How to tell if a device has lost power?

[danbutter]

Ok I have a zwave device that is plugged into a GFCI outlet.  When this outlet trips I would like to be notified.

I have tried watching for the "unknown" status, but status usually just stays off and the missing device never seems to be noticed.

I tried writing a program to query the device every 15 mins to see if it would show the true status then...doesn't work.

Anybody know a way for me to get the ISY to tell me when this device drops off the (zwave) network?

[gzahar]

I think I did something like that using an Insteon device successfully . Haven’t tried with Zwave.


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[Teken]

Ok I have a zwave device that is plugged into a GFCI outlet.  When this outlet trips I would like to be notified.
I have tried watching for the "unknown" status, but status usually just stays off and the missing device never seems to be noticed.
I tried writing a program to query the device every 15 mins to see if it would show the true status then...doesn't work.
Anybody know a way for me to get the ISY to tell me when this device drops off the (zwave) network?

To be clear you’re saying the GFCI at random points in time is tripping?!?


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[danbutter]

Most often when there is lightning.

[TexMike]

Query the device then check "responding" status of device. I have Z-Wave bulbs in my front porch and coach lights that are still controlled by a normal dumb switch. Each evening I check to make sure the porch light is responding before turning on the lights. If responding is false I send notifications and have Alexa say to turn the switch on. Normal members of the house are pretty much trained by now, but it does work great if the switch somehow gets turned off.

[danbutter]

Thanks for the info TexMike!

I tried really quick before running out the door this morning. I tried query, but nothing happened. I have to try to turn it on or try to synchronize before ISY will see that it isn't just off, but also off the network.

On my phone now, but hopefully I'll have a few mins this weekend to post my program to see if I'm missing something.

 

[TexMike]

After the query, make sure you literally check for responding status.

[MrBill]

@danbutter, the topic was insteon, not z-wave, but here is a past thread with the exact same issue:

 

[Teken]

Most often when there is lightning.

Given how cheap and (more) reliable GFCI outlets are now. I would encourage you to replace that piece of safety device. In my mind the hardware is either doing its job and detecting a real fault and thus protecting human. Or it’s defective from being damaged by past lightning events or simply from bad design.

In both cases that device is no longer serving it’s stated mission and goal and that is to protect human.

If the circuit powered a fridge / freezer than the loss would be financial and not health & safety.

I just replaced several outside GFCI’s with the latest Leviton self testing units which are weather rated. Along with a in use cover for more safety and convenience while doing some long term testing.

The primary reason for (replacing) the older hardware was due to the self testing hardware to assist me in my monthly / annual safety audits along with consuming less energy.

The only negative thing about the newer style is the inclusion of child safety shutters.

[danbutter]

Okay so I have two programs to try and make this work.

The first one is:

DeckLightsPowerOffQuery - [ID 0056][Parent 0001]

If
        Time is  5:15:00AM
 
Then
        Set 'Outside / DeckLights' Query
        Repeat Every  15 minutes
 
Else
   - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

Not really sure if I need the IF statement or if the ISY will start running this program when it boots up or??

 

Then after TexMike posted I did this second one:

DeckLightsResponding - [ID 0057][Parent 0001]

If
        'Outside / DeckLights' Responding is False
 
Then
        Send Notification to 'D Text' content 'DeckLightUnavail'
 
Else
   - No Actions - (To add one, press 'Action')

 

It looks exactly like the second post TexMike made with the obvious change of device name.

It just doesn't work though.  I can go hit the test button of the outlet (trip the GFCI) and wait more than 15 minutes, even an hour and I get no notifications.

I can go into the AC and manually query and nothing.  If I right click on the device and hit zwave - synchronize or if I just try to turn it on while it has no power then the second program runs and I get the text message.

Oh and the GFCI is new.  Not saying recent storms couldn't have damaged it, but regardless the ISY isn't seeing the device missing and it isn't powered by this GFCI.  Just trying to figure the ISY part out first.  Too hot out to sit in the sun and rewire outlets right now anyway.

Any other thoughts?

 

[TexMike]

I think the repeat goes before the actions to be repeated. You can also look at the summary tab in programs to see when the last time a program ran. I think you're almost there, my suggestions in pseudo code since my program is a little different. You can also set a program to run at startup to make sure it's always running. It may also take a little while before the Query fails and the device becomes shows responding as false, so I added a wait.

If Time is 5:15:00AM

Then

Repeat Every 15 minutes

Set 'Outside / DeckLights' Query

Wait 1 minute

Run if DeckLightsResponding

Else nothing

Set DeckLightsResponding program to disabled so it will only run when called and will run every 15 minutes instead of only on state change as you have it now.

Also when troubleshooting you can test your DeckLightsResponding program by tripping the GFCI and then right clicking on the program and selecting Run If. That way you know the notification program is working and can concentrate on the scheduling program.

[TexMike]

@danbutter Did you get it working?

I had an interesting experience today. I don't think I've ever run a Z-Wave device on a GFCI circuit, but today I was testing automating a duct booster fan and had it temporarily powered from a GFCI circuit in the garage.  When I plugged in a Z-Wave plug it tripped the GFCI and wouldn't reset until I removed the Z-Wave plug and then I was able to put it back w/o problems.

[danbutter]

Haven't had much time to play with it, but it did trip and I didn't get notified again.

Wondering if it is the plug.  It is an inovelli outdoor plug and I have had lots of issues with inovelli and the ISY.  If it stops raining maybe I swap it for a GE that I have and see if it makes a difference.