SonOff Low Cost Wifi Switches for Home Automation

air · 24-10-2017 3:08pm

A friend of mine installed a 4 way unit on his heating zone controls - it drives contactors that are also controlled in parallel by a traditional timer. He's delighted with how it worked out.

tweek84 · 24-10-2017 3:14pm

air wrote: »

A friend of mine installed a 4 way unit on his heating zone controls - it drives contactors that are also controlled in parallel by a traditional timer. He's delighted with how it worked out.

I will be using the same method with the contactors, i will not be using a timer as herself loves to mess around with them and the heating will be on 24/7 when it is not needed

:D

Ha Long Bay · 04-11-2017 4:12pm

I have a spare T1 Uk switch if it is any use to someone. Did not do my homework about the requirement for a neutral connection from the fuse board.

Stoner · 04-11-2017 8:50pm

john4321 wrote:

I have a spare T1 Uk switch if it is any use to someone. Did not do my homework about the requirement for a neutral connection from the fuse board.

I've a spot for one I might take it off your hands

Ha Long Bay · 04-11-2017 9:41pm

Stoner wrote: »

I've a spot for one I might take it off your hands

You're more than welcome to it. Im not going to go to the trouble of getting an electrician in to run a cable for the neutral.

tweek84 · 24-11-2017 10:23am

tweek84 wrote: »

I will be using the same method with the contactors, i will not be using a timer as herself loves to mess around with them and the heating will be on 24/7 when it is not needed :D

I upgraded my heating this week and started programming my sonoff to control it unfortunately the sonoff 4 ch only has 8 slots (on and off again takes 2 slots) for scheduling that will only get my heating sorted for the morning

:( the sonoff basic has the same number of slots for scheduling.

I haven't looked at flashing sonoff equipment but when it is flashed can more schedules be set.

Don't get me wrong it is a good product for the price, i just have to get more controllers now.

Stoner · 24-11-2017 11:38am

tweek84 wrote:

I upgraded my heating this week and started programming my sonoff to control it unfortunately the sonoff 4 ch only has 8 slots (on and off again takes 2 slots) for scheduling that will only get my heating sorted for the morning the sonoff basic has the same number of slots for scheduling.

IFTTT support might help this with a Google calendar / SONOFF applet

Still not there though

http://support.iteadstudio.com/support/discussions/topics/11000011792/page/2?url_locale=

afatbollix · 25-11-2017 6:48pm

Just installed a switch onto a towel rail in the bathroom which should help as it was on 24 hours a day.

I allready want to take the next step tho, Whats the best temp sensor pref wireless as its going into the bathroom.

Eire Go Brach · 25-11-2017 9:01pm

So is this an actual physical switch? I have a switch in my hot press that turns the pump on and off. Would like to use it for that.

air · 25-11-2017 10:03pm

Eire Go Brach wrote: »

So is this an actual physical switch? I have a switch in my hot press that turns the pump on and off. Would like to use it for that.

They all have a physical button and it toggles the output when pressed on the later models.
You should consult an electrician to determine if one of these is suitable for your pump.

Stoner · 25-11-2017 10:33pm

Eire Go Brach wrote:

So is this an actual physical switch? I have a switch in my hot press that turns the pump on and off. Would like to use it for that.

Agree as. above.

I'm sure that your electrician could advise you'd need an isolation switch before the SONOFF as the toggle button is only an electronic switch.

viperlogic · 25-11-2017 11:35pm

What's the current lead time from itead for T1 2 gang wall light switch? Is there another recommended distributor?

Looking to get a 2 gang light switch to replace an existing 2 gang switch where one gang is for 2x 5A lamp sockets and the other gang is for 6x ceiling LED's. That shouldn't be an issue should it? I have a neutral wire.

afatbollix · 25-11-2017 11:59pm

Amazon sell them for a couple of quid more. I went with that and had it next day.

viperlogic · 26-11-2017 12:08am

afatbollix wrote: »

Amazon sell them for a couple of quid more. I went with that and had it next day.

