Home automation is a field I have dabbled in. Sensors are an important part of home automation – they can automatically turn lights and other things on and off as people move around in a house. The most common sensor used in home automation is the PIR (passive infrared) sensor, also known as a motion detector. Reed sensors are commonly used in home alarm systems, but they can also be useful in home automation systems. Take a look at the three examples below to see how different systems around the house could be made more convenient and efficient.
- Shower Exhaust Fan: Most of those with an exhaust fan in their bathroom have taken a shower in the morning only to return in the evening with the fan still running, or have completely forgotten to turn on the fan altogether. A PIR sensor could engage the fan when the shower is being used. A reed switch on the door would then make sure that if the door is closed, the exhaust fan does not turn off before all of the humidity is pulled from the room.
- Closet Lights: Around my house, closet lights are often left on. A reed switch could save me some cash on my electric bill each month by automating the lights in each closet. When the door is open, the switch engages the light and vice versa.
- Heating and A/C: Around this time of year in Oklahoma, where HSI headquarters is located, the temperature can fluctuate drastically throughout the day. During the day the air conditioning may need to be turned on during the 90-degree weather. During the night, though, it can be nice to open a few windows when it gets cooler. In order to make sure that the A/C isn’t going while windows are open, reed switches mounted on the windows could ensure that the A/C is shut off when they are open.
Around the house, reed switches can help improve convenience and efficiency. The great thing about HSI’s products is how easily they can be made to fit any application. The same switch could be used for each of the above applications, but could be modified through our Rapid Solutions service to make sure it functions properly across each application, whether it is through a different epoxy, housing, wiring option or much more. If you are curious if your application could benefit from a reed switch or sensor, check out our rapid solutions page and give us a call.
