Zigbee affordable smart plugs for NZ

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boland

545 posts

Ultimate Geek

#305867 9-Jun-2023 13:41

I've gone into the rabbit hole called Home Assistant.
I've set up a Zigbee network with some temp sensors and I want to add Zigbee smart plugs to improve the range.
I'm trying to avoid wifi ones, eg I've got two TP Link ones but they require Internet connection. So if tp link goes down, my plugs stop working.

Think the only option are Philips Hue plugs, but they are about $60
IKEA in Au has affordable ones but I'm not able to get it shipped here.
Also looked at Aliexpress but I'm reluctant to use their stuff for 220v appliances to avoid burning down the house.

Thoughts?

Chippo

129 posts

Master Geek

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#3086932 9-Jun-2023 13:57

I've been recommending the TPLink Kasa devices. They're WiFi - but they offer energy monitoring and are still working without cloud access.

Unfortunately I burned one out recently - which entirely removed my trust in them.

I've got my eye on the Mercator Ikuu range - emailing them roughly annually asking if they're bringing their Australia range over to New Zealand. No luck so far.

I work for a global Data Protection Software company - But my opinions are my own.

boland

545 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3086933 9-Jun-2023 14:02

Those TP Link Kasa seem to require internet as well, unless you've got an old firmware, based on what I read.

My TP Link Tapo require Internet despite my HA assistant using their local IP. Once I block them in my router from using the Internet they stop working.
I don't want to having to rely on a cloud service to be able to turn my plugs on.

amanzi

Amanzi
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#3086934 9-Jun-2023 14:02

I have a few of these Tuya Zigbee plugs: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004506066073.html

They work great with HA and can even be paired directly to a Hue bridge and controlled through the Hue app if you don't want to manage your own Zigbee network with HA.

boland

545 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3086935 9-Jun-2023 14:04

@amanzi thanks, I'm a bit reluctant with using Aliexpress stuff continuously plugged in. I've seen some bad news about eg smart switches not being deemed safe.

And worst case, what if such a plug burns down the house and the insurance refuses to pay out?

boland

545 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3086938 9-Jun-2023 14:07

And @amanzi do you use ZHA or z2m?

I've got ZHA with the skyconnect dongle. Works fine for sonoff sensors. Struggling a bit with some Zigbee bulbs I bought from Aliexpress. They keep stop working.
I know that contradicts with my previous statement about 220v appliances from Aliexpress. I think they should be fine.

amanzi

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#3086940 9-Jun-2023 14:14

I'm no lawyer or expert in this area, but could insurance really not pay out for something plugged in that caused a fire? I have a whole bunch of things that are plugged in around the house (wall warts, power bricks, etc) that could cause fire and didn't come from Aliexpress. (I can understand running into insurance issues if something dodgy was hard-wired in.) Also, a lot of Tuya stuff gets rebranded to things that can be bought from Bunnings, so just because it's from Aliexpress doesn't mean it's inherently dangerous.

boland

545 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3086942 9-Jun-2023 14:17

@amanzi yeah guess I'm over thinking. Just thought about it as some time I ago I read about a smart built in switch that was very badly engineering. It was something you would put behind a current switch and according to that post prone to catching fire.

Think these plugs you've linked are fine and will give them a try.

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amanzi

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#3086943 9-Jun-2023 14:18

boland: And @amanzi do you use ZHA or z2m?

I've got ZHA with the skyconnect dongle. Works fine for sonoff sensors. Struggling a bit with some Zigbee bulbs I bought from Aliexpress. They keep stop working.
I know that contradicts with my previous statement about 220v appliances from Aliexpress. I think they should be fine.

I've tried both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT. I settled on Zigbee2MQTT for some of the advanced features like the mapping, and the OTA updates.

