I have a water tank with a float switch in it. The concept is simple. When the float switch is in one position it closes the circuit and turns on the pump. When it is in the alternative position it opens the circuit and turns off the pump. I want to replace the float switch with a simple z-wave module, so that I can control the system remotely.
Does anybody have any suggestion on what kind of z-wave device I can use to achieve this?
Not sure about the logistics of where to install, but Ecolink makes a contact sensor that has external wire connectors.
Never mind I misread, you don't want to monitor you want to replace it.
I do something similar. I have a reverse osmosis water system to provide water for my aquariums. The system discharges into a large plastic bin. I do not have a pump, but the solenoid valve that controls the flow of water to the system is controlled by a power outlet into which is plugged a 18 volt power supply to actuate the valve. To accomplish this, I have the following.
I have an [Ecolink Zwave Plus Flood & Freeze Sensor, White (FLF-ZWAVE5-ECO)]
(https://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Zwave-Freeze-Sensor-FLF-ZWAVE5-ECO/dp/B0716YVPLG?ref_=ast_sto_dp)
This is a Z-wave device. Mount the transceiver where it will get a good signal from your hub or repeater/range extender. Then mount the wired probe at the level you want the water level to reach.
I used a Zigbee plug to control the power to my on-off valve, but you can also use a Z-wave plug, For a pump, make sure the plug is capable of handling the capacity of the motor driving the pump. I have a Zooz ZEN15 Z-wave plug on my sump pump and another on my washer to monitor power. The Zen15 will handle motors up to 1/2 HP. Motors often have a high starting current, so make sure you get a device designed to handle motor driven devices. Otherwise the relay may fail.
If this is a "mission critical" application where failure of your system can be problematic, be sure to provide redundancy. For example, if my primary leak sensor fails and RO system does not shut off the bin will overflow. I have another water sensor that will alert me to the spill and disconnect power to prevent flood damage.
Remember that the devices we use are not designed with industrial or security grade reliability. Home automation sensors can and do go offline, sometimes at the most inopportune times.
I think I found the solution:
Qubino 1D relay. This has a dry contact and will open close the circuit when it receives the command.
I found an even better solution. The Fibaro Smart Implant will do the trick. I can connect the current float as in input in the smart implant and then use the output to control the pump.
A Zooz ZEN17 will also do the same for 2 devices at nearly half the cost.
That would be great but I don't take they make that in the EU Frequency.
This sounds like a decent job for a SonOff relay that has been etch-cut to convert it into a single-pole single throw relay. Off the shelf it switches mains current on or off. They come in EU frequency versions, and there are numerous step-by-step tutorials, such as this one that walks through loading Tasmota onto the board.
Power over power - cheap smart devices under your full control with Tasmota » The smarthome journey
I've never etch-cut an EU version, of course, but I assume that the process is similar, you cut the etch that feeds mains voltage to the relay, and then move the wire that carries the mains voltage to another point so that the board can still be powered by mains power.
So, this results in a simple, cheap relay that can be placed in parallel with the existing float switch, but this is a WiFi device, not a Z-Wave device.
The Zen17 is a 700-series device, so it might be possible to set it to the EU frequency. Tagging @agnes.zooz .
Definitely possible but I'm not sure if and how it would be possible on the user side unfortunately...
I have two aquariums my original runs an Apex and my new 300G is using my Hubitat to do most of what the Apex does for a fraction of the price.
I’m going to try your suggestion for my protein skimmer. I need a way to shut it off when the outboard collection jug get too full.
We should start a Hubitat for reefing group!!!
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