Wifi plugs for Alexa control

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Wifi plugs for Alexa control

woodson

232 posts

Master Geek

#243112 27-Nov-2018 12:36

Picked up an Alexa, plus 2 dots during Black Friday sales. Looking at getting a couple of wifi plugs from Ali Express and wondered if they're "safe" (i.e. unlikely to blow up house! lol) to order? (looking at the Lonsohno smart plug)

Thanks for any advice. 🙂

nickb800

2715 posts

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#2135208 27-Nov-2018 12:45

None of the aliexpress ones will be properly tested as compliant with NZ Standards. That said, going with a reputable manufacturer and looking at tear-down reviews can give you some confidence.

I have a fair bit of Sonoff kit, and have found them to be built well - I trust them in my house. I think they work with Alexa.

I haven't heard of Lonsohno but would suggest that there is generally little price difference between reputable Chinese and unknown Chinese brands - so you might as well go with Sonoff, Broadlink, Xiaomi etc

trig42

5809 posts

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#2135237 27-Nov-2018 13:22

I have some broadlink ones (SP3 Mini3 AU), and they work with Alexa (after a little bit of faffing around - I think you have to set them up in the Broadlink App (IHC) first then let the Alexa app find them).

Had them for a couple of years now. No Issues.

woodson

232 posts

Master Geek

#2139004 4-Dec-2018 09:17

Thanks for all the tips. Ordered a couple of Sonoff plugs. 🙂

havanother

16 posts

Geek

#2140605 6-Dec-2018 14:37

I have Xiaomi plugs. Their stuff is really nicely made - good quality considering the price. I have an echo dot but it won't pick up the Xiaomi gateway - even with the Mi Home skill installed. What's fun is that even without a skill, the dot finds our two Yeelights no problems at all.

What I'm wondering, is will the amazon echo plus pick up the Xiaomi switches. Unlike the dot, it's supposed to have a Zigbee hub built in. In theory, it should find my switches without a skill, and without the Chinese hub. In theory.

Anyone have any actual experience?

Oh and for my 2 cents, I struck the 2 pin issue and didn't realise so just jammed the plug in.

And the way my plugs and points are, the way they sit in the socket's not a problem. But that pain in the butt hub is, well, a pain in the but. It sits over the switch, speaks chinese, and plays chinese radio!

lchiu7

6470 posts

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#2145508 14-Dec-2018 19:56

I am using these

https://www.dlink.com.au/home-solutions/connected-home/wi-fi-smart-plugs

Bought from PBTech but some reason they are not sold in NZ anymore (not that I can find). Work fine with Alexa and Google and have the added advantage of timers etc.

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

richms

28168 posts

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#2145632 14-Dec-2018 23:50

The S22 wifi plugs I got from aliexpress have all been wired incorrectly and switched the neutral.

The S26 sonoff range have an actual AU type one, and also a china one that isnt really any good here. The china plug one has the benifit of the 2 other holes to eliminate the need for a travel adapter on many plug types, but it also has the mains pins uninsulated (I dont really care about that) but also flat to the surface, rather on the required 39mm circle so it is all flat against wall sockets and will mash into the switch when plugged in firmly.

I would get the S26 sonoffs as they seem very well built and look like a legit plug etc.

Richard rich.ms