Main stream hardware about esphome

[OttoWinter]

Sorry for the late reply, there were just lots of things going on... Anyway, the sonoffS20 should already be supported as its just using the ESP8266 chip and some GPIO pins for the power control. (*)

The arilux light would probably theoretically also be supported with the ESP32 using the IR Transmitter Component. Though the 2 problems would be 1. only ESP32 support for now (IR support for the ESP8266 is on my list) and 2. having the IR command codes built-in. I think I'll try to work on this integration together with the FastLED light support, as they both would require at least a little bit of changes in the light core.

(*) I seriously do not recommend using the Sonoff devices. From an electronics standpoint, they seem
very dangerous to me. Much to little and/or no isolation between mains and logic levels, mains wires just soldered on and so on.

[HydrelioxGitHub]

Thank you,

I have some Sonoff switch (my S20 plug are already used) to make some experiment with your firmware.

Thank you also for your advice for sonoff devices. I will be more careful for my next purchases. Is there a general weak conception, or is it dangerous with only powerful devices (with more device that need more than 2 or 3 amps) ?

[OttoWinter]

So my previous comment was probably worded a bit too harsh. The Sonoff S20 is a fine device and can be used. I'm just worried with unexperienced (note: in general) people opening up their devices with mains voltage and attaching some wires for uploading. I'm sure one day this will lead to someone getting seriously injured. The second reason is that these china-ware devices usually don't follow many safety standards (soldered on mains wires, insufficient isolation between logic).

Looking more closely at the Sonoff S20, it's probably fine to use. At least from images I pulled from the images it doesn't look too bad after all, but I still personally wouldn't use them in my house.

Regarding the power of the devices, the S20 can probably handle 2-3 amps with its internal relay, but I don't have any specific data.

Regards,
Otto

[Landrash]

Think this one can be closed now 👍

[simonszu]

Just a side note: I am a certified electrician, and i am using the S20 plug as well. It looks okay-ish to me. There are datasheed published by its manufacturer, ITEAD, which specify the maximum electrical current it can handle. One should not exceed this value.

If you look closely, you will find these devices sold by big China resellers, e.g. Pearl in germany who is just rebranding stuff - however, since it is a german reseller, it has the requirement to only sell devices which are considered safe, e.g. with the CE-safety seal.

Yes, there is this design where the 230V mains is just another PCB layer, with a thick layer or soldering lead applied, but this doesn't look like a problem. I have made a self test, and purchased the Sonoff type with the integrated measurement features and am currently running my dishwasher over it. During pre-heat and in the dry phase it takes around 600W (i think?) of power for its heating elements, and my house hasn't burned to ground, yet.

However, there is still the danger of unexperienced people to open up the casing, and tinkering around with the logic circuit while the main circuit is plugged in. But there has been the danger of people putting their fingers in an open E27 thread for light bulbs, or trying to fix their wall outlet without removing the fuses beforehand. This isn't a design flaw, either, but merely requires people to think before they do something.

At least the S20 is more safe than a DIY/IoT/Homeautomation-freak trying to assemble such a device on his own ;)

[OttoWinter]

@simonszu You know much more about this than I do 😀 (I've, until now, only had the basic physics lessons in high school, but I'm thinking of choosing physics as a side-subject when I get into university) - So thank you very much for your comment on this. And you're right that it's probably much safer to just buy this sort of product than attempting to do so on your own 100%!

[HydrelioxGitHub]

With 1.6 release and sonoff documentation, I think this issue should be closed.