This post is an information how to use some devices in a non-standart way.
I like to automate everything what is possible. (At this time near everything is already automated. I am running out of ideas what the next project should be.) Anyway, next is a short description of Kitchen Under Sink Automations project. The idea is to present a bit unusual device usage. I have a Delta Fauset already integrated with HE (unfortunately this is cloud-based integration but better than nothing). This Delta Faucet integration is a part of Garbage Disposal automation. The whole idea of disposal automation is to run it only if water is flowing:
- turn on water;
- make sure water is running;
- run disposal for the pre-defined time (6 sec does the job);
- turn off disposal;
- turn off water after a short delay (2 sec);
Since Delta API does not provide any feedback on a faucet status the original automation was based on timing assuming the commands to the faucet went through. Being experienced EE I did not like this (everything needs a feedback) and decided to add a water flow sensor. The easiest way was to add this fluid level sensor:
mounted in a very strategic place (right angle drain pipe from garbage disposal):
After very minor sensitivity adjustment sensor detects reliably even very small amount of water in the drain pipe. Feedback for water flow is achieved and automation adjusted accordingly.
The Control/Sensor device is a Shelly RGBW PM device:
Surprisingly this device could be configured as 4 completely individual PWM Dimmers, all 4 inputs could be detached and each input could be Digital or Analog.
So, here is how Shelly RGBW PM is used:
- One PWM Dimmer output controls COB LED Strip for used as under sink light;
- First Digital Input is used as a sensor for two serially connected magnetic reed sensors (these are used a an cabinet doors open/closed sensors);
- Second Digital Input is used for water flow sensor. It has NPN Open Drain output which is directly compatible with the Digital Input;
- Third Analog Input is used as water leak sensor. Water Sensing Cable:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088XMDMFX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
is directly connected to the Analog Input. When cable is Dry the reported Analog Level is 0. But even a very small drop of water on a cable reports Analog Level from 10 to 95 (depend on how wet is cable). So, this is a very sensitive cable-based water leak sensor.
The RGBW PM device still has 3 unused PWM Outputs and 1 Input (Digital or Analog). I am thinking about adding 2 liner actuators for automatic opening/closing cabinets doors and a Button (or even MS) to control actuators.
Lounge - Hubitat
