Temperature monitor - fire/freeze/flood warnings?

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  • Boswell
    Automated Home Lurker
    • Feb 2006
    • 2

    Temperature monitor - fire/freeze/flood warnings?

    I need to install a network based temp. monitoring system in a remote property. Winter temps can be -20C or below and failure of heating is a serious problem. Fire warning would be useful, and flooding (burst pipe) warning also. Permanent ADSL network installed so SMS/email warnings possible. Occasional electrical failure is common.

    Can anyone recommend a reliable but economical solution? Have looked at Sensatronics products, but not had a personal recommendation.
  • Karam
    Automated Home Legend
    • Mar 2005
    • 863

    #2
    Re: Temperature monitor - fire/freeze/flood warnings?

    A client of ours in the US wanted exactly these sort of functions. See www.idratek.com/CaseStudy4.htm. We may be able to refer you to him if you are interested.

    The IDRATEK system relies on a dedicated PC platform to act as the internet interface and web/e-mail/telephony services provider, otherwise any local components such as sensors are connected to this platform via a robust proprietary local bus - IDRANet. The components on the IDRANet bus can act independently of the PC platform should the latter fail, so for example you could still get the local network to turn on some heating if temperatures drop irresepective of whether the PC platform was functional. If you have a power cut the local network will run happily on a backup 12V battery - though of course there are various other UPS solutions possible including for the PC platform - but usually without electrical power the heating system does not operate anyway.

    Flood detection: Of course its easily possible to attach water detection sensors, but where would you put these? A better/additional approach is through flow measurement in main supply pipe, i.e. if you detect appreciable flow when there shouldn't be then you potentially have a leak. With our system automated action can then take place e.g. shutting off supply and warning owner by e-mail/phone. Also the supply can still be occasionally turned on for short periods for any heating system top up at risk of slight flooding. Only fly in the ointment is getting low cost sensors which will measure flow rates low enough to avoid missing small leaks.

    With a PC platform included the cost of an IDRATEK system including any necessary software may even be more economical than a Sensatronics approach with one sensor, but the real advantage is that the IDRATEK system can be easily expanded to include many sensors and many automated behaviours for little incremental cost. Also you get many other features within this low cost frame.

    Karam

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    • Boswell
      Automated Home Lurker
      • Feb 2006
      • 2

      #3
      Re: Temperature monitor - fire/freeze/flood warnings?

      Karam
      Many thanks for this very thorough summary. I am going to need a day to digest and reply, as I am travelling until late tonight.
      Boswell

      Comment

      • vex
        Automated Home Guru
        • Feb 2005
        • 197

        #4
        Square D's IHC (Intelligent Home Control) offers a cost effective solution to this.

        And as it is a contact closure system we can add it to a text message or email client to let you know if a failure, fire, leak has occured.

        Chris
        www.intouchtech.co.uk (trade)
        NOW PART OF INVISION UK, One of the leading home technology distributors to the CI Market.

        Comment

        • nigelh
          Automated Home Lurker
          • Mar 2004
          • 5

          #5
          Re: Temperature monitor - fire/freeze/flood warnings?

          Take a look at the Comfort System. UK website: www.home-controls.co.uk

          It is designed for security, any form of alarm monitoring and general home automation. It will fulfill your stated requirements and with an open flexible architecture any that are likely in the future. It has a voice guided menu system and will dial or sms out when events occur, in any configurable permutation. Huge potential functionality. Manufacturer is Cytech Technology http://www.cytech-technology.com/

          Nigel

          Comment

          • nigelh
            Automated Home Lurker
            • Mar 2004
            • 5

            #6
            Re: Temperature monitor - fire/freeze/flood warnings?

            Correction to URL:

            Take a look at the Comfort System. UK website: www.home-control.co.uk

            Nigel

            Comment

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