Need help with power loss alarm/notification

[SeadooGTI]

Hi fellow reefers,

I'm having an issue with intermittent loss of power in my main circuit for my 125 tank. This has happened twice in a span of four weeks, but I was home for the first event. Something on my tank is tripping the GFI, but I'm not sure where the problem lies. Today I came home to find lights out, and more distressing, no power to my main circulation pump. The tank came right back online after resetting the GFI, and it appears my livestock is OK. As I continue to troubleshoot exactly where the problem lies, I would like to have an alarm on my main circuit, so that I am alerted via cellphone if power goes out. This would also make me feel much better with impending vacations. Can anyone offer advice on systems to warn me of power outages? I don't want a super expensive controller; but would prefer modular, DIY, lower cost alternative. Thanks for your help. Right now, the only alarm I have is a low water level sensor that turns off my pump during low level. Thanks gang!

- Luke

 

[Safir]

zan importnt prt of surviving a power outage is a battery powered emergency air pump - i sugest at least one if you dont already have them.

i just read an article on soem controllers taht could call or page you if power went out or other alarm situations occured, low water level, water on floor, high temp, etc - think it may have been in this months reefkeeping magazine

 

[Samala]

Andy and I both love the telephone system noted in this thread: Device to tell me if my power goes out. He trusts it for research as I do, both with lots of money involved. Not sure if its outside your ideal budget though.

>Sarah

 

[wds21921]

GEBC (Green Eyed Black Cat) (Jim) has a really good set up with the X-10 modules for that.

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

I use an x10 wireless home alarm system, just tie the wireless alarm sensors to things like overflow switches, temp controls and relays that switch when the power goes out. the system cost me $69 on sale at x10.com It calls 4 telephone numbers up to 200 times until it get a reset reply. This $69 system has saved me multiple times and thousands of dollars in losses. I would be glad to help if you have questions.

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

Here is a link to X10, looks like they are $99 now
http://www.x10.com/minisites/x10securitysystems/index.html

 

[SeadooGTI]

Thanks Jim, I appreciate your offer for help and information.

 

[MadTownMax]

I've had compact flourescent lights trip GFCI breakers - I think it's it's something with the induced load instead of a simple on-off of a normal load.

This was with one GFCI - I replaced it with a different type, and it worked fine - then later the new one did the same with a different compact-flourescent lighting - so I ditched the GFCI - I am much more careful about how I have my electrical situated now

 

[Gordonious]

Would just the "Voice Dialer Console (PS561)" work or does it require any additional parts to call you for power outages? I have a ton of X-10 devices controlling my reptile lights, fresh water lights, and several things on my reef tank. They all run through a PC which I have planned to network for off site access. Been saying I will do that in my free time for about three years... (yeah I do not get much of that)

Jon

 

[Gordonious]

Um... nm cancel that. I do not have a telephone line in the house. (just moved here)