Using Elk M1 to control gas valve?

[benze]

Hi,

I'm installing a propane oven in my kitchen and was wondering if I could somehow use the M1 to control the gas line. What I'm thinking of doing is adding a solenoid valve to the gas line that I want to hook up to the M1. My goal would be to have to enter a security code to open the valve, and either a security code to shut it off, or a built-in timeout that would cause the valve to close automatically after XXX number of hours. Furthermore, if the system is armed in the away mode, would want to ensure that the valve is turned off as well.

The goal is to keep my kids' fingers away from turning on the stove when there is no supervision.

Is something like that feasible? I've already found different electric N/C valves that use continuous 12V to open them, but don't know if there is any way to hook them up to the M1 or not....

Thanks!

Eric

 

[Spanky]

Enable a user code as an ACCESS code and write a rule to control an output which will open and close the value when entering the access code.

WHENEVER ACCESS FROM ANY KEYPAD
THEN Turn On Output 3 for 5 hours ...more or less

You can get around 18 hours out of an output timer, but you can cascade them to get more time if needed.

 

[tmbrown97]

Spanky's got the rules down obviously... didn't directly answer your question though about the valves... if you can find a gas valve that's only open when 12V is applied, you're home free. That's the exact same concept all of us use to control our sprinkler valves - just a different power adapter to run the valve. Use an output to control a relay which connects whatever power adapter you want to the valve... when the output is off, the relay opens and disconnects power, closing the valve... Look around the site for M1 controlling sprinklers and just replace the 24VAC power adapter with a 12VDC one.

Just one thought though - you may want to make sure the valve has a manual open otherwise consider a type that opens/closes through a polarity reversal... just thinking of cases where you may want to cook while the power is out.

 

[benze]

Thanks for the info. Was debating whether to get an M1 for my house, but this will probably be the clincher as to why I should get it. Will probably have to ask for more detailed info once I have it installed, but I am happy to hear that my idea is feasible and should be able to get it to work.

Just one thought though - you may want to make sure the valve has a manual open otherwise consider a type that opens/closes through a polarity reversal... just thinking of cases where you may want to cook while the power is out.

Not a bad idea, however, polarity reversal won't help much if the power is out. Nonetheless, plan on having some sort of backup power; probably propane generator, but will have to see if it is really worth the money. So far, I've been using a 2000VA UPS with 8 marine batteries providing backup supply, but that only gives me about 4-5hrs of power these days (was getting 24+ when the batts were new 7 or 8 yrs ago).