Bathroom Status Indicator Lights and Automatic Switch

Step 4 Enjoy

This is my first instructable; so, any advise is more than welcomed.  I have enjoyed this site and yall's projects for - so long - that I had to contribute.

Most of the hardware in this project is industrial grade leftovers, and I realize they are a little overkill for this application.  Please don't let that discourage you from a similar project; other cheaper but more-than-reliable-for-this-application hardware is available.  It could easily be duplicated with security magnetic break switches and some simple relays.

I look forward to updating this project as the questions come in.

Community suggested updates to be made:
2009.DEC.09
option -- move more hardware into the attic to make installation less visible - jemivallo
info -- top down diagram of physical layout - jemivallo
info -- more detailed part descriptions - eli2k
info -- wiring diagram - eli2k
info -- more details on my relation to the building - lemonie
info -- advantages and disadvantages of used input - lowercase
option -- other forms of input and their advantages and disadvantages
  detecting door lock using microswitches - frollard
  motion sensors - pH_
  contact sensor working off a low voltage detection circuit - cornboy3
  read sensor and magnet to detect door position - Jeffrey G C
info -- the fan's purpose - iambarney155
option -- labels for light box - zoltzerino
option -- adding inputs and hardware to check for hand washing - monkeytoes
  use the water to makeup a low voltage detection circuit for water flow - seifpic
  use a momentary switch - pie ninja
  build a input into the soap dispenser - clickcolleen
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTF9-j_y7zU - clickcolleen
option -- replace light box with hotel vacancy sign - static
option -- one light vs. two light system - xavtek
option -- allow the door status to be checked remotely via webserver - drsquirrel
  http://www.instructables.com/id/Garage-Monitor-3001/ - joe

Comments

[enolasco]

You should try using an airline indicator sign next time. I think it might be a little funnier haha. Just a suggestion.

[beehard44]

add a no smoking sign and a seatbelt sign as well, and make the seatbelt sign turn on and off at random intervals

[Nateokane]

 Some would call it lazy, I call it innovative.

[Mr.Nelson]

My thoughts exactly.  It seems most innovation is driven by a desire to do less work and make our lives easier.

[vakama380]

Although it is always good to have more people. Because, after innovating, the innovator may become to used to less work (and therefore become lazy and no longer innovate).

[drsquirrel]

Fit an AVR webserver to it, so people can see if it's available from their computer/desk/phone etc :D

[xavtek]

I don't like the fact that a green light is always on to tell that the bathroom is available, it's kind of lost of energy where you could only have shown the status busy by lightning the red light.
Also, what if someone leaves the bathroom and closes the door ? status will be inacurate. I think people are most likely to switch the light on and off (that you can detect with a light sensor) than leaving the door closed when gone when. 
Otherwise, i find the system very nice and usefull :)

[Mr.Nelson]

I contemplated a one light system, but I didn't like the trade off.  One light would give you enough information to determine the condition of the bathroom's door - excluding the event of a dead light, tripped breaker, or other system failure.  In any of these events, a two light system would quickly convey that a problem had occurred.  (Not that this system is anywhere near as vital, but visualize a traffic signal that only has a red light.)  The downside to the two light system is the larger upfront cost of more hardware, and the long term cost of increased power consumption.  I considered the overall cost justifiable; LEDs are very efficient.  Also - in my mind - a green light signifying go, and red light signifying stop -- more clearly convey the appropriate actoin.  The absence of a light would require recalling the default status indication of the light, and seems slightly less direct.

Interesting suggestion.  Would the light switch be a better indication of occupancy?  I think this would depend on the habits of the users in question, but I don't believe so - in the case of this location.  It would be easier and cheaper to use the switch position in place of the proximity switches - though.  Thanks for the idea of a diff rent input option.

[thefutureisnow]

 I agree with xavtek, It's a waste of power to have the green light always on. I would set it up so that a red light comes on when the bathroom is occupied. And a lot of people close the bathroom door when they leave. Maybe you should have a motion detector wired in series with the door sensor.

Great idea but you need to dress it up more. You can get a low profile door sensor on ebay, and instead of using flex conduit, just run a 4 conductor speaker cable, they're low profile.

[Mr.Nelson]

I am unsure how much power motion sensors use in relation to LEDs, but the number of light indicators could defiantly be called a design choice. 

The people of this house were easily convinced to habitually leave the doors open upon exciting.  The rooms are not in close enough in proximity to be easily effected by temporary unpleasant odors, and the central-air-vent-less hall depends on the thermal flow from the bathrooms to appropriately dictate the hall thermostat.

The appearance is as a design choice.  I went heavy on the industrial look. This could be done with a cleaner, less visible appearance.
Thanks for the feedback.

[iambarney155]

 it is a very good idea but i dont get the fan why do i need a fan?

[Mr.Nelson]

You're right - I didn't explain the need for the fan.  This house was built in 1926, and it has gone through many partial renovations.  When this bathroom was renovated, they sealed and covered the window to install a larger shower.  This caused a ventilation problem, and - despite an in wall vent fan - moisture reeks havoc on the walls and trim.  To keep the damage and mold growth down (college students don't get around to cleaning a bathroom too often) I put this fan in to pull out the hot moist air that rises from the shower.  The sensor allows it to run when it would be effective; when the door is open.