So, I run a restaurant. I would like to make sure that the gas is turned off for all the equipment on my cook line every night.
I am using the same kind of quarter turn ball valves that would be used for a household water line. Has anyone used the Aqara valve controller for this purpose? It would be great to be SURE that the gas lines are turned off every night.
I know that this would be a LOT more usage of the device than the emergency usage envisioned by residential use of the controller to turn off water when a leak is detected. However, this would solve a problem if properly implemented.
Thoughts?
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@aaronweissman Using the Aqara Valve Controller T1 for gas lines in a restaurant is an intriguing idea, especially considering your need for reliable nightly shut-off of gas equipment. However, it’s important to note that the Aqara Valve Controller T1 is specifically designed for water valves, as indicated by its compatible pipe sizes (DN15, DN20, DN25) and handle types (lever handle and butterfly handle) for water pipes. The device operates with a Zigbee wireless protocol and has a battery life of up to two years under typical usage conditions, which involve turning the valve on and off once a day.
Given your scenario, where the controller would be used more frequently than in typical residential settings, it’s crucial to consider the potential wear and the device’s ability to handle such usage over time. Moreover, safety is paramount when dealing with gas lines, so I highly recommend consulting with a professional to ensure that any automation involving gas lines is safe, compliant with local regulations, and appropriate for your specific use case.
If anyone in the community has successfully implemented a similar setup with the Aqara Valve Controller or has insights into its feasibility for gas line automation, their experiences would be invaluable here. Feel free to share your thoughts or any additional requirements you might have!
Hello, the idea is good, but it’s gas! And therefore it’s better. think about another control option. Your staff turns off the gas after the end of the shift. I suggest a cheap way of control, it’s trivial to take a door opening sensor (reed switch) and attach a magnet to the handle that turns off the gas. You can also make additional reminder automations. And as an additional alternative, add another valve for emergency closing. This will, I hope, be very rare if you prescribe in the terms of the staff contract to check the condition of the gas valve after the end of work. Unfortunately, some critical things must be done by a person and be responsible for it.
Would it work? Yes. Should you do it - that’s questionable. I would never automate my stove, as an example.
So even if you do this, I would still have some human intervention - even if that is someone pressing the control button on the device. Before you commit to this make sure you test it. If the valve is tough to rotate it could get stuck.
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