How-To
Updated August 6, 2007 09:00 PDT
Multi-Use Automated In-Wall Devices Offer Easy Controls
By David Powell
Last winter, ZWW reviewer Scott Lowe discovered the hidden
talents of a Z-Wave Appliance module, which he used to automate
his stand-alone propane heater. Since then Intermatic has
released a few of its InTouch branded devices including
an In-Wall Receptacle.
Figure 1
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The receptacle is similar to the Appliance Module in that
it serves a similar purpose. The major differences are mostly
cosmetic. The InTouch In-Wall Receptacle replaces your existing
non-automated receptacles for a clean look while providing
the functionality of the Z-Wave Appliance Module.
At first glance you may wonder where in the world you would
put one of these devices and actually get use out of it.
How about on the kitchen counter so you can control your
crock-pot or coffee pot? Another good location would be
in the bedroom or bathroom where you typically plug in the
clothes iron. This is where I installed the two receptacles
I purchased (see Figure 1).
Figure 2
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A quick google search for "Appliance Module"
turned up all kinds of ideas. For instance Landscape Lighting
and Garden sprinklers. Home Depot sells Orbit's
24Vac garden sprinkler valves (see Figure 2),
which attach directly to your existing hose. Just add a
24Vac transformer and a few connectors and you have an inexpensive
irrigation system. You can pick up the valves near the hoses
in the garden section.
Another great use around the house is setting monitoring
controls. The kids may not like it, but you can use one
of the receptacles to automate the amount of time your children
spend playing their game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo).
You could also limit the specific hours that they are allowed
to watch TV. This just may be the one device that gets them
to do their homework as soon as they get home.
Figure 3
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The Intermatic In-Wall Receptacles have one socket switched
and the other is always hot. This means you can plug your
alarm clock in the hot socket and a lamp in the other and
you won't have to worry about accidentally turning off your
alarm. Also, the switched socket has a load-sensing circuit.
This means if you turn a device on locally it will sense
that you tried to turn something on and activate the socket.
This is nice for when you lose your Z-Wave remote or when
your wife prefers to just push a button on the lamp and
you like using a Z-Wave remote. Keep this in mind if you
plan on using the Intermatic In-Wall Receptacle for parental
controls. You will want your automation controller to detect
the load sensing operation and immediately turn the game
console back off.
The Intermatic In-Wall Receptacles are $79.99 from http://www.zwaveproducts.com.
Each In-Wall Receptacle ships with three face plates (see
Figure 3) to allow easy color matching with your home's
décor. However, it does not come with a trim plate
so you will need to pick one of those up from your local
hardware store.
