this post was submitted on 01 Sep 2023
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Wifi gives you a lot more local options. IF i'm not mistaken GridConnect uses Tuya. So if you don't use their GridConnect app and use the Tuya Smartlife app you can get it to work with with either the Tuya or LocalTuya integrations.
LocalTuya is a custom integration: https://github.com/rospogrigio/localtuya. Easiest way to add it is using HACS which is for community add-ons and integrations. Add it to Home Assistant if you haven't: https://hacs.xyz/
Here is a process on getting the local key and adding to localtuya: https://shafi.com.au/electronics/home-automation/how-to-connect-deta-grid-connect-tuya-devices-to-home-assistant/
I've used this process before to add a different Tuya based light switch to mine.
EDIT: the LocalTuya integration doesn't mention compatibility with smart plugs, however I did find a thread with someone getting it to work: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/energy-consumption-and-arlec-grid-connect-tuya-smart-plug/335508/50
Thanks, I'll get one and give it a go!
My Edit just in case: the LocalTuya integration doesn’t mention compatibility with smart plugs, however I did find a thread with someone getting it to work: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/energy-consumption-and-arlec-grid-connect-tuya-smart-plug/335508/50
Might just pay to double check if you absolutely want to communicate locally. I tested both using the Smartlife app and localtuya with my light switch and there was a noticeable delay with using the cloud based integration.
Thanks! I was heading to Hammerbarn anyway so have grabbed one, will give it a try and see if I can make it work. And will see how it handles power being turned off.
If you can't get NZ certified zigbee switches, what do you use for extending the zigbee range?
Edit: I see the Phillips Hue ones use zigbee. Might try one but am really keen for the power usage monitoring.
I honestly don't know. The only zigbee I use is Hue and all their lights/accessories work as zigbee repeaters. If I understand correctly the zigbee standard specifies for this.
I had grand plans for adding both zigbee and zwave devices, which is why I started using Home Assistant. I bought a Conbee II dongle to use for zigbee, but I haven't actually added anything to my system for quite awhile so I'm still using the Hue bridge.
I don't know if I would bother with the Hue plugs if you want power monitoring. The ones I have only get used for on/off functions. I was hoping there might be extra sensors exposed when added to HA, but it's not the case. For example the hue motion sensors can give you light level, motion and temperature in HA.
Thanks for the info. Sounds like the lights may be the best way for me to get zigbee through the house, it's good to know they act as repeaters. I just looked up the lights and they seem to mostly be around $100 each 😮. Some $50 ones, I'll have to see if they are suitable. Our house has a lot of lights, gotta weigh up some priorities 😆
We don’t have that many, mainly built up over time. A few of the white bulbs, sensors and plugs, ceiling light and the portable one for my eldest’s room. Our place isn’t that big though.
Bunnings/M10 both sell them so you can try for some price beats. Second hand bits can pop up in Trademe every once in awhile too.
Our place has down lights, 4 in each bedroom. And like a bazillion in the lounge/kitchen.
To actually use them as smart lights, I'd need a few. And half the lights are built in so only some rooms actually have sockets to put bulbs in. It's a 50s house that's been renovated and extended multiple times over the decades, so it's not very consistent in terms of lighting (or anything).
I'll probably try to come up with a better plan of what I actually want to do, rather than just adding things because they sound cool.
Ah i understand. We don't have as many, but our indoor downlights are all the normal sealed led type.
If you aren't adverse to using Wifi, Shelly relays are a good option. They get wired behind the light switch so it doesn't matter what you have on the other end. They have ones that have power monitoring too: Link
This is the wifi switch I'm using with localtuya to control my kitchen downlights.
Thanks! They sound pretty amazing. I've saved your comment for when I decide to go all out. For now I'll try to keep it to the level of not needing an electrician.