# Current Sensing Module

**URL:** <https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070>\
**Category:** Device Ideas\
**Created:** [January 25, 2016, 2:05pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070 "2016-01-25T14:05:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dsbeck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@dsbeck](https://community.smartthings.com/u/dsbeck)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 2:05pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/1 "2016-01-25T14:05:23Z")

</div>

Has anyone seen, or does anyone have any ideas on how to make a module that will sense current, and let ST know the device is running, amount of power being used?

Here is my concept/issue: I have a gas dryer, that has an auxiliary fan in the exhaust duct, since it is such a long run. The problem is the pressure switch on the fan that is supposed to run the fan ONLY when the dryer runs, does not work very well, so the fan run constantly in the winter, even when the dryer is not running.

What I want is a way to “sense” that the dryer is running, and then “turn on” the auxiliary fan power with ST. The turn on/off is easy, but I need a module that a 120VAC appliance can plug into, that will tell ST if the device is on or off, or can sense the current flow thru it.

I’ve got to believe there are ton of other uses for such a thing. Something you can plug an appliance in to, and have it output to ST the amount of current it is drawing. Thus, you could tell if something is running or not, or you could monitor power usage throughout your house.

I’m not a EE, so the electronics thing is a mystery to me.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks,

Dave

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cdikland](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/cdikland/32/105520_2.png) [@cdikland](https://community.smartthings.com/u/cdikland)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 2:29pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/2 "2016-01-25T14:29:46Z")

</div>

> **[Samsung SmartThings Outlet, Works with Amazon Alexa - - Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-CEN-APP-PLUG-1-Outlet/dp/B00MI5V5N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453732082&sr=8-1&keywords=smartpower+outlet)**
>
> The SmartThings Power Outlet can control and monitor whether lights, electronics and small appliances are turned on or off. It can be programmed to turn on and off automatically based on a fixed sched ...

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cdikland](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/cdikland/32/105520_2.png) [@cdikland](https://community.smartthings.com/u/cdikland)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/3 "2016-01-25T14:36:57Z")

</div>

Just a quick a dirty app on how you might monitor the outlet for power consumption

```
preferences {
	section("Select Power Monitor"){
		input "sensor1", "capability.powerMeter"
	}
	section("System Variables"){
		input "minimumWattage", "decimal", title: "Minimum running wattage", required: false, defaultValue: 50
		}
}

def installed() {
	log.debug "Installed with settings: ${settings}"
	initialize()
}

def updated() {
	log.debug "Updated with settings: ${settings}"
	unsubscribe()
	initialize()
}

def initialize() {
	subscribe(sensor1, "power", powerInputHandler)
}

def powerInputHandler(evt) { // called when the outlet sense power consumption (or power change)
	def latestPower = sensor1.currentValue("power")
	log.trace "Power: ${latestPower}W "
	if (latestPower > minimumWattage) {
		log.trace "The dryer is on"
	}

}
```

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![keltymd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@keltymd](https://community.smartthings.com/u/keltymd)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:10pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/4 "2016-01-25T15:10:39Z")

</div>

or

> **[Aeon Labs AEDSB09104ZWUS Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Energy Monitor Meter - Electrical Equipment - Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/Aeon-Labs-AEDSB09104ZWUS-Aeotec-Monitor/dp/B00DIBSKFU)**
>
> Brand New

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dsbeck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@dsbeck](https://community.smartthings.com/u/dsbeck)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:13pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/5 "2016-01-25T15:13:59Z")

</div>

So, this outlet will allow me to “sense” the power consumption of the dryer, and thus tell ST the dryer is running?

I assumed that it was only an on/off relay to turn an appliance on/off with ST?

Can I then use the “The dryer is on” event, to trigger another ST Outlet to turn on or off?

Sorry - I’m new to all this.

Dave

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cdikland](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/cdikland/32/105520_2.png) [@cdikland](https://community.smartthings.com/u/cdikland)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/6 "2016-01-25T15:20:18Z")

</div>

> [@dsbeck](#):
>
> Can I then use the “The dryer is on” event, to trigger another ST Outlet to turn on or off?

Yup. that is no problem. Below is a modified portion of the code I posted earlier

```
preferences {
	section("Select Power Monitor"){
		input "sensor1", "capability.powerMeter"
	}
	section("Select Dryer Fan"){
		input "dryerFan", "capability.switch"
	}
	section("System Variables"){
		input "minimumWattage", "decimal", title: "Minimum running wattage", required: false, defaultValue: 50
		}
}

def powerInputHandler(evt) { // called when the outlet sense power consumption (or power change)
	def latestPower = sensor1.currentValue("power")
	log.trace "Power: ${latestPower}W "
	if (latestPower > minimumWattage) {
		log.trace "The dryer is on"
       dryerFan.on()
	}

}

```

The above is hardly a working app but the ideas are there. If you dont understand the code and such app does not exist, dont hestitate to ask for further help on this forum. The solution is quite simple given the right devices are in place 🙂

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cdikland](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/cdikland/32/105520_2.png) [@cdikland](https://community.smartthings.com/u/cdikland)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/7 "2016-01-25T15:22:13Z")

