Dry Contact Monitoring
Dry contacts are used in many industries and applications. ControlByWeb® IoT controllers offer the flexibility and features to cover any dry contact solution.
Enhancing Industrial Efficiency Through Dry Contact Monitoring
Dry Contact Monitoring in IoT: Enhancing Industrial Efficiency
Monitoring contacts is a cornerstone of Industry 4.0. Many industries utilize contact monitoring for all sorts of applications, from alarm panels to access control. But what are dry contacts, and how do edge data controllers play a role in monitoring them?
Understanding Dry Contact Monitoring
Dry contacts, also known as potential- or voltage-free contacts, are switches that do not carry any voltage or current of their own. Instead, they rely on an external power source to function. This could be as simple as a push button or magnetic contact sensor. In general, contacts are used to signal the open or closed status of a circuit.
In an IoT context, dry contact monitoring involves connecting these contacts to an edge device. From here, the data can be sent to a central system or logical control can be implemented at the site of data capture.
Common Use Cases for Dry Contacts
Building automation. Dry contacts are widely used in building automation systems to monitor and control lighting, HVAC systems, and security systems. For instance, they can detect whether a door is open or closed, triggering alarms or notifications if an unauthorized entry is detected.
Manufacturing. In manufacturing environments, dry contacts are used to monitor the status of machinery and equipment. They can signal when a machine is running, stopped, or in need of maintenance, helping to minimize downtime and improve overall efficiency.
Liquid level. Ultrasonic sensors can capture analog data to measure liquid level. Float switch sensors, which rise and fall with liquid level to toggle a contact, are a simple and cost-effective solution for level monitoring and control.
Energy management. In energy management systems, dry contacts can monitor the status of electrical circuits and equipment. They can help detect faults or inefficiencies in the system, enabling timely interventions to prevent energy waste and reduce costs.
Why “Dry?”
The term “dry” is used because these contacts are isolated from the power source. When a power source is connected, the contact becomes “wetted” with electricity, akin to the flow of water.
Bringing Edge Data Capture & Control to Dry Contacts
ControlByWeb® offers a range of controllers and relays designed to facilitate dry contact monitoring in IIoT applications. They’re an ideal solution for contact sensor data capture, communicating with central systems, and performing logical control—such as turning a motor on/off or sending email alerts.
Our IoT controllers are versatile devices that provide remote relay monitoring through Ethernet, WiFi, or cellular connectivity. They feature an embedded UI, allowing users to control and monitor the device from a standard web browser. Devices like the WebRelay™ have a single relay and digital input, making it an ideal fit for dry contact monitoring applications. The X-410™ offers enhanced functionality with four digital inputs and outputs, plus a 1-Wire bus for temperature sensor monitoring.
There are a lot of benefits to choosing ControlByWeb edge controllers for your dry contact monitoring application, including:
- Ease of integration: ControlByWeb modules are designed for easy integration with existing systems. Their built-in web servers and support for standard protocols like Modbus and MQTT ensure seamless connectivity with other devices and systems.
- Remote monitoring and control: With our edge data controllers, users can monitor and control their dry contacts from anywhere with an internet connection, enhancing flexibility and system management.
- Scalable: ControlByWeb devices are highly scalable, with peer-to-peer capability and, in the case of the X-400™ and X-600M™, modular expansion for added I/O.
- Reliable: All our products are designed using quality parts and a robust, streamlined user interface to ensure they’re a capable component of your system for years to come.
- Flexible: Features like our optional ControlByWeb Cloud service and an open REST API allow integrators to tailor our controllers to meet the specific requirements of their monitoring systems.
- Cost-effective: By providing reliable and scalable solutions, ControlByWeb products help reduce the overall cost of monitoring and control systems. Their ease of integration and remote capabilities also contribute to lower operational costs.
Dry contact monitoring is a vital component of IIoT, enabling real-time monitoring and control of various industrial processes. ControlByWeb devices like the WebRelay and X-410 offer robust, easy to use solutions for implementing dry contact monitoring. By leveraging these technologies, industries can enhance their operational efficiency and ensure seamless monitoring of critical systems.
Common Dry Contact Monitoring Applications
Alarm Status in Mobile Surveillance
Remotely monitor the status of IP cameras and initiate reboots through a local IoT controller.
Alarm Panel Monitoring & Notifications
Monitor panels for any triggered alarms and send notifications to personnel and systems.
Light Monitoring
Detect the on/off status of lights and automate lighting schedules.
Remote Asset Monitoring
Continuously monitor a variety of remote assets including machines, control boxes, pump stations, and more.
Door & Gate Monitoring & Access Control
Track the open/closed status of doors and gates and provide real-time access control.
Machine Monitoring
Record operational status of machines, detecting abnormal behavior and sharing data for maintenance alerts.
Tailor-Made Solutions
At ControlByWeb, we’re happy to work with you to choose the right I/O for your application. If you’re looking to monitor dry contacts, bring logical control to the edge, or develop a personalized solution like white labelling, please contact us.
ControlByWeb® IoT Controller Features
Real-Time Status Alerts
Configure the modules to send timely email and text alerts when the state of a dry contact changes. Tolerances can be programmed to avoid false alarms or too many notifications.
Remote Monitoring
Continuously monitor on/off states of dry contacts and share it through Ethernet, WiFI, or LTE-M cellular networking. See available cell plans.
Open Communication
Use common languages like HTTP, MQTT, and Modbus to integrate with virtually any third-party system. Learn more about our open API.
I/O Control Based on Contact Data
Build conditional and scheduled logic without code to send notifications, trigger alarms, power motors, and more through our Task Builder.
Log Historical Data
Record dry contact state and other system metrics over time. Graphs can be viewed through the device interface or sent via email.
Scalable I/O
ControlByWeb modules can link through P2P, making them suitable for monitoring a few contacts or hundreds.
Test the Platform
We’re confident that you’ll find our embedded UI simple to navigate and program. Click the button below to access a live controller running here at our office in northern Utah. You can set up I/O, create logic, see the state of relays and inputs, and more.
We offer free demo units to qualified integrators and OEMs, ensuring our controllers are the perfect fit for your application. To be considered, submit a sample unit form for review. We’ll collaborate to determine the best device for your needs.
IoT Temperature Monitoring Case Studies
Data Acquisition and SCADA Integration
