Smart plugs and smart switches (UK) | Home Assistant | Page 1

timber wave Dec 12, 2024, 10:16 PM

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I've got a home server and I'd like to start taking a look into home automation.

I'm looking for recommendations for smart plugs both with energy monitoring and without.
What's my best option for smart switches? I've never removed a physical switch from a wall, is it difficult? Can I do it if I have literally zero home improvement knowledge?

I'm pretty good with software, but my hardware and handyman skills are seriously lacking.

I'm not really familiar with smart devices, I don't know what the standard is but I'd like something that doesn't connect to anything outside of my home network. I was going to buy Tapo, but it looks like they require a Tapo account or a hub of some sort which doesn't seem great.

zealous anchor Dec 12, 2024, 11:45 PM

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Eva are a good privacy conscious German manufacturer whose devices support matter. Lots better than many ropey chinese brands / ee-brands. Quite expensive though.

nimble tendon Dec 13, 2024, 6:24 AM

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Shelly has some nice products, they have smart plugs and also modules to place behind your current switches but it does require a little bit of knownledge what each electrical cable does to install them, there is good documentation and a very active facebook group/community.

azure marten Dec 13, 2024, 8:53 AM

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Innr (Zigbee) smart plugs are rock solid, though I'd recommend not using Zigbee for power monitoring. For that something like Tasmota/ESPHome is better, eg https://www.mylocalbytes.com/products/smart-plug-pm

timber wave Dec 13, 2024, 9:26 AM

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@nimble tendonCould you link me to these modules that go behind my switches? I looked at their switches but they all require batteries!

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@azure marten Any reason why Zigbee isn't good for power monitoring? Noted though, thank you for the advice

nimble tendon Dec 13, 2024, 9:28 AM

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https://www.shelly.com/products/shelly-qubino-wave-1pm-mini?_pos=2&_fid=ccd8b80ae&_ss=c I use this module but with the Wifi connection and not the zwave

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This one is without energy monitoring https://www.shelly.com/products/shelly-qubino-wave-1-mini?_pos=1&_fid=ccd8b80ae&_ss=c

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and are smaller so more easily inserted behind your switches

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https://www.shelly.com/products/shelly-1pm-mini-gen3 this is the one on wifi, depends on what you wanna use as connection protocol

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Those gen 3 devices can also be used for bluetooth gateways to your home assistant which is very handy

timber wave Dec 13, 2024, 9:33 AM

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Ah I don't have a zwave dongle, I'm using the official HA Zigbee one

azure marten Dec 13, 2024, 9:37 AM

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timber wave <@332579266623438848> Any reason why Zigbee isn't good for power monitoring? Not...

Because it can flood the mesh, which is low bandwidth

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Same problem for Z-Wave (and Thread)

timber wave Dec 13, 2024, 9:38 AM

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Ah okay, tbh power monitoring was just a nice to have. I'd rather start simple first!

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How are these from Sonoff? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sonoff-ZBMINIL2-SONOFF/dp/B0B74H2P6G

No Neutral Wire Required, SONOFF ZBMINIL2 Zigbee Smart Light Switch...

SONOFF ZBMINIL2 is 40% smaller than ZBMINIL, which will make it take up less space in the mounting box, suitable for most size boxes, and leave more space for DIY modification. Although ZBMINIL2 is smaller, it has many functions, no neutral wire required, two-way control, smart timer/ scene, supp...

azure marten Dec 13, 2024, 9:42 AM

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Eh, Sonoff's Zigbee stuff isn't always good. I'd suggest Aqara's T1 over that.

timber wave Dec 13, 2024, 9:46 AM

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Cool, thank you for the advice!

coral ether Dec 16, 2024, 3:39 PM

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Hey Leo, I'm new to Home Assistant as well and just got a bunch of IKEA TRETAKT smart plugs after seeing them mentioned elsewhere. Only £6 at the moment and work really nicely (I have HA Green and SkyConnect dongle for Zigbee).

timber wave Dec 18, 2024, 8:38 PM

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coral ether Hey Leo, I'm new to Home Assistant as well and just got a bunch of IKEA TRETAKT ...

Looked at these but they're only available for large orders 😦

#Smart plugs and smart switches (UK)