Sorry, should of specified the T1 wall light switch as only see that on Amazon for China supplier.

CGI_3 · 28-11-2017 6:35pm

Anyone know if the Homeeasy RF's will work with the Sonoff RF's?

I replaced my homeeasy RF sockets with the sonoff's. Problem now is herself is just pressing the button on the sonoff, so the heating is on all the time! At least from the Homeasy, she would limit it using the countdown function on the HE100 RF control.

I've ordered a RF module for a test, they're so cheap, but probably after xmas by the time it arrives.

If I knew the HE codes worked with it, I'd order the remaining modules for the rest of the zones.

(Don't ask why she won't use the APP!)

JaCrispy · 28-11-2017 6:41pm

I'm really thinking about buying the Sonoff 4 Channel switch as a replacement for my boiler timer. I really only have one question, it there a way to mimic the "boost" function of boiler timers.....so you set a particular channel to come on for x minutes......preferably 30 or 60 minutes.
Many thanks.

Stoner · 28-11-2017 6:51pm

JaCrispy wrote:

I'm really thinking about buying the Sonoff 4 Channel switch as a replacement for my boiler timer. I really only have one question, it there a way to mimic the "boost" function of boiler timers.....so you set a particular channel to come on for x minutes......preferably 30 or 60 minutes. Many thanks.

They are working on an IFTTT channel. I think it will be a feature.

CGI_3 · 28-11-2017 6:56pm

As someone else said the 4 channel still only comes with 8 time slots, so you would be better with single devices with 8 time slots each. Remember, each 'ON' is one event, as is each 'OFF', so in theory, just 4 on / off's available. (SONOFF refers to these as 'schedule')

As for boost, this is easy do. Just set the device to 'ON', then in the 'timer' (not schedule) to a set duration and press 'play'. It will then count down and change the state. You can do in the reverse to, set the device OFF, and the countdown to turn it on after an elapsed period, although this isn't something I'd see use for in a heating application.

Just to be aware too that the 'timer' also uses up a slot. You don't have to enter a duration each time. All you need to do is to re-play a previous duration.

So, you could set up say a morning, afternoon, and nighttime on/off schedule (6 slots), and keep 2 for 'boost', have one set say 30 minutes, another set for 60.

It's very easy anyway to delete the timers and start a new one anyway, it' not inflexible at all, so you wouldn't be confined to the examples I gave if you went that way.

A few more slots would be handy alright, but it's probably a hardware as opposed to firmware issue(?)

Strange they appear to have only kept 8 slots on the 4 channel. One would have thought it would have 32...

JaCrispy · 28-11-2017 7:04pm

CGI_3 wrote: »

As someone else said the 4 channel still only comes with 8 time slots, so you would be better with single devices with 8 time slots each. Remember, each 'ON' is one event, as is each 'OFF', so in theory, just 4 on / off's available. (SONOFF refers to these as 'schedule')

As for boost, this is easy do. Just set the device to 'ON', then in the 'timer' (not schedule) to a set duration and press 'play'. It will then count down and change the state. You can do in the reverse to, set the device OFF, and the countdown to turn it on after an elapsed period, although this isn't something I'd see use for in a heating application.

Just to be aware too that the 'timer' also uses up a slot. You don't have to enter a duration each time. All you need to do is to re-play a previous duration.

So, you could set up say a morning, afternoon, and nighttime on/off schedule (6 slots), and keep 2 for 'boost', have one set say 30 minutes, another set for 60.

It's very easy anyway to delete the timers and start a new one anyway, it' not inflexible at all, so you wouldn't be confined to the examples I gave if you went that way.

A few more slots would be handy alright, but it's probably a hardware as opposed to firmware issue(?)

Strange they appear to have only kept 8 slots on the 4 channel. One would have thought it would have 32...

