Why Sensors Make Sense for home automation
It is safe to say people are talking about Smart Homes and Home Automation. We see it advertised on TV commercials, hear about it on the radio and read about it in magazines. But what is Home Automation and what exactly makes a Smart Home smart?
By definition, Home Automation is automation of the home, housework or household activity. It may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, monitoring and access control of windows, doors and gates as well as other systems, such as whole home audio/video to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security.
So how does it work? With the Loxone Home Automation Solution, it all starts with sensors. A sensor is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. With this technology and the Loxone Miniserver based Smart Home Solution you can turn your dumb home into a Smart Home!
Let’s begin with the Window and Door Contact
These contacts detect the opening and closing of doors and windows and will alert your smartphone via a phone call if they are left open. Easily installed on any door or window, you also are alerted when they are opened or closed…an added benefit if you have teenagers that tend to break curfew.
The Presence Detector
Primarily used for lighting control, heating and security, this sensor is not only functional but versatile. With a range of up to 26ft and 360° field of detection, you can cut energy use substantially when used with the Loxone Miniserver, by activating lighting and/or heating to only come on when someone is detected in an area of your Smart Home. This is also very useful for security purposes, allowing you to know when and where someone is in the home.
The Outdoor Motion Detector
Pretty self explanatory, this Outdoor Motion Detector has a wide detection field of 230°. The sensitivity is easily set with an adjusting screw and includes a special bracket for mounting on inner and outer corners. When used with Loxone Miniserver and cameras, you’ll never have to worry again about what may be lurking around the corner.
The Water Breakage Sensor
Never be concerned again about pipes bursting under your sink or behind the washing machine when the temperature outdoors drops below freezing! This sensor is easily triggered when it comes in contact with 2 conductive fluids and will send you an immediate alert to your smartphone.
The Outdoor Temperature Sensor
If you require accurate measurements of the outdoor temperature, perhaps before turning on your gas fireplace on a chilly Fall evening, this is the sensor for you! This 0-10V outdoor temperature sensor has a measurement range of -22°F to +158°F, uses a PT100 sensor and can be easily connected to any device that can read a 0-10V signal. This sensor can also be used to control heat pump operation of emergency heat.
The Indoor Temperature Sensor
Much like the Outdoor Temperature Sensor the Indoor Temperature Sensor uses a PT100 sensor and has an integrated 0-10V transducer allowing it to easily be connected to any device that can read a 0-10V signal, such as the Loxone Miniserver. This device is designed for wall mounting and records indoor temperature measurements and statistics which can be used to ultimately save you money in energy consumption.
The Water Temperature Sensor
This Water Temperature Sensor is ideally suited to be used in a wide range of applications and will deliver very accurate readings for precise control. The most common application is for shafts and ducts in heating systems. With its over 7 ½ inch detached measuring probe this sensor is ideal for accurate temperature measurement in liquids.
Pipe Contact Temperature Sensor
With a measurement range of 32°-212°F, this contact temperature sensor is best suited for measurement of surface temperatures such as pipes or ducts. For example, when controlling mixing values you can precisely measure the temperature of the pipe (such as for radiant heating). This sensor, used with the Loxone Miniserver, will control the climate in your home by opening and closing the valve until the desired outgoing temperature is reached throughout the home.
The Sauna Temperature Sensor
Perfect for those who like it hot, the Sauna Temperature Sensor has a high range up to 248°F and is therefore perfect for use in controlling saunas.
The Temperature, Humidity & CO₂ Sensor
This sensor combines a CO₂, a temperature and a humidity sensor and, in its housing, is perfect for use in homes or offices. Loxone can manage your climate control to operate an air exchanger to exchange fresh air when oxygen level are below an acceptable range. With the Loxone app on your smartphone you can receive and monitor temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels with accuracy, keeping your family safe and comfortable at your fingertips.
The Indoor Temperature & Humidity Sensor
An accurate way of measuring air temperature and relative humidity indoors, this sensor keeps you in the know by recording and communicating humidity and temperature measurements statistics directly to you. Use of the Indoor Temperature & Humidity Sensor along with the Loxone Miniserver will enable you to perfectly manage humidity levels by turning on/off humidifiers/dehumidifiers.
The Outdoor Temperature & Humidity Sensor
Identical to the Indoor Temperature and Humidity Sensor but with a durable, weather-proof housing, this Outdoor version also measures temperature and humidity for HVAC optimizers and energy conservation. Your Smart Home not only communicates and lets you know what is going on inside the home, but outside as well!
The 1-Wire Temperature Sensor
Virtually invisible, the 1-Wire Temperature Sensor is smaller than a dime and can be installed in any location in the home. When connected to a 1-Wire device, records accurate temperature measurements giving you the ability to adjust the temperature based on your comfort needs.
The Ultrasonic Sensor
This unique sensor measures distance as well as liquid and solid depth levels in tanks, silos, cisterns and containers. The Ultrasonic Sensor is ideal for persons who are collecting/harvesting rainwater. Connected to the Loxone Miniserver, this sensor can alert you to when the water level drops below a set level or if the pump stops working for whatever reason.
The Brightness Sensor
Designed for the purpose of measuring outdoor light levels, this sensor, when used with the Loxone Miniserver is essential in controlling exterior lighting systems as well as closing and opening shading for energy conservation and UV management. Let your Smart Home save you money!
The Rain Sensor
Utilized to control motorized vents, skylights, awnings and as an interface to irrigation shutoffs, this Rain Sensor detects and responds to rain snow and even fog! Let your Smart Home do all the work while you and your family relax inside and away from the outdoor elements.
The Wind Sensor
Finally my favorite sensor, mostly because of how it looks (it reminds me of Mouseketeer ears), but also because of its functionality, is the Wind Sensor. This small but mighty sensor will save you a lot of trouble when bad weather is raging outdoors. With the Loxone Miniserver and simple configurations the Wind Sensor lets you control and monitor wind speed to automatically close storm shutters and retract motorized awnings, shut off sprinklers, fountains and irrigation systems in high wind.
Turning your dumb home into a Smart Home through home automation with the Loxone Miniserver and sensors can provide many benefits to your family and home. Take your time and look around our website and when you are ready, give us a call, chat with us online or send us an email, we’d love to tell you more.