This writeup discusses a sensor that can be used as part of another device to monitor the status of an AC power outlet. It uses a photocell to detect light and return a variable resistance. If this is plugged into an outlet, it can be used to monitor power outages (if the rest of the system is on a UPS) or the status of a wall switch. Plugged into the auxiliary outlet of a receiver, it can monitor the on/off status of the receiver. When there is no power applied to the device, the resistance will be quite high. When power is applied, it will be much lower.
[COLOR= #ff0000]This article discusses modifying a light which is designed to be plugged in to a normal household outlet. No electrical modifications are made to the light and the AC voltage is never exposed. However, it does involve adding an extra layer of material to the light which may increase its temperature during operation. I have tested this and not found any significant increase in temperature, but you should exercise appropriate caution.[/COLOR]
In this thread on monitoring appliances, the discussion turned to monitoring an applicance with an indicator light (a washer in that particular case). The monitoring was done using an Ocelot, but the strategy could be used with other input devices.
Click here to view the article
[COLOR= #ff0000]This article discusses modifying a light which is designed to be plugged in to a normal household outlet. No electrical modifications are made to the light and the AC voltage is never exposed. However, it does involve adding an extra layer of material to the light which may increase its temperature during operation. I have tested this and not found any significant increase in temperature, but you should exercise appropriate caution.[/COLOR]
In this thread on monitoring appliances, the discussion turned to monitoring an applicance with an indicator light (a washer in that particular case). The monitoring was done using an Ocelot, but the strategy could be used with other input devices.
Click here to view the article
