In need of AC Sensor

Hardware
1

I have a window unit AC that is not a smart AC but I do use the RM Mini by Broadlink to control it. I got to thinking there must be an available sensor that can tell me if the unit is on or off by sensing whether or not it is blowing air or not. Is anyone familiar with or using such a sensor? If so could you point me to the sensor and offer your feedback on your results with it?

Edit: I assume the same result is possible with a sensor that plugs into the wall in between the wall socket and the AC cord and senses whether or not the AC is drawing any current through that outlet or not.

2

You assume correctly. There are many plugs that can do this. I use the Shelly Plug US but it is only rated to 15A (if your AC draws more than this you should not use it).

3

Thanks for your response. I really didn’t even think about a smart plug, because I don’t really need to turn the plug itself on or off. I just need to know if current is running through the plug. I’ll then create a binary sensor that’s off when there is zero current and on otherwise. I did look at the Shelly model plug you sent the link for. And it does indeed say it offers power monitoring. Do you happen to know if the plug you use is compatible with SmartThings? I just use SmartThings for all my other sensors and smart plugs. If no on SmartThings what do you use to interface this plug with Home Assistant?

4

I don’t know if it is compatible with SmartThings. I use the HA Shelly Integration. This creates all the entities you need.

5

Perfect. Would I need a Shelly hub of any kind?

6

Nope. But you should probably read this thread (especially the last two posts):

7

Just to make sure I caught the point you making… are you referring to I should see the part about connecting to the plugs hotspot and skip the Shelly app right?

8

Yes - don’t use the app - connect to the hotspot to configure. But please read the rest of the thread because it has some good info too.

9

Will do. And I agree it looks like it will be very helpful, because it looks like the original poster is looking for the exact same thing I am… a state indicator on a non smart device by using a plug to sense if the device is drawing any power. So I’ll definitely go through the rest of that thread.

But first, got to order a few of these Shelly plugs.

Thanks very much for all your help!!

10

@blevins.eric.513 By the way, I happen to be the original posted from that other thread, and I can confirm that the Shelly plug has been working fantastically for my use case.

And just to add, if you might have any questions for me about my experiences with the Shelly plug, I’ll be more than happy to chime in.

1 Like
11

I very much appreciate that Ashley. I started with Home Assistant about a year and a half ago and started with zero coding experience. I’ve been a DJ for over 20 years, so I’m pretty tech savvy. I’m quite comfortable with hardware and with wiring. But I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve hit a complete roadblock in Home Assistant because of my lack of coding knowledge. So I am very thankful when people like you offer assistance. I do boast all the time to non users that Home Assistant has one of the best communities I’ve ever seen.

1 Like
12

@handcoding and @MaxK, I just wanted to follow up and thank the both of you again. I meant to come tell you this sooner but I have the plug installed. It does EXACTLY 1what I needed it for. Matter of fact I was so impressed with it that I’ve got two more plugs on order now. Oh, and speakIng of orders, wish me luck… My new Aqara FP1was delivered yesterday.

2 Likes
13

@blevins.eric.513 It’s my pleasure—I’m super happy to hear that everything worked out!

14

Thank you. I do have a new problem related to it though. I have 2 window unit ACs. The Shelly plug works flawlessly on the one. But the other is 220V. So now I’m on the hunt for a similar solution for 220.