Add a WiFi Switch to Anything
Our homes are becoming completely connected, and I love that! I love simplifying and automating tasks we really shouldn’t have to worry or think about. Things that need to happen in the background, but shouldn’t require too much thought. Like watering the garden, or switching on the outside lights at night.
Home automation used to be an expensive novelty, but but there are so many cheap options available now to start integrating into your home. These solution are normally pretty modular, so you don’t need to make a large upfront investment, and you can take it with if you move.
One of my favorite options at the moment are the products from Sonoff. These are WiFi or RF switches that are really easy to add to existing appliances or lights. They can be controlled via the eWeLink or via Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
This is a pretty basic introductory project using a Sonoff switch, but I do have some more projects coming up using these devices.
Step 1
In this example we are just adding a switch to a light, but we are including the earth wire as well. It very important the make sure you maintain earth continuity in a circuit that contains an earth.
You can make your connection inside or outside the switch, in this case we opted for inside.
Make sure you feed the cables though the top cover before connecting them!
Step 2
Next you can close the cover and make you connection to the in and out terminals on the switch.
Once done, make sure your connections are secure, but don’t over tighten, the terminals can be quite delicate.
Step 3
When you are happy with your connections you can close the terminal covers and plug in. You should see a green light flashing. You can test the power circuit by pressing the button to switch the light on and off.
Step 4
Now it’s time to connect to your WiFi! Make sure you have downloaded the eWeLink app for the Play or App store and have set up an account.
Next, hold the button down for about 7 seconds until the light begins to flash 3 times quickly, and repeats. This means it is now in pairing mode.
Open the app and select the “+” at the bottom of the screen, and select “Quick Pairing”
Step 5
Next you will be asked to enter your wifi password (make sure that your phone is also connect to the same wifi).
The app will then go into pairing mode.
Step 6
Once connected the green light on the switch will become solid, and you will be able to assign a name to it in the app.
And that all, now you will be able to switch on and off whatever you connected via the eWeLink app!
You can easily now add this to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa, as well as set up routines and schedules directly in eWeLink.
Materials
Everything you need for this can be found in your basic toolbox. If you don't have a basic toolbox, check one out here:
https://chrisdoesstuff.co.za/the-basic-toolbox/
You will need:
A Sonoff switch (I used a Basic)
Something to control (a light, extension etc)
A side cutter
Screwdrivers (flat and Philips)
Utility knife
Optional:
Wire stripper.