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SONOFF Basic DIY Wi-Fi Wireless Switch for Smart Home with ABS Shell Mobile APP Timer US $5.38 (~AU $7.57) Delivered @ Banggood

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Price in title inclusive of GST.

This has been cheaper in the past. But if you are looking to do some home automation before Christmas, this is the cheapest I have found.

Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Overview:

Home automation is "The Internet of Things". It simply means the way all devices or appliances are networked together to provide users with a seamless control over their home equipment.
Sonoff Basic is an affordable WiFi smart switch that provides users with smart home control. It is a remote control power switch that can connect to a wide range of appliances. Sonoff Basic WiFi electrical switch transmits data to a cloud platform through the WiFi Router, which enables users to remotely control all the connected appliances, via the mobile application eWeLink. The server is Amazon global server.
Sonoff WiFi controlled switch makes all home appliances smart. As long as the mobile phone has network(2G/3G/4G/WiFi), users can remotely control the appliances by turning them on off from anywhere at any time. Another feature available is to set timers for the appliances, which can include countdown/scheduled/loop timers, and can thus, help users maintain an easy life.
The mobile application eWeLink enables users to control the appliances easily. The iOS version of the application can be downloaded in AppStore while the Android version in Google Play.

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closed Comments

  • What type of electrical socket does it have?

    • +2

      Wired directly to mains I believe. Buyer beware.

    • It doesn't have a socket. It is hard wired into a circuit. So looking to do some home automation before Christmas, would be illegal.

      I don't even think these are certified to be used in Australia. You'd be hard pressed to find a licensed electrician that would install this and sign a compliance certificate.

      • +2

        For a start pretty much every country in the world apart from Australia allows their citizens to do work on their electrical system legally, NZ had the same death rate as us and followed the same rules but now allows citizens to do their own electrical work (with some required to be checked by an electrician) and their death rate halved.

        And it's legal to import your own appliances which this meets the criteria of and is thus legal to fit to the electrical system. It's no different to importing an oven or cooktop.

        • +1

          I remember reading somewhere that at least in one State of Australia you are not legally allowed to even change your lightbulbs, because of old legislation I assume.

          • +3

            @BooYa: The nanny state of Victoria

            • @kellyly: Lol. Some of the old laws are pretty funny.

              I remember reading an article with some examples of these outdated laws from the 1800s, which are stil legally binding.

        • +2

          My apologies for any confusion, I was referring to a homeowner installing this themselves, being illegal.

          I'm not here to argue grey areas.

          Electricians are not allowed to install equipment which do not meet Australian standards. And these do not.

          • +1

            @BensonP: No, it's all good, I know what you meant.

          • @BensonP: Actually you answered my next question - does it meet ANZ Standards?

            I forgot what what it's called.

            • +1

              @BooYa:

              @BensonP: Actually you answered my next question - does it meet ANZ Standards?

              It's a personal imported product, it doesn't have to be certified locally.

          • @BensonP: Either way, I would hope people using these would use common sense and read up about it before working on live wiring, and decide if they're prepared to accept the risk.

            Personally I wouldn't, if I didn't have work experience in this area, which I do (even though I have no legal licence).

            • @BooYa:

              Either way, I would hope people using these would use common sense and read up about it before working on live wiring, and decide if they're prepared to accept the risk.

              What makes Australia so special that electrical work is so dangerous compared to the rest of the world?

              BTW you don't work on live wiring generally, there are these little devices in the switchboard called circuit breakers which enable you to disconnect the power.

              • @Maverick-au:

                What makes Australia so special that electrical work is so dangerous compared to the rest of the world?

                We have compulsory voting :-)

          • -1

            @BensonP: My main concern with equipment certified for the US market is the insulation - it may not be sufficient for Australian voltages which are twice those of the US (but roughly half the current in Amps).

            So I would expect these to have lower insulation rating but thicker wiring to reduce resistance/impedance (and hence heat dissipation).

          • +1

            @BensonP:

            Electricians are not allowed to install equipment which do not meet Australian standards. And these do not.

            Incorrect, electricians can install personal import electrical devices. I will give the example once again of personal import electrical products like ovens, cooktops and other appliances that require the plug to be changed.

            Stop posting FUD and misleading information.

  • +2

    There is no electrical socket, it needs to be spliced into the power cord for your device. For example you could install this into a floor lamp.

    • -1

      Ah, that makes sense.

      I have experience wiring electronic gear, I wonder how these devices are 'spliced' - do you just strip the cable and use a screw to tighten/secure it?

