Cheap, *small* flashable WiFi plug that can be flashed with ESPHome

ESPHome
1

I have several projects where I want to use an ESPHome-based WiFi switch to control a mains-voltage level appliance. The appliance is hard-wired by design into mains, so I would like to “splice” this in the middle (I have been doing mains electric for decades)

I could build my own embeddable switch combining a mini ESP32 with a low voltage, power supply and a 120v relay, but would be much easier, faster, and likely cheaper if I could just extract the guts of a small WiFi switch, flash it with ESPHome and then splice it into my circuit.

For that I need a WiFi switch that is small, (hopefully) cheap and flashable with ESPHome

2

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006770241321.html

3

sonoff s1 but you will have to disassemble, need some additional equipment, and manually do the initial flash

If you have zigbee, I would more recommend the ikea inspelning plug

4

Shelly 1PM?

5

I like my athom wifi esphome plugs. They’re affordable and come on a variety of country plugs.

6

If want in mains and ESPHome, then want a Shelly. The cheap relay with an esp chip is great, I use a ton of them, but you need to also give them 5V DC. The Shelly does not require separate DC power supply.

7

This looks great.

Sadly the 8285 chip doesn’t have bluetooth so they can’t double as Bluetooth Proxy devices :frowning_face:. If they had that I’d be all over them!

8

A power supply for the ESP-01. This one has worked well for me. I read an analysis about these cheap devices and they wouldn’t pass UL or any of the certifications. While it’s spec’d 50VAC-277VAC, I’ve had three fail on a 240VAC circuit, 220VAC would probably be OK.

Probably a good idea to put the two into a 3D printed enclosure (using fire retardant filament)

One could also take apart a 5V wall wart that is certified (which nullifies the certification).

Sonoff R2 might work for you

9

That would require a 5V power supply…