Shelly Pro EM-50 Setup for Dryer Monitoring

Owned by Michael Salerno
Oct 09, 2024
3 min read

Device Specifications

The Shelly Pro EM-50 is an exceptional choice for monitoring a 240V AC electric clothes dryer, owing to its impressive specifications:

  • Voltage Measurement Range: 100 - 260V

  • Current Measurement Range (via CT): 0 - 50A

  • Accuracy: ±1% (for 5 - 50A), ±2% (for 0 - 5A)

  • Power and Energy Metering Capabilities

  • Data Storage: Capable of storing a minimum of 60 days of data with a 1-minute resolution

These features render the Shelly Pro EM-50 a reliable and efficient instrument for monitoring your electric dryer.

Installation

  • Install the Shelly Pro EM-50 on a DIN rail adjacent to your electrical panel.

  • Power connection:

    • Connect the L terminal to a 120V line.

    • Connect the N terminal to neutral.

  • Installing current transformers (CTs):

    • Secure the first CT around one of the dryer's 120V hot wires (Phase A).

    • Secure the second CT around the other 120V hot wire (Phase B).

    • Connect the CTs to the IA and IB inputs on the Shelly Pro EM-50.

  • Network setup:

    • Connect the device to your local network using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Configuring Shelly Pro EM-50

  • Access the device's web interface or utilize the Smart Control application.

  • Configure power metering:

    • Activate power and energy monitoring for both channels.

  • Configure data logging:

    • Enable data logging at one-minute intervals to facilitate comprehensive cycle analysis.

 

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Creating a Dryer Cycle Completion Scene

To create a scene that alerts you when the dryer cycle is complete using the Shelly Smart Control app, please follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Shelly Smart Control app and navigate to "All Scenes."

  2. Tap the + icon to initiate the creation of a new scene.

  3. Assign a name to the scene (e.g., "Dryer Cycle Complete") and select an appropriate image.

  4. Designate "Global" as the room for central automation.

  5. Configure the "When" condition:

    • Choose the "Device based" condition.

    • Select the Shelly Pro EM-50 device and the power consumption property.

    • Set the condition to trigger when the power consumption falls below a specified threshold (e.g., 50W) for a defined duration (e.g., 5 minutes).

  6. Establish the "Do" action:

    • Select "Notify action."

    • Customize the notification message (e.g., "Dryer cycle complete!").

  7. Set the active time to "Always."

  8. Save the scene.

This process will ensure that you receive timely notifications upon the completion of the dryer cycle, enhancing your home automation experience.

Fine-tuning and Optimization

  1. Monitor your dryer's energy consumption patterns over several cycles to determine the appropriate power threshold for cycle completion detection.

  2. Adjust the notification delay to avoid false positives from brief power fluctuations.

  3. Use Shelly Pro EM-50's data logging feature to analyze your dryer's energy consumption and identify potential energy-saving opportunities.

Implementing this solution with the Shelly Pro EM-50 offers several benefits for monitoring your electric clothes dryer:

  1. Energy Awareness: Gain detailed insights into your dryer's energy consumption patterns, helping you make informed decisions about usage and efficiency.

  2. Convenience: Receive timely notifications when your laundry is dry, eliminating the need to check manually and potentially saving time and energy.

  3. Flexibility: The Shelly Pro EM-50's robust features allow for future expansion of your home energy monitoring system beyond just the dryer.

  4. Cost Savings: By understanding your dryer's energy usage, you can optimize its operation and potentially reduce your electricity bills.

  5. Smart Home Integration: The Shelly ecosystem integrates well with other smart home platforms, allowing for more advanced automations and energy management strategies.

By following this guide, you've not only set up an effective monitoring system for your dryer but also taken a significant step towards a more energy-efficient and automated home. As you become more familiar with the system, you can explore additional features and optimizations to further enhance your energy management capabilities.