Trying to measure if device is on or off for automations, unsure if the draw will melt a device plug.
#Is putting a window AC on a smart plug dangerous?
steep minnow
tidal junco
Trying to measure if device is on or off for automations, unsure if the draw wil...
AC is a inductive load. so you probably don't want anything with a relay in it. for high power stuff you are usually better off with CT clamp style meters.
if you just want to know if its running you could maybe use something like a vibration sensor which the motor will probably activate?
upbeat gyro
Short answer: Yes, youre going to overload the plug.
Long answer: There are workarounds for this if youre running an AC that has an IR remote. I use a Switchbot hub mini that can IR blast it when I'm not home. https://us.switch-bot.com/products/switchbot-hub-mini Stay cool and stay safe. Most Smart plugs will specify what power loads they can handle. And almost every large appliance will inform you in the manual that it should never be put through additional power transfer units. I wouldn't even put an AC on a power strip honestly.
novel bramble
In my opinion it's fine. The power draw of an AC unit isn't crazy high. It is probably inductive. So yes, switching the relay while it's on will not be great. But probably less terrible as switching most switching power supplies.