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How to control Bradford h2400 ventilation with a temperature sensor?

Kissnaxn
Just Starting Out

How to control Bradford h2400 ventilation with a temperature sensor?

Hi , I have Bradford h2400 roof ventilation and want to control with temp sensor. Any recommended temp sensor it seems trigger voltage is 10VDC in fan control box.

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Bradford h2400 ventilation

Hi @Kissnaxn,

 

This sounds like something that could potentially be controlled with automations and the Arlec Smart Grid Connect Adaptor With Temperature And Humidity Sensor. If your ventilator has a plug on its power cord, then you could install the Grid Connect sensor yourself, whereas anything inside the fan's control box would require an electrician.

 

Let me tag @CSParnell, @GreenHouse and @w0mbat  for their thoughts.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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Re: Bradford h2400 ventilation

Thanks for reply. Do we have sensor only recommendation with output 10v that triggers the fan ? As bradford fan is supplied with separate power to fan and control box to trigger fan from a external sensor.

 

Model Bradford h2400 and ecopower fan control interface

1000023286.jpg

CSParnell
Amassing an Audience

Re: Bradford h2400 ventilation

@Kissnaxn @MitchellMc 

 

There are a few options here and I must say that's a pretty high end fan..

 

Easy option, Thermocouple to Relay, Relay output to fan 

 

Next programmed Arduino or Raspberry Pi to Relay to Fan

 

Third Option is not using the contacts and as Mitch says using smart plugs and Smart temp sensor

 

Here is the rundown

To control the fan through a temperature thermometer using the auxiliary contact controls, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Temperature Sensor Setup

Use a temperature sensor (such as a thermistor, DHT22, or DS18B20) that can provide a signal based on the ambient temperature. You will want this sensor to output a control signal when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold.

2. Signal Conditioning

The temperature sensor signal should be conditioned into a form that can activate the auxiliary contact on the Ecopower Fan Control Interface Box. Depending on the type of sensor you are using, you may need to:

Use a relay module or transistor to trigger the auxiliary contacts based on the output of the temperature sensor.

Ensure the output signal matches the requirements of the AUX contact control (for instance, a 10V signal or a relay output).


3. Wiring to Aux Input

According to the manual:

SW1 should be set to "EXTERN" for external control.

Connect the relay (or transistor output) from your temperature sensor circuit to the AUX VOLT +10VDC and AUX GND terminals on the Ecopower Interface Board.

When the sensor reaches the defined temperature threshold, the relay or transistor should close the circuit, triggering the fan via the AUX input.


4. Control Logic

Program your control logic (using a microcontroller like Arduino or Raspberry Pi) or use a thermostat module that will trigger based on the defined temperature.

This controller will close the circuit at the AUX contacts, and the fan will turn on when the temperature threshold is exceeded.


5. Optional: Feedback/Control from RS485

If you need additional control or feedback from the fan control system, you can integrate the RS485 terminal with your BMS or another control system to monitor or further adjust parameters.


Example using Arduino and a Relay:

1. Connect a DS18B20 temperature sensor to an Arduino.


2. Use a relay module connected to the Arduino.


3. Program the Arduino to close the relay once the temperature reaches your set point.


4. Wire the relay’s output to the AUX contacts on the Fan Control Interface Box.


5. Set the SW1 to “EXTERN” for external control.

 

If you're looking to control the fan's 240V input based on a temperature sensor, using a smart plug and a smart temperature sensor is a great approach. Here’s how you can easily set it up:

 

1. Choose a Smart Plug

 

Use a Wi-Fi enabled smart plug that can handle 240V (make sure it's rated for the current your fan draws).

 

These smart plugs can be controlled remotely via an app (like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or the smart plug’s native app) or automated based on external triggers, such as a temperature sensor.

 

 

2. Choose a Smart Temperature Sensor

 

Use a smart temperature sensor that integrates with your smart home system (such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or SmartThings). Some popular options include:

 

Google Nest Temperature Sensor

 

Samsung SmartThings Sensor

 

Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor

 

 

 

3. Automation Setup

 

Ensure both the smart plug and temperature sensor are connected to the same smart home platform (such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or SmartThings).

 

Using the app, set up an automation routine where:

 

When the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a certain threshold, the smart plug turns on, supplying power to the fan.

 

When the temperature drops below the threshold, the smart plug can be set to turn off, cutting the power to the fan.

 

 

 

Example Setup:

 

Hardware:

 

Smart Plug: A Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug like TP-Link Kasa or Amazon Smart Plug.

 

Smart Temperature Sensor: A smart temperature sensor like Google Nest or SmartThings sensor.

 

 

Steps:

 

1. Connect the fan to the smart plug: Plug the fan into the smart plug, and then plug the smart plug into a 240V power outlet.

 

 

2. Connect the temperature sensor: Place the temperature sensor in the area you want to monitor. Ensure it is connected to your smart home system.

 

 

3. Set up Automation:

 

In the smart home app (like Google Home or SmartThings), create a new automation:

 

Set a trigger: When the temperature exceeds (for example) 28°C, the smart plug turns on.

 

Set a second trigger: When the temperature falls below (for example) 25°C, the smart plug turns off.

 

 

 

This creates a fully automated control system where the fan is powered by the 240V outlet only when needed, based on the room temperature.

 

 

 

Advantages of This Method:

 

Easy Setup: No complex wiring or programming is required.

 

Remote Control: You can control the fan remotely from your smartphone.

 

Automation: The system can automatically turn the fan on or off based on the ambient temperature, improving energy efficiency.

 

 

Considerations:

 

Ensure the smart plug is rated for the load of the fan.

 

If you need more advanced control (such as scheduling), most smart home platforms allow for additional customization.

 

 

This method provides a simple, cost-effective, and easy-to-manage solution for controlling a 240V fan based on

temperature using smart devices. Let me know if you need further clarification!

 

 

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Bradford h2400 ventilation

Hi @Kissnaxn,

 

I've contacted Bradford, and they have advised that only the HR2400 comes with a temperature and humidity sensor, not the H2400 model. Unfortunately, they do not provide a standalone external sensor that could be used on your unit. 

 

As @CSParnell has mentioned, you might need to enlist the services of an electrician to create your own external sensor.

 

Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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Re: Bradford h2400 ventilation

Thank you Mitchell

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