Using thermostat only for ambient temperature and fan control

[GQuack]

I purchased a 2441TH some time ago in anticipation of using it for a new house build. We ended up going a different direction but I am thinking I can still use this thermostat for another purpose. I have a closet containing a bunch of equipment most of it enclosed in a rack which has a built in fan cooling system. I've got the fans plugged into an outletlinc so the fans can be turned off and on independently. I'd like to use the thermostat to keep track of the ambient temperature inside the closet and if it reaches a set point to kick off the fan. Seems doable.... A couple of things for me to figure out. 1) thermostat requires 24VAC so that can be solved easily with a 110V to 24V converter. The question I am pondering, aside from power, are there any other connections that need to be made? I don't know if the thermostat is dual-band but does it send Insteon commands via the 24V power line or through other connections? Many thanks!

[Teken]

The unit is RF only so you need to ensure you have a solid dual band Insteon network. Since you have the outlet I am going to assume its the dual outlet which is RF and Powerline.

 

If so ~ Good to go . . . 

[paulbates]

I purchased a 2441TH some time ago in anticipation of using it for a new house build. We ended up going a different direction but I am thinking I can still use this thermostat for another purpose. I have a closet containing a bunch of equipment most of it enclosed in a rack which has a built in fan cooling system. I've got the fans plugged into an outletlinc so the fans can be turned off and on independently. I'd like to use the thermostat to keep track of the ambient temperature inside the closet and if it reaches a set point to kick off the fan. Seems doable.... A couple of things for me to figure out. 1) thermostat requires 24VAC so that can be solved easily with a 110V to 24V converter. The question I am pondering, aside from power, are there any other connections that need to be made? I don't know if the thermostat is dual-band but does it send Insteon commands via the 24V power line or through other connections? Many thanks!

 

As long as the room temp does not exceed the spec'd operating range for the stat, it should be an ok solution .. 104F is the highest spec'd for it

 

Its not dual band, its RF only, so it needs to be in solid range of another repeating dual band device.  Yes, you can easily power it with a plug in 24VAC step down transformer. 

 

If you search for that model on the forums here you'll find people don't always get the degree per degree feedback into the ISY that they want, so programs for it could be 

If

   gearroom temp => x

then

   set fans on

else

   wait 5 minutes

   set fans off

 

In my experience automated fans can kick the temp down quickly artificially. I run into this with my attic. I keep the fan going a while after the target temp is sensed. You can calibrate that time up and down to what you find in your room

 

Paul

[GQuack]

Thank you for the responses. Yes, the outletlinc is going to be 1-3 feet away from the thermostat, should be no problem with the RF signals. I'll look for the power step-down transformer and go from there.

[stusviews]

HVAC transformers are plentiful. Because you won't be switching a compressor or furnace. even the least costly is adequate, so your only concern is installation (i.e., how it's mounted)..

[larryllix]

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.toxbox-24-volt-ac-adaptor.1000112971.html

[GQuack]

You guys are all awesome, kind, timely, and helpful responses, thank you so much. Here's the one I ordered before I saw larryllix's response. Figured since they are a thermostat company they should know.

 

http://www.store.radiothermostat.com/24VAC-Transformer-CT-Transformer.htm

[Teken]

Ensure you verify communications is fine after you install the new transformer. The most critical is via the Admin Console where you can see real time status updates.

 

Often times you will be able to see local status just fine. But that same status doesn't reflect what happen locally. Plan to have a Insteon Filter Linc at the ready should this problem arise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GQuack]

Thank you Teken, I will take note of that. And..I do have a FilterLinc on hand should it be necessary.