Thanks for CGI, very informative. I never time my heating at all and constantly work off the "boost" 1 hr function. So in this scenario you would recommend the 4 channel sonoff or 4 separate devices?

CGI_3 · 28-11-2017 7:22pm

JaCrispy wrote: »

Thanks for CGI, very informative. I never time my heating at all and constantly work off the "boost" 1 hr function. So in this scenario you would recommend the 4 channel sonoff or 4 separate devices?

I'm guessing it would work fine for your application. You just turn on the zone, and you'll have lets call them 8 x shortcuts to differing length's of boost.

I don't have a four channel to check this on though, and won't be getting one due to this limitation...

Let us know how you fare out.

JaCrispy · 28-11-2017 8:29pm

CGI_3 wrote: »

I'm guessing it would work fine for your application. You just turn on the zone, and you'll have lets call them 8 x shortcuts to differing length's of boost.

I don't have a four channel to check this on though, and won't be getting one due to this limitation...

Let us know how you fare out.

Thanks man. I've just ordered it, the Sonoff TH10 took about 6 weeks to get delivered so it'll be a while before I report back.
Thanks again.

Stoner · 28-11-2017 8:47pm

CGI_3 wrote:

I don't have a four channel to check this on though, and won't be getting one due to this limitation...

I've one on the way

It mounts in a board but TBH it appears to be "logically" 4 independent units.

Or am I wrong

CGI_3 · 28-11-2017 10:17pm

Stoner wrote: »

I've one on the way

It mounts in a board but TBH it appears to be "logically" 4 independent units.

Or am I wrong

Check post 107 by tweek84. That's the lad that said the 4 channel only had 8 slots, and he was having to resort to buying individuals instead. Seems to know what he's talking about.

Stoner · 28-11-2017 11:35pm

CGI_3 wrote:

Check post 107 by tweek84. That's the lad that said the 4 channel only had 8 slots, and he was having to resort to buying individuals instead. Seems to know what he's talking about.

Yes. I agree where I'm coming from is that there's no advantage apart from it being din rail mounted. There's no hard group or block switching etc in the app you just add 4 new units

Limitations on the timers is a noted disadvantage

Stoner · 30-11-2017 2:21am

Update

So eWelink is showing an IFTTT service
I added my details, all good

https://ifttt.com/ewelink

There are 8 channel options
1-4 channel sockets
1-4 channel switches

All on or off

Not getting triggers for the 16 amp sensors

My standard SONOFF units are not showing up. Maybe it's early days

I'm picking up a switch soon (thanks to a boardsie) I'll check if it appears

But that
Amazon Echo
Google Home
Google Nest

And now IFTTT

This is an exceptionally placed device. IFTTT opens up all sorts of integration.

viperlogic · 30-11-2017 9:52am

Just as an FYI for anyone who is impatient like me be wary of the costs!

Ordered a Sonoff T1 2 gang from China which was $18, DHL shipping was $24.41 and customs was €22.80 for a lovely total of €59.57

On the plus side, from ordering it to it being in my hand was 3 days

bk · 30-11-2017 11:33am

viperlogic wrote: »

Just as an FYI for anyone who is impatient like me be wary of the costs!

Ordered a Sonoff T1 2 gang from China which was $18, DHL shipping was $24.41 and customs was €22.80 for a lovely total of €59.57

On the plus side, from ordering it to it being in my hand was 3 days

Note, if you had gotten shipped by slow post, thus probably free shipping, it would have come in under the customs threshold of €22.

Obviously the downside is the wait.

kenmc · 30-11-2017 1:23pm

Stoner wrote: »

Update

So eWelink is showing an IFTTT service
I added my details, all good

https://ifttt.com/ewelink

There are 8 channel options
1-4 channel sockets
1-4 channel switches

All on or off

Not getting triggers for the 16 amp sensors

My standard SONOFF units are not showing up. Maybe it's early days

I'm picking up a switch soon (thanks to a boardsie) I'll check if it appears

But that
Amazon Echo
Google Home
Google Nest

And now IFTTT

This is an exceptionally placed device. IFTTT opens up all sorts of integration.

