I'm complete newbie in house automation and domoticz. I thought I could control my heating in order to switch off, when my dishwasher and/or washing mashine is on. I'm at the very beginning of the project and I wonder which way to go:
A) I can implement some Z-Wave switches with the function of power detection (I think Fibaro has something like that - the switch's LED lights when the plugged device is on and sends message of power usage to the controler) - so that when system sees a power usage in one switch, it would turn off other one. Or
B) I can install some wired sensors on the DIN rail, as almost all of my devices work on separate circuits ("B" option gives me less space to develop the automation, but it's simplicity is a pro). This solution would be ok with raspberry PI or, if anybody has an idea how to do it - based on contactors and such stuff only, without a controler (Raspberry/PC).
I would appreciate any help and guidelines, as I don't have any experience with the toys you're working with everyday
Here is my "workframe":
- I'd like to control the system with a PC, later I'll optionally transfer working solutions to Raspberry PI - therefore I prefer linux OS and sofware (as I'm quite familiar with bash scripting) and USB Z-wave dongle (usable with laptop and Rasp); controlling it with raspbian/domoticz on VM is also ok
- The price is important, but the components should be available in Europe
My questions are:
1) about Fibaro Z-wave switches: are they compatibile with opensource systems such as domoticz and would I be able to use their signals is automation scripts?
2) do you know other, cheaper switches with the function of "work detection" of plugged devices?
