I have seen specialised devices for this but my use case doesn't justify more than the cost of a basic smart switch or similar plugged in to a socket.

I want to create a scene that notifies me when the smart switch is off due to a power failure. Except when there is loadshedding the unit is 'unavailable' and not 'off' and you get no notification, presumably as when it is on or off the switch is still powered and can dial home to update its status, but during loadshedding the switch has no power so no notification.

Is there a simple solution here

On 2022/11/05 at 9:08 PM, Lee2 said:

I have seen specialised devices for this but my use case doesn't justify more than the cost of a basic smart switch or similar plugged in to a socket.

I want to create a scene that notifies me when the smart switch is off due to a power failure. Except when there is loadshedding the unit is 'unavailable' and not 'off' and you get no notification, presumably as when it is on or off the switch is still powered and can dial home to update its status, but during loadshedding the switch has no power so no notification.

Is there a simple solution here

 

240V relay.... when the power drops during loadshedding it switches the relay, then wire up a smart switch/microcontroller to the NC that will be power up (from battery) when the power drops and "phone home" to let you know the power is down. I guess your router and home-assistant is also on backup power? 

 

On 2022/11/05 at 9:08 PM, Lee2 said:

I have seen specialised devices for this but my use case doesn't justify more than the cost of a basic smart switch or similar plugged in to a socket.

I want to create a scene that notifies me when the smart switch is off due to a power failure. Except when there is loadshedding the unit is 'unavailable' and not 'off' and you get no notification, presumably as when it is on or off the switch is still powered and can dial home to update its status, but during loadshedding the switch has no power so no notification.

Is there a simple solution here

Lee I find the cheap Sonoff at R130 sends a msg every 5min to the APP. Yes if you click the notify it will just show it if not available. This notify also works for when your WiFi is off. This works on a either basis. This is a simple way.

Do mention when you have LS the unit is not off but only not available. Just move it to a circuit that is OFF when you have LS.

May be I am missing what you want notification for.

Edited November 7, 20223 yr by Scorp007

I have two use cases [for now].

1. More pressing, we have a detached garage and its electricity supply is from the common property supply. The other day the prepaid meter locked away in an electrical box ran down and luckily we noticed in time as we had a freezer in there full of frozen items and we had to evacuate it as it was the weekend and no one was around with authority to recharge the meter. So I would like to detect when the power is off there and monitor my freezer is pulling power/working in general. 

2. Less pressing during loadshedding I am interested in scenarios like if device A is in use disable device B until A is not in use anymore. 

10 minutes ago, Lee2 said:

I have two use cases [for now].

1. More pressing, we have a detached garage and its electricity supply is from the common property supply. The other day the prepaid meter locked away in an electrical box ran down and luckily we noticed in time as we had a freezer in there full of frozen items and we had to evacuate it as it was the weekend and no one was around with authority to recharge the meter. So I would like to detect when the power is off there and monitor my freezer is pulling power/working in general. 

2. Less pressing during loadshedding I am interested in scenarios like if device A is in use disable device B until A is not in use anymore. 

Scenario 1 is ideal for a basic Sonoff that can alert you provided it is connected to a always on WiFi. This will provide you with a notify as per the blue icon at the top in my picture.

Scenario 2 can be achieved where a relay is connected on the output of the Sonoff connected to scenario 1. Use the normally closed contact of the relay to power up device B. Thus when device A is switched off only then can B be powered. As soon as A is on it will switch B off.

During LS A and B will be off. See A as the master and B the follower.

Edited November 7, 20223 yr by Scorp007

Hi,

The easiest and cheapest way is a Sonoff Mini and a relay. That is basically what the Loadshedder is with a few safety features built in. The only reason we keep the configuration in the manual is for safety and preventing the general public building and shorting their systems.

The main reason for the relay holder is so you can pull the relay out and the system goes to manual and not to add cost's. 

The reason for the blue heat shrink for the com's cable's is not to add cost but to make it easily identifiable to any technician on site.

The reason for the pilot light is so we can do remote support call's over the phone with any qualified installer and know that the system is functioning as planned. I will gladly send you guys the build by numbers manual and literary you just put the components on the page , wire it up and then you go to the DB board shut down and install.  Reducing the amout of wife irritation factor by 10.

Just message me and I will glady send you the manual and where the components can be bought. Also the do's and dont's to keep your inverter safe.

You guys are awesome and the knowledge share here is great.

Aleks

@Lee ... did you find a solution?

No I haven't worked on this problem since due to shortage of time but if i have to get multiple components that add up to a good few bucks I would rather just get an AIO sonoff loadshedding kit

Hi Lee ... I have a Sunsynk inverter and when the grid goes down, I notice that the voltage drops from around 240v (grid voltage fluctuates between 230v and 245v) to around 215v to 220v.

I have one of these Bneta Smart Wifi Plugs (https://www.takealot.com/bneta-wifi-smart-power-plug-with-power-meter/PLID65529369) that sends me a notice on my phone when there is a voltage drop below 225v.  That is a good indication that the grid is down.

That in turn can control other devices to switch off.

The Sunsynk app also sends a notice.

This is a cheap solution that integrates with my other automation in the house.