Understanding the implications of " shutdown hub"

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1

Hi,

I'm literally just starting with Habitat Elevation. I have seen the video suggesting using the proper shutdown procedure is recommended.

What I'm having trouble with is the implication that if you don't use the shutdown procedure something undesirable will / might happen. Yet the hub must be able to survive a home power loss with no ill consequences.

Does anyone know what I'm missing?

Thanks
John

2

In humble opinion, since the hubitat is a computer, improper shutdown whether by unplugging it physically or a unintentional loss of power risks various problems. The biggest risk is probably database corruption which could cause re-boot issues loss of app configuration, generally NOTHING good.

Always performing a shutdown properly is always best practice, along with connecting the hubitat to a UPS (battery backup) to mitigate issues with brownouts and voltage fluctuations.

Can it survive an improper shutdown, yes, but the risk of data loss is REAL.

Hope this helps.

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3

@halfrican.ak is correct. Every power loss has a CHANCE of injecting a corruption. Therefore, when you have a choice, click Shutdown.

And keep handy backups :smiley:

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4

I concur with @halfrican.ak. You're dealing with different architecture here than other hubs. However, there are much greater advantages to that vs other hubs. More processing power and greater opportunities for improvements, to name just a few.

Regardless, it's a good idea to keep every hub on a UPS to prevent the risk of damage from power fluctuations. It's not just surges that can damage a hub. The investment is small for the tiny amount of power consumed. You should be able to find one for around $30 that you can also put your modem/router on to protect them as well.

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5

It's there and recommended for the same reason that it's there and recommended for any computer. Generally speaking, if you yank power on your PC it's going to survive and boot up successfully the next time. Generally speaking, the same will be true for Hubitat. Nevertheless, there is a risk.

FWIW, I don't use a UPS with my hub, but I do have backups just in case.

6

I like the fact that my automations don't get interrupted due to a brownout. However, I already had a UPS installed for my mediaserver close to hubitat installation, so it really is more of a "why not" situation for me.

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7

Thanks for all the answers. I guess for some reason I thought of it different than a PC.

John