I take it yours are 'stock' rather than flashed up with tasmota or espeasy or something?

Wonder how hard it'd be to create an ifttt service, so tasmota could avail of it?Although it'd be probably possible to point tasmota at thingspeak mqtt and use ifttt to drive that, albeit somewhat roundabout way

Stoner · 30-11-2017 7:03pm

kenmc wrote:

I take it yours are 'stock' rather than flashed up with tasmota or espeasy or something?

Correct.

This time around I'm not looking at hacking gear.

I end up as technical support!

viperlogic · 02-12-2017 4:38pm

I have Alexa controlling the SonOff light switches, but is it possible to control them via Harmony remote?

lochdara · 08-12-2017 8:17pm

Has anyone every used these light switches to turn on central heating. looking at my burner it runs at 115 w. I have a sonoff basic unit attached now but the touch switch would fit nicely where my timer was.

Stoner · 08-12-2017 8:39pm

lochdara wrote:

Has anyone every used these light switches to turn on central heating. looking at my burner it runs at 115 w. I have a sonoff basic unit attached now but the touch switch would fit nicely where my timer was.

It would work well, I assume you've a 5 amp fused spur before it ?

lochdara · 08-12-2017 8:51pm

No I dont. my timer had a 5amp relay but i do have a switched isolator beside it. I can easily switch for a fused spur.. Plumber is coming tomorrow for servicing. I'll run the idea by him too.

air · 17-12-2017 10:19am

You must have interlocking enabled, disable that and you should be able to control the individual channels without restriction.

JaCrispy · 17-12-2017 10:43am

air wrote: »

You must have interlocking enabled, disable that and you should be able to control the individual channels without restriction.

Thanks Air. I just found that after I posted.

Its working great so far, the only thing is the channel name in the timer section only gives the channel number, it doesn't show you it as the new name that I assigned.

JaCrispy · 17-12-2017 5:38pm

Does anybody know if the r1-r4 buttons are programmable? Would be great to assign a "boost" 1hr function to these.

CGI_3 · 31-12-2017 4:54pm

Anyone got any real world uses or examples for IFTTT that work with the SONOFF?

I have 4 x S20 sockets, (on the central heating), and a basic sonoff on the xmas lights.

Just wondering if there was something like say:

Outside ambient temp is below say x degrees, turn on the downstairs heating in the middle of the night for an hour. AS an EXAMPLE! (I know I should have thermostats!)

air · 31-12-2017 7:09pm

Yes iFTTT will do exactly as you describe and it's easy to set up, however the lack of any conditional logic is fairly limiting in it, you're only able to trigger an output state based on a single event.
What I have found it useful for though is for additional timers on units where I'm already using the maximum number of them on a device.
Incidentally the Sonoff network appears to be offline at present.

CGI_3 · 31-12-2017 7:14pm

Thanks,

Yes, the network seems to be down. Noticed it was down yesterday also for a little bit.

getoffthepot · 01-01-2018 10:04am

Would like to have a smart switch / timer on my immersion tank in the hot press. would of these sonoff units works and which one? Or is there an option to use a smart plug to to do this? i.e. remove the current timer switch and replace with a wall socket and smart plug?

air · 01-01-2018 10:16am

My preferred solution for immersions is a TH16 together with an external 25A normally open contactor. In theory the TH16 is fully rated for the current but a 3kW immersion is close to the limit and the contactor gives me better peace of mind.
The wall plug would be underrated for the job, don't go down that route.
If you buy the temperature sensor as well you can stick it on the tank and read your tank temperature remotely and or maintain a specific setpoint.
One weakness in the firmware at present is that if it's in auto temperature mode then it's always on - no schedules. For now the easiest workaround would be to simply put a second Sonoff basic in series.
If you don't have a secondary source of heat for your immersion then you may not have any interest in the extra functionality of the TH16.