      Either way, this kind of unlicenced electrical work can be dangerous (obviously), but what people often tend to forget home insurance would not cover any damages resulting from (for example) fire which was started by one of these devices, unless installed by a licenced electrician.

      So it's just a heads up. I assume that's the case, although I haven't read a home owner's insurance policy in detail lately, so I can't be sure.

      • +2

        Link here on how it is done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRCH67wfwNE

        And yes, you should absolutely get an electrician to install this for you.

      • +2

        Either way, this kind of unlicenced electrical work can be dangerous (obviously), but what people often tend to forget home insurance would not cover any damages resulting from (for example) fire which was started by one of these devices, unless installed by a licenced electrician.

        What part of the policy covers this and can you name ONE single case in Australia where a insurance policy was voided because the owner installed what is essentially a switch.

        I have experience wiring electronic gear, I wonder how these devices are 'spliced' - do you just strip the cable and use a screw to tighten/secure it?

        You have experience with wiring electronic gear but you have no idea how to connect this device? Look at the picture above, it's connected in the same way you would connect a low voltage transformer for lighting.

        • Edit: eh, what's the point?

          • @BooYa: Correcting incorrect information that was made up like the lie about the insurance policy.

            Name one case where the insurance did not pay out.

            And as for your experience…. this is as basic as it gets and you can't figure it out.

            • @Maverick-au: That was a rhetorical question, genius.

              I have listed my work experience and university qualifications in both disciplines.

              Then I thought - what's the point?

              I didn't want to share my life story on a public forum, trying to argue with obnoxious know-it-alls, so I edited and deleted everything.

              Life is too short to waste arguing with geniuses like you, hence the rhetorical question (but you just couldn't help yourself, could you).

              Hint: that was another rhetorical question.

            • @Maverick-au: "Not only is it breaking the law, but you could also be jeopardising your insurance!"

              https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/ele…

      • -1

        "I have experience wiring electronic gear, I wonder how these devices are 'spliced'"

        WTF. you claim that you are experienced in wiring electronics but you dont know the cable is stripped to attach to the device.. Are you serious? Click on the link, there are at least 2 pictures that would give a person with "experience wiring electronic gear" (or someone like me with no experience) an idea of what to do. OR better yet, do a search on youtube if you dont have a clue.

        • -1

          Lol. You guys are not worth arguing with.

          I don't have to prove anything to myself or anyone else.

          I have a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering, and a B.Com in commerce and an MBA in banking and finance.

          What I don't have is time to argue with ignorant people who think they know it all, and presume they can guess what someone else knows or doesn't know.

          Carry on gentlemen, share your amateur brilliance with the world.

          I just hope someone doesn't lose their home, or their lives, following your 'expert' advice.

          • @BooYa: how are we being ignorant? you bragged that you are experienced with electronics, yet if you had bothered to look at the the pictures of the product (or googled it), you should be able to tell that its simply black n white. Even a simpleton like me can see the bigger picture. Have you ever seen a downlight transformer? well this looks very similar doesn't it.

            Sorry if it seems like either Maverick an I are having a dig at you, but im bogsmacked my the line "I have experience wiring electronic gear, I wonder how these devices are 'spliced'", commin from a person that has a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering, and a B.Com in commerce and an MBA in banking and finance.

            • @BlitzR: Simple - my education and experience with electronic equipment started in the eighties.

              I changed fields to finance in late nineties, and I have never seen or heard of a 'downlight transformer'.

              I have no real interest in home automation and gadgets such as this one, apart from a casual curiosity, so you shouldn't infer from my question what I know and what I don't.

    • +1

      A better example would be installing inside the base of a table lamp.

      No legal or safety problems.

      They should not be hard-wired.

  • Ok. I was wandering because I couldn't read or see any power sockets, so I thought it might have a US one since it's a US based shop (just going by the web address), or maybe it comes with adapter?

    • -1

      US based shop? so every URL with a .com is US based? your degrees were well spent.

      • Lol. You really can't be that thick, that you'd think that's what I meant.

        Perhaps you didn't notice the qualifying statement in brackets, genius.

        • bring out the popcorn :)

          • @BlitzR: Nah, I'm muting you both, life is too short to waste it on arguing with people like you.

            • @BooYa: hope you don't lose any sleep

  • +1

    Why aren’t we replying?

  • $7.57 delivered for me after GST.

  • Why not just wire it like an extension cord? No point messing with individual appliance cords..

    Also, has anyone got a reliable non-cloud / private server client for these? Bonus points for an Android app with widget…

    • +1

      Home assistant with raspberry pi but you need to flash custom firmware on the Sonoff to support it.

