Hi guys! I’m looking to monitor/control the power consumption of some old window-hanging aircon units, that don’t really mind when the power is literally cut from the wall. I’d like to be able to see how much power they consume, and also being able to turn them on and off at the socket (the IR doesn’t work all that well to begin with). I was checking about the Tapo P110M, but seems these are not sharing the power consumption offline, you need to register them in the app and they only do it through a Tapo account.
What alternatives do I have?
Important, I guess: As I live off an ex-UK colony here, we do have UK-like three pronged sockets, that’s the form factor (Type G, I think?) I’d be needing.
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If you can get IKEA where you are the INSPELNING line has Zigbee smart plugs with energy monitoring for only like $12. I believe they have a UK variant as well.
This like most plugs in this format is not for inductive loads so it can only handle 300W with such:
It might be OK if the AC units are small enough.
Wow…I was not aware of this. It’s not THAT small, I think 2000W rated. I’m afraid this won’t do. Anyway INSPELNING seems not to be available in this location yet.
To clarify for others, that’s just for motor and AC loads. Rated capacity for resistive loads is 1800 W (15 A). Aside from a portable induction stovetop and possibly portable AC units, this is likely fine for most things people will connect to it. Its probably not a good fit for OP though.
How the average quality from those IKEA plugs?
In my experience Ikea quality in electronics range from ok to a big ball of crap without any apparent way to distinguish in which side they are.
If you’re switching low power inconsequential things like LED lights, they’re OK.
I’m not sure if they’re available with UK plugs, but I’ve got a pack of Thirdreality Zigbee plugs that monitor energy use and have a button on them to toggle power.
I’ve got them connected to Home Assistant. Two do a bit of climate control in a coldroom, the others are for occupancy lighting.
This! If you can get them for UK voltages and plow style. They are inexpensive and handle 15A, and give the power consumption data as well.
If you’re gonna be switching AC units, you likely want a plug that can switch inductive loads. Most can’t. Well they can but their relays crap out quickly. Here’s an example of a unit rated for inductive loads. It’s for NA and uses Z-wave so it’s not what you’re looking for. They explicitly call out it can be used for AC motors. Some units explicitly say they can’t be used for inductive loads but many don’t and you learn the hard way.
I think something like this would do? You can search the list of supported devices there. Search by exposes power.
I can whole-heartedly recommend the Aqara Power Plugs. They are Zigbee, has energy monitoring, works flawlessly with Home Assistant via ZHA and come in US/EU/UK formats. I have about 10 of these and I have not been disappointed in the 5 years I have had them.
Thanks! I’m going to look them up. Did you use them for any heavy loads?
I have some on freezers, and one on an air fryer that does 2400W. That’s the biggest loads I have.
I don’t think I need them over 2000W. Thanks!
I have some SmartThings plugs that work similarly, I think they have a UK version.
Thanks! I’ll check it.
You can buy Tuya Zigbee plugs, they’re cheap and work with Home Assistant
Thanks! The more i check them, the more likely I’ll end up just getting these.
You already married to ZigBee? If not, maybe don’t. It causes 2.4Ghz interference. You’ll need to think about WiFi channels and avoid ones that overlap with ZigBee. Either that, or use 5Ghz WiFi and repeaters to make up for the lower penertration (if an issue).
I have a Zigbee transmitter yeah…Only a few ikea bulbs so far, but they work well and was looking to expand.
You have any 2.4 GHz WiFi problems? In theory there is a problem, and I know a dude with a lot of ZigBee and a lot of 2.4GHz problems, but without going over with work equipment and spending some time doing work for free, I can’t be sure it’s ZigBee. It’s just my best guess.
I have no Zigbee and no Wifi problems. Everything connects just fine. And I’d be happy to continue using Zigbee. I mentioned zigbee on the post, and I didn’t mention any wifi issues. The reason I’d prefer Zigbee over Wifi for these sort of devices is it saves me having to make rules on the firewall to block them from phoning home. If it’s zigbee, it’s guaranteed to be local. Just to be sure, I PREFER Zigbee, and I don’t have any problems with it so far. Nor with my wifi. Everything’s working OK here.
I hope it continues to be a non issue for you. Without you having to take any measures. Just saying it can be an issue. Search “zigbee 2.4ghz wifi interference” if you don’t believe me.