OldMrBrennan83 · 01-01-2018 10:27am

This post has been deleted.

getoffthepot · 01-01-2018 2:54pm

air wrote: »

My preferred solution for immersions is a TH16 together with an external 25A normally open contactor. In theory the TH16 is fully rated for the current but a 3kW immersion is close to the limit and the contactor gives me better peace of mind.
The wall plug would be underrated for the job, don't go down that route.
If you buy the temperature sensor as well you can stick it on the tank and read your tank temperature remotely and or maintain a specific setpoint.
One weakness in the firmware at present is that if it's in auto temperature mode then it's always on - no schedules. For now the easiest workaround would be to simply put a second Sonoff basic in series.
If you don't have a secondary source of heat for your immersion then you may not have any interest in the extra functionality of the TH16.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have added a few items to my shopping cart. Can you confirm that These are the correct ones?
I just want to have it to have a schedule for it. The immersion already has a thermostat in it.
The immersion tank is also heated by the central heating which I have a Netatmo thermostat on. Really the immersion is for summer months when the central heating would not be on.

Cheers.

lochdara · 01-01-2018 3:08pm

getoffthepot wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions. I have added a few items to my shopping cart. Can you confirm that These are the correct ones?
I just want to have it to have a schedule for it. The immersion already has a thermostat in it.
The immersion tank is also heated by the central heating which I have a Netatmo thermostat on.

Cheers.

This looks ok. But what i wanted was to put a TH16 in the bedroom and if it falls below a temp activate the heating, You can create a scene with most devices except this unless i do something wrong.

Also the server down issue, my light switch is offline but my heating works from app and amazon echo.

lochdara · 01-01-2018 3:11pm

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

It takes a good 4-5 weeks for delivery.

air · 01-01-2018 5:29pm

getoffthepot wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions. I have added a few items to my shopping cart. Can you confirm that These are the correct ones?
I just want to have it to have a schedule for it. The immersion already has a thermostat in it.
The immersion tank is also heated by the central heating which I have a Netatmo thermostat on. Really the immersion is for summer months when the central heating would not be on.

Cheers.

The shopping list looks fine but to be honest if you only want a time schedule you only need a single basic sonoff (plus a contactor by my own preference).

air · 01-01-2018 5:34pm

lochdara wrote: »

This looks ok. But what i wanted was to put a TH16 in the bedroom and if it falls below a temp activate the heating, You can create a scene with most devices except this unless i do something wrong.

Also the server down issue, my light switch is offline but my heating works from app and amazon echo.

Have you had a look at the temperature humidity sensor and whether you could use that to trigger the heating?

lochdara · 01-01-2018 5:52pm

I ordered a temp/humidity but i got the temp sensor. my next order will be a temp/humidity for test. I;ll bulk order to reduce shipping time.
I also got lightswitch working.. Loose connection found.

Dont be at yourself · 01-01-2018 5:56pm

Planning to swap my light switches for SonOffs, but a few questions:

- As it stands, these don't have dimmer functionality, right?
- for stairs, where a single bulb is controlled by two switches (one in the hall, one in the landing), can I do a straight swap?
- bathroom fans are also wired into my light switches -- can I also wire these into the SonOffs?

lochdara · 01-01-2018 6:01pm

Dont be at yourself wrote: »

Planning to swap my light switches for SonOffs, but a few questions:

- As it stands, these don't have dimmer functionality, right?
- for stairs, where a single bulb is controlled by two switches (one in the hall, one in the landing), can I do a straight swap?
- bathroom fans are also wired into my light switches -- can I also wire these into the SonOffs?

all are straight swaps. you can get 1,2 or 3 gang. They need a neutral wire so take off one of your switches and see if you have neutral at the rear. in my case just a bunch of blue wires on a block connector.
For the fan Id say its the same. As for dimmer i think you can get a jogger switch for this.. Not 100% sure.

SonOff Low Cost Wifi Switches for Home Automation

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