Can someone explain to me why this simple automation does not work?

Configuration
1

This automation tests the power of the smart outlet the washer is plugged into. For some reason the automation will never get to the notification line, if I include the “Test if Washer Outlet Power is below 2”. I’ve watched the power drop to 0, and still it does not proceed to the notification line.

If I omit the A/B test it works fine. But I thought I should add a check if the wattage had dropped below 2.

Any idea why the automation does not continue from the A/B test when the outlet power is 0?

-Thanks

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alias: Washer Finished Entity
description: ""
triggers:
  - trigger: numeric_state
    entity_id:
      - sensor.washer_outlet_power
    for:
      hours: 0
      minutes: 2
      seconds: 0
    above: 3
conditions: []
actions:
  - condition: numeric_state
    entity_id: sensor.washer_outlet_power
    below: 2
    enabled: true
  - action: notify.mobile_app_pixel_8
    metadata: {}
    data:
      message: Washer completed at {{ now().strftime('%I:%M %p') }}
mode: single
2

I don’t have an answer for you, but you might be interested in this blueprint @ 📳 Appliance Notifications & Actions - Washing Machine - Clothes Dryer - Dish Washer - ETC

1 Like
3

A condition is not a Wait… it is checked immediately and either passes or fails.

In your automation the power would have to go from above 3 to below 2 within a couple microseconds after the trigger fires for the notify action to execute.

As @Saoshen mentioned, there are blueprints for this type of thing. The one they linked by Blacky is good, as is this, slightly simpler, one by Sbyx.

1 Like
4

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

5

Thanks I will have to research using blueprints.

6

Why not simply change the trigger from above: 3 to below:3?

Then it’ll only trigger if it goes above 3 & drops below 3 for 2 minutes.

Also, if you do what I suggested, get rid of the condition. Any value between 2 - 2.99 will prevent your automation from performing the action.

7

Thank you for your recommendations.