  • +6

    I replaced all my wall switches with sonoff Wi-Fi switches over a year ago & they work fine. They have a nice blue led when turned off & can be controlled by app & Alexa. I didn't know you needed a licensed electrician to install these , I mean I don't care what the law says ! I did it anyway.

    • What are these WiFi switches you're talking about?

      • https://sonoff.itead.cc/en/products/residential/sonoff-touch

        I have one in my house too and own a few more that I'm yet to install.

        Goodiemite, did you have any issues fitting the bracket on once the wires were screwed in? I had to cut out some of the bracket (mine was the sideways rectangle one)

    • So insurance wont cover you if your house burns down?

        • You would be better getting that in writing if that was the case. Tho you didnt mention that you did your own electrical work as well

          • @asa79: Only commented to point to that discussion. I don't have a Wi-Fi switch and I don't have DIY electrical work in my home. So I don't have any problem with home insurance and noncompliance.

            • @alvian: The comment was on the home owner doing his own electrical with non Australian certificated products

  • +2

    AvE raises some very good points about these.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCkwXKRRHHs

    • i just watched your link. the pcb looks like shit

    • Great video. That guy makes some good points. What are we giving away? It scares me a bit!!

    • Jesus imagine running this cheap shit up in your ceiling running for years.. Some scary looking shit that PCB..

      • Personally I wouldn't be putting these behind walls or in the ceiling. That would be asking for trouble.

        I think they are a nice little gadget for sensible fun projects. If you are just getting in to home automation, this lets you try a few things at very low cost. For example, I plan to use them in my shed to smarten up my work lights and radio.

  • +2

    If you flash the Tasmota firmware onto these, they do not need any cloud services or internet access.
    I have many of these and have it hooked up to my Home Assistan Pi. Being able to turn on/off 240v is great and very practical.
    They also have a version called the TH10 that has a temp probe. I have mine to run the solar pool heater and in roof ventilation, when it meets certain temp conditions

    • Mind sharing me the link on how to flash the Tasmota firmware? Thanks!

  • +2

    These Sonoffs and the ready to use S20 model are a game changer for learning about DIY home automation in a cost effective way if you are technically minded.
    ReFlash the Tasmota firmware and use them with PC or Raspberry Pi based home automation systems, like Home Assistant, Domoticz and openHAB etc. Control any desk lamp, fan, Xmas light etc etc. React to time, motion or weather events once you have added sensors like 'SensorNodes' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpjfVc-9IrQ&feature=youtu.be) based on a few $ of easily obtained parts.
    Sure the stuff is Chinese and the user needs to know what they are doing to meet good electrical safety, but that's nothing new is it people…

  • Anyone know why no one has got round to getting these certified for use in aus?

    • Apparently these guys have www.sonoff.com.au but can not confirm
      It is exactly the same units as the China sites sell.

      • Click on Online Store and get a 404 error. Lol great start. Google Fubu australia or the phone # and you are directed to fubu.com.au "HOME OF WHOLESALE BAMBOO SKEWERS" lol

    • +1

      https://equipment.erac.gov.au/Public/Profiles.aspx?Applicati…

      According to above, Oikotec legally imported them and have a few products certified. They have different stickers:

      https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/173637996462
      https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/173639733220

      • That first link for the R2 model is pretty cool. It has power monitoring.

        I like the idea of building a dashboard to monitor power consumption in real time and historically throughout the house. (Reality would be that I would look at a few times and then never use it again)

        • the R2 is also 15A, which is better the the other sonoff 10A models that reviewers are converned about since circuit breakers are generallt 15A.

  • +2

    I have lots of these and also some Shelly 2 modules. I prefer the Shelly 2. I've had a couple of these fail for no reason, and the screw in terminals are quite weak and easy to break. I recommend you run the neutral to only the input end and not screw in neutral to the output end (if installing behind a switch box).

    This price is not great, I'm used to buying them for about 4.50usd EA delivered, however that is ex-gst pricing.

    I run tasmota and use the local (free) Google home assistant component with home assistant running in docker on in Intel nuc.

    • Yes the screw terminals are too small, it was impossible for me to install the incoming bundle of 3 neutrals/live into the terminals, so had to connect a single electrical cable via a screw connector to the bundle and connect that to the sonoff.

      Can I ask why it is preferable to install the neutral from the globe to the input end?

  • Has anyone had any issues with electricians installing these?

  • Looks like a great device. Wonder if they will work with my brightgreen downright.

  • I use the link, but it's not showing me the correct price. It's showing me US$8.90. what am I doing wrong?

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