brultech to monitor washer/dryer on vs off?

[IVB]

Given that the brultech measures energy usage, I can put a current transformer around the washer (or dryer) power cords and measure big variances in consumption to detect when the dryer stops, right?

[jkmonroe]

yes. or you could just grab a vibration sensor and stick it to the side.

[IVB]

Oh true. Btw I have the older brultech (1220), will have to see if it supports the same stuff as the new 1240. Not sure about the channels.

[jkmonroe]

Yeah, I don't think the older 1220 will do what you want re: home automation.

The 1240 has 7 channels. I would think that might be enough, but it depends on how your panel breaks down. One CT each per circuit, then perhaps a dedicated long run CT for high ticket items like fridge, washer, dishwasher.

A single 1240 can handle 14 CTs, so you might have to get creative.

[wuench]

I was considering buying a BT and this was one of my primary use cases, as well as monitoring my sump pump. I have the cabinet already installed with network to house it all....

"Alexa, ask CQC if the laundry is finished." J.k

[jkmonroe]

perfect. my wife would LOVE that.

and now im going to be $179 poorer. *sigh*

[sic0048]

You may be able to simply use a current sensor if you are only looking at monitoring that one device.

They usually have an output that will be normally open or closed (depending on what you buy) and then will reverse that setting when there is enough current.

Building in some CQC logic (ie a timer to prevent the device from triggering during the wash cycle as I'm sure the current is not constant during a cycle), you could easily add something like this to CQC.

Of course if you are looking to monitor multiple devices, then the Brultech will eventually be the better option financially.

[IVB]

Of course if you are looking to monitor multiple devices, then the Brultech will eventually be the better option financially.

Esp since I *own* the Brultech older model (ECM-1220), and started my long road to professional soccer right after I bought it so I never had it installed ;-)

[jkmonroe]

There is no information about the 1220 on their website beyond a blurb that says it supports 2 Channels and can monitor the load of an entire panel.

Unless it supports multiple CTs per channel, you are going to be stuck using it to monitor either the entire panel, or single (large ticket) devices.

[IVB]

perfect. my wife would LOVE that.

and now im going to be $179 poorer. *sigh*

I think you need to add Brian's signature to your tagline.