But all my lightbulbs are Philips Hue and I've moved them all back to the Hue bridge after having them all integrated with Zigbee2MQTT. The main reason is that the Hue bridge has never failed me, whereas my HA seems to require a reboot once a month to fix random issues. I don't have much left in my Zigbee2MQTT network now and will probably stop using it at some point.

bigreddog

197 posts

Master Geek

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#3086959 9-Jun-2023 15:26

Got a half dozen of these - have been zero problems, just work as they should (in Home Assistant)

Sixwgh Zigbee Smart Socket Au Plug Adapter Tuya Smart Life App Wireless Control Timing Power Monitoring Function Aleax Outlet - Electrical Socket With Switch - AliExpress

littlehead

214 posts

Master Geek

#3086963 9-Jun-2023 15:35

Apart from the Hue ones, there isn't much like this for Zigbee in NZ. I have a couple of Aubess branded Zigbee ones from Aliexpress, much the same as the ones above. Seem ok but wouldn't trust heavy loads on them. Would like to get the Ikea ones.

You can also get Zigbee multi-boards from Amazon.com.au . I haven't tried them but have been on my radar. Quick search found this one https://www.amazon.com.au/UseeLink-Protector-Outlets-Extension-Compatible/dp/B0BGP2FTWS/ . Have seen other brands of the same model range in price from AUD$30 to AUD$60.

While not Zigbee, another Home Assistant integrated solution would be the Athom Tech Wi-Fi sockets. You can get them in ESPHome or Tasmota. https://www.athom.tech/blank-1/esphome-au-plug I haven't used them but they are also on my radar. In theory the ESPHome models should integrate easily into Home Assistant if you turn on the ESPHome add-on.

chimera

506 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3088133 10-Jun-2023 00:25

amanzi:
I have a few of these Tuya Zigbee plugs: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004506066073.html

They work great with HA and can even be paired directly to a Hue bridge and controlled through the Hue app if you don't want to manage your own Zigbee network with HA.

I second these. They work great, I have them for example on washing machine and dryer. I can then optionally ask Alexa to remind me when the washing is done, she will then audibly tell me when it’s finished and HA will send a notification to my phone.

fe31nz

1228 posts

Uber Geek

#3088138 10-Jun-2023 01:50

My understanding of our electricity regulations is that nothing is allowed to be used in NZ if it is not certified properly for NZ. Selling anything in NZ that is not certified is also illegal. Importing anything that is not certified is also illegal, although it usually just results in confiscation at the border if discovered. However, we have cross-certification with Australia, so if it is OK there, it may well be OK here. Anything bought randomly from outside NZ or Australia will almost certainly not be certified, and must not be used here unless you can find a copy of the applicable certification paperwork. Insurance cover for using uncertified gear would depend on the wording of your policy, but even if you do have insurance cover (which is not unlikely), burning down your house by using random uncertified Aliexpress gear may cause you to be prosecuted. And an awful lot of the Aliexpress stuff is dreadful - it would never be certified here as it is downright dangerous. It is ulta-cheap for a reason - they have designed out anything except the bare minimum to function, and all safety features are completely missing.

chimera

506 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3088167 10-Jun-2023 10:58

I have no problem with most 5/12VDC stuff from aliexpress to be fair most of it can be bought here anyway, agreed 240VAC different however if fire hazards were that common we would be hearing about it. I feel the risk is low, you tend to get a gauge on things from the number of people running certain devices on home automation forums worldwide, Regulations need locking down substantially if the powers that be were that concerned (blocking things at border or warnings on sites like aliexpress) I do admit though that for devices “in the wall” I’ll only go with NZ certified that’s why every single light switch I have had fibaro Relay or dimmers. I think Shelly relays are certified here too. Most of my home automation outside that (like all my blinds) are 12VDC or LED strip lights 5VDC, it’s the zigbee wall switches as above and 1 x sonoff with Tasmota (that I’m considering ditching) that are 240V

pinkbellbird

210 posts

Master Geek

#3123270 3-Sep-2023 13:37

Chippo:

I've been recommending the TPLink Kasa devices. They're WiFi - but they offer energy monitoring and are still working without cloud access.

Unfortunately I burned one out recently - which entirely removed my trust in them.

I've got my eye on the Mercator Ikuu range - emailing them roughly annually asking if they're bringing their Australia range over to New Zealand. No luck so far.

I just came across the Mercator Ikuu range also, the Zigbee range is just what Ive been looking for!

Wish it would come to NZ! I found 1 store that will ship to NZ, but their site says that any warranty is voided once the order is placed. Hmm.

https://www.ikuu.com.au/

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