - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 Note that control doesn't respond if an insteon switch is turned on by some other means other than somebody locally activating it, for example, it is remotely turned on via a scene. Use Status in cases like this. 

 

 

Status: Status acts on what state a device is in right now, without it needing it to change state.

If you want to automate based on a device being on (or off) regardless of how or when it was activated. It could be local, it could be via a scene.

 

Example uses of status: You want to verify that a door is open, a fan or light was left on.

 

I have an Insteon bulb in my attic. I have this program to make sure it doesn't get left on. The dimming and 10 minute wait is so I don't out smart myself and turn the lights out on myself when doing longer attic projects. Sometimes, it comes on by itself after power failures / brownouts, and I won't catch it for long periods of time.

Turn Attic Light Off

If
        Status 'Attic / Attic light bulb' >= 1%
 
Then
        Wait  2 hours 
        Set 'Attic / Attic light bulb' 75%
        Wait  10 minutes 
        Set 'Attic / Attic light bulb' Off
        Send Notification to 'Default' content 'Turned off Attic Light'
 
Else
   - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')