Any reason why I would buy the WV-01 for close to $500 when I can get this valve for $36 and plug it into a z-wave outlet or appliance module?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140399791252&fromMakeTrack=true
The module in the Ebay listing is ‘Normally Closed’, which means it must be Energized/Powered to supply water. If you lose power or power fails, you lose water supply.
Now, I am not saying that $474 difference justifies the lack of ability to supply water without power but just something to consider with this solution.
Probably better to have a Normally OPEN valve and only power it when a leak is detected (or you want to shut it off)…
Yeah, I thought about that, but for a lot less than $474 you could buy a nice UPS also if it became a problem.
[quote=“vera_nc, post:2, topic:167558”]The module in the Ebay listing is ‘Normally Closed’, which means it must be Energized/Powered to supply water. If you lose power or power fails, you lose water supply.
Now, I am not saying that $474 difference justifies the lack of ability to supply water without power but just something to consider with this solution.
Probably better to have a Normally OPEN valve and only power it when a leak is detected (or you want to shut it off)…[/quote]
You might want to take a look at this valve: http://smarthome-products.com/p-2280-s3412v-inch-stainless-steel-12-vdc-actuated-ball-valve.aspx could be an alternative at a reasonable price
[quote=“scotthay, post:1, topic:167558”]Any reason why I would buy the WV-01 for close to $500 when I can get this valve for $36 and plug it into a z-wave outlet or appliance module?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140399791252&fromMakeTrack=true[/quote]
Pretty good find! I don’t personally have a need for the valve (my house is on well water), but if I was on city water, I’d be looking for something similar.
I agree with vera_nc about this valve being normally closed. Basically, that means you’ll need to supply power to it for your water to work. The valve you found is going to be drawing around 15 watts of power, 24/7. That’s somewhat of a waste in my opinion. Better to find a normally open valve for a constant duty need like a water main.
Here is a N/O version of the valve. I don’t think it’s perfect, but it might suffice. It has a lower max pressure than the N/C version…
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-4-Electric-Solenoid-Valve-120-VAC-NORMALLY-OPEN-B21N-/300494606724?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f6dfd184
@the gadgetguy … have you implemented a z-wave means of controlling your pump for the well water? Would be interested for my cabin.
@grybrd: I have plans to install a Z-wave shutoff for the well, but haven’t gotten around to building it yet.
The problem with water wells is that they are 240v. You need to shut off both legs of 120v to the pump to shut it off.
I have found a couple of Z-wave switches that are designed for such a load, but they are very expensive. My solution is to use a 2 pole automatic transfer switch such as this one to switch the pump’s power off or on…
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230562771284
This switch is operated by 120v, so a standard Z-wave appliance module will control it just fine. Since it is rated at constaint duty, there are no concerns for longevity of the switch.
That is the most basic and effective method of switching a load such as a well water pump. The wiring is VERY basic, and as long as it’s installed properly, it should meet all electrical codes.
Tks gadgetguy … looks like what I want.
This has been discussed before…
http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?topic=2978.msg17731#msg17731
For those on a well having a valve shut off your water may prevent the well pump from loosing its prime. If you draw all the water from your pressure tank air could leak into the water line running to the bottom of the well. Some well pumps do not self prime. I always turn my water off with my exit scene.
Every time we leave for vacation, the power to the well is shut off. Never had a problem, or even heard of this issue, to be honest.
My last 4 houses have had wells, over a span of 15 years. No issues. When you are leaving the house unoccupied, shut the power off to the pump. Better safe than sorry.