</div>

Not sure that would work for what he want to do. He needs to sense to power on one and only one specific outlet/module and based on the reading turn on another switch/module.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![keltymd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@keltymd](https://community.smartthings.com/u/keltymd)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:24pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/8 "2016-01-25T15:24:58Z")

</div>

yeah but that 110V module wont work I dont think. Most driers are 220. Tehy have the 2 legs and all the energy monitor is is an amp clamp so it should be able to attach where the cable connects to the drier

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cdikland](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/cdikland/32/105520_2.png) [@cdikland](https://community.smartthings.com/u/cdikland)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:38pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/9 "2016-01-25T15:38:37Z")

</div>

Now I am not sure we have all the info. Just re-read the initial post. The dryer is gas operated but I think there is still power involved. He mentioned the need to a 120VAC outlet. Not sure if that was for the dryer or the fan?? 😕

If the dryer (without the fan) does not draw power… All bets are off 😄

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![keltymd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@keltymd](https://community.smartthings.com/u/keltymd)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:39pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/10 "2016-01-25T15:39:54Z")

</div>

and then there is that 🙂

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dsbeck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@dsbeck](https://community.smartthings.com/u/dsbeck)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:41pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/11 "2016-01-25T15:41:44Z")

</div>

The Dryer is GAS, so I’m just monitoring the 110V portion that runs the motor, etc. NOT 220V

The fan is also 120V, and that is what I want to turn on/off.

I’m thinking I can use the Aeon Labs DSC06106 smart energy switch I found on Amazon??

(I don’t know how to paste a picture like was done above)

Dave

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cdikland](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/cdikland/32/105520_2.png) [@cdikland](https://community.smartthings.com/u/cdikland)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/12 "2016-01-25T15:42:41Z")

</div>

Glue/tape a z-wave/zigbee temperature sensor to the dryer exhaust. When the temp rises above a set parameter, turn on fan 😄

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dsbeck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@dsbeck](https://community.smartthings.com/u/dsbeck)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/13 "2016-01-25T15:42:57Z")

</div>

[Here is the link to amazon](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007UZH7B8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A2XY3SNST25IU1)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![vseven](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/vseven/32/35333_2.png) [@vseven](https://community.smartthings.com/u/vseven)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:44pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/14 "2016-01-25T15:44:59Z")

</div>

Yes, you can use that to detect the power usage of the dryer and when it’s above a certain threshold you could use a second one to turn on and off your exhaust. At least thats how I understand your issue. Not bad for $60 total.

-Allan

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dsbeck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@dsbeck](https://community.smartthings.com/u/dsbeck)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:50pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/15 "2016-01-25T15:50:30Z")

</div>

I ordered 2 and we’ll see what happens.

Do I need to write custom code to get this to work, or is there a SmartApp that will work for this?

Never did any of the programming yet . . .

Dave

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![keltymd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@keltymd](https://community.smartthings.com/u/keltymd)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 3:58pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/16 "2016-01-25T15:58:24Z")

</div>

rule machine will do it for you.

if switch 1 current \>= X amount then turn on switch 2

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cdikland](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/cdikland/32/105520_2.png) [@cdikland](https://community.smartthings.com/u/cdikland)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2016, 4:13pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/17 "2016-01-25T16:13:33Z")

</div>

> [@dsbeck](#):
>
> Do I need to write custom code to get this to work, or is there a SmartApp that will work for this?

Like Matt said… Rule Machine app

> [@Rule machine - as per the app developer, this app is no longer available for new installs, distribution, or support](https://community.smartthings.com/t/release-rule-machine/28730):
>
> Rule Machine is no longer available.

If that doesnt do it for you, let me know. Easy app to write…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dsbeck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@dsbeck](https://community.smartthings.com/u/dsbeck)\
**Post date:** [January 29, 2016, 4:17am UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/18 "2016-01-29T04:17:53Z")

</div>

OK, so I got the current sensor, and I’m playing around with Rule Machine.

Question: Can I change how frequently the Aeon power sensors get updated by the Hub? When I start the dryer, there seems to be a pretty significant lag before ST recognizes that the Power level is above my setpoint (10 in this case).

It seems like I have to refresh the sensor from the app manually to get rule machine to trigger the other switch on.

How can I make this automatically update the power coming from the Aeon sensor?

Thanks,

Dave

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dsbeck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/87869e/32.png) [@dsbeck](https://community.smartthings.com/u/dsbeck)\
**Post date:** [January 29, 2016, 4:54am UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/19 "2016-01-29T04:54:36Z")

</div>

I think I partially answered my question - the Pollster App.

If anyone has any better suggestions, please let me know.

Dave

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![keltymd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/49beb7/32.png) [@keltymd](https://community.smartthings.com/u/keltymd)\
**Post date:** [January 29, 2016, 12:21pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070/20 "2016-01-29T12:21:05Z")

</div>

look for Aeon HEMv2+ it lets you lower the poll to seconds

[Next page](https://community.smartthings.com/t/current-sensing-module/37070.md?page=2)