lhfarm
Veteran Member
I posted questions about using conduit in my barn last winter - http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/161801-conduit-pole-barn-corners.html . Just now finishing up and wanted to post a follow-up and talk a little about how I'm using home automation hardware in the barn.
First, as can be seen in the pictures, I followed the suggestions covered in the post above and just used off-the-shelf parts to take the conduit around the corner post. They aren't as neat as custom bent conduit, but they work. I also used "T" and "L" pieces to bring the wire down the wall. I think it looks neat and the outlets spread around the barn and on the center bay posts are handy.
I still need to add outside lighting and will be using X-10 protocol hardware for part of that. I also have a remotely switched outlet so I can plug in my block heater and turn it on/off from the house.
I've been using home automation hardware/software since we got the place 25 years ago. At that time the house had electric baseboard heat and we were only here on the weekends. My wife would be cooking in her coat when we came over Friday evenings during that first winter. I was a systems analyst back then and so wanted to find a way to remotely control the heat and general security. When we remodeled in the 90s, I wired the house "for the future." When we built the detached garage (same time as the remodeling), it was equipped with lights that I can control from the house, along with outlets that allow me to start engine warmers or battery chargers.
When I started wiring the barn, I know I'd want some capabilities there too. The barn is 450' from the house. First, I wanted to be able to start the block heater on those cold mornings, so the tractor is ready to go when I get to the barn. Second, I wanted to be able to turn the outside lights on at the house, so I can see to get to the barn.
While I use Home Automation Systems - HomeSeer software to control HVAC, lights, water heater, water pump and whole house audio, you can do what I have done in the barn without a computer and for only a few dollars. All you need is an X-10 appliance module (Appliance Module (3-pin) Grounded - AM466) and a controller (Mini Controller (Black) - PHC01B). Plug the module into a standard outlet and your block heater into the module. Then from inside your nice warm house, push a button on the controller when you want to turn the heater on/off.
For the outside lights, I'm using a couple of these ::Motion Monitor!:: (note I got these on sale for less than half the price shown here). There are other options, but I like the motion sensor feature. You can turn this on/off remotely, using the same controller listed above.
Standard disclaimer here. I don't have any association with X-10 and lots of people in the home automation world will tell you that there are much better products out there. I also hate their Web site, but for under $30 (for the block heater control) you can't beat it.
Hope someone finds this useful.
First, as can be seen in the pictures, I followed the suggestions covered in the post above and just used off-the-shelf parts to take the conduit around the corner post. They aren't as neat as custom bent conduit, but they work. I also used "T" and "L" pieces to bring the wire down the wall. I think it looks neat and the outlets spread around the barn and on the center bay posts are handy.
I still need to add outside lighting and will be using X-10 protocol hardware for part of that. I also have a remotely switched outlet so I can plug in my block heater and turn it on/off from the house.
I've been using home automation hardware/software since we got the place 25 years ago. At that time the house had electric baseboard heat and we were only here on the weekends. My wife would be cooking in her coat when we came over Friday evenings during that first winter. I was a systems analyst back then and so wanted to find a way to remotely control the heat and general security. When we remodeled in the 90s, I wired the house "for the future." When we built the detached garage (same time as the remodeling), it was equipped with lights that I can control from the house, along with outlets that allow me to start engine warmers or battery chargers.
When I started wiring the barn, I know I'd want some capabilities there too. The barn is 450' from the house. First, I wanted to be able to start the block heater on those cold mornings, so the tractor is ready to go when I get to the barn. Second, I wanted to be able to turn the outside lights on at the house, so I can see to get to the barn.
While I use Home Automation Systems - HomeSeer software to control HVAC, lights, water heater, water pump and whole house audio, you can do what I have done in the barn without a computer and for only a few dollars. All you need is an X-10 appliance module (Appliance Module (3-pin) Grounded - AM466) and a controller (Mini Controller (Black) - PHC01B). Plug the module into a standard outlet and your block heater into the module. Then from inside your nice warm house, push a button on the controller when you want to turn the heater on/off.
For the outside lights, I'm using a couple of these ::Motion Monitor!:: (note I got these on sale for less than half the price shown here). There are other options, but I like the motion sensor feature. You can turn this on/off remotely, using the same controller listed above.
Standard disclaimer here. I don't have any association with X-10 and lots of people in the home automation world will tell you that there are much better products out there. I also hate their Web site, but for under $30 (for the block heater control) you can't beat it.
Hope someone finds this useful.
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