Smart switching a baseboard heater with no neutral - but built-in

In the end I’ll be going with the relay plus contactor method:

  • A DPST contactor will be connected between the L1/2 lines and the baseboard heater
  • I will get a TP Link smart outlet => This will only be for testing purposes. The real relay will be based on the Shelly Plus 1 UL as it can be configured to default to disconnecting the power to the contactor should the power go out while I’m not at home
  • The coil terminal for the contactor will be connected to the TP Link smart outlet with NEMA 5-15P breakout cable

This should be the most cost effective and relatively safe solution

Something like this: