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Tuya 16A WiFi Smart Switch Module Review and Application:
Background:
I've always wanted to have some sort of 'run-on timer' to automatically control our bathroom/toilet exhaust fan if we forget to turn it OFF after a shower or when someone goes to the . . . well; doesn’t matter.
Around 10 years ago, I purchased two Halios ZNE time delay switches ($104) to control the 'run-on time' of the HPM '3-In-One' exhaust fan in our bathroom/toilet and the 'Ducted Inline' fan in our spare toilet.
The ZNE timer worked great for the 'Inline' fan BUT the HPM fan was not compatible with the ZNE timer.
(The HPM fan worked for a few days with the ZNE timer, BUT the fan soon went open circuit!)
It turns out the HPM fan has some sort of solid state over temperature device embedded in the fan windings and the ZNE timer uses a triac instead of a relay to switch the fan. I assume the over temperature device didn’t ‘like’ the switching transients associated with the triac and I blew up two HPM fans before I worked this out.
At $150 per fan + the ZNE timer, a rather expensive experience ! ! !
Recently, I discovered the Tuya 16A Mini WiFi Smart Switch Module for $3.40. I purchased one to test.
(I have seen them for as low as $2.47 in ‘Bundle Deals’!)
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The Smart Switch has an input of 100-240V 50/60Hz AC with a 16A relay output.
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It appears to be very well made and fairly robust.
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It can be used in a single way, two way or three way switching installation OR used as a Smart Switch controlled by other Grid Connect devices OR with Google voice control.
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The Smart switch easily pairs with Grid Connect and is simple and easy to use.
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The Smart Switch is configured to reverse its relay Open/Closed state with every change in position (On/Off) of the switch connected to terminals S1 & S2. (This works out great for Smart Control because the Smart Switch relay can be Opened or Closed by Grid Connect automations, regardless of the wall switch position.)
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Not suitable for use with conventional NO/NC push buttons. (Pressing push button will reverse relay state → Release of button will reverse it again, back to original state.)
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Terminals S1 & S2 ‘appear’ to be low voltage, but I would not suggest touching wires connected to these terminals, nor should these wires be interconnected with any mains voltage.
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With a 40x40x20mm body, it’s VERY small and should easily fit behind most switch plates.
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The terminals of the Smart Switch are a little small and only suitable for connecting one wire.
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The only proviso is a Neutral is required at the switching position!
Note:
The S1, S2 'Switch' terminals need not be connected to the existing wall switch if you only want to control the device with other Grid Connect devices and Automations etc. However, the advantage of using the wall switch is the connected load can be controlled manually with the switch, even if the Internet or Grid Connect are not available.
A simple automation allows this device to be configured as a 'time delay switch' - just what I wanted.
I haven't shown any detailed wiring diagrams, as the device should be installed by an Electrician, but needless to say, it’s very simple to install, as long as you have a Neutral at the switching position.
I created one Grid Connect Automation to automatically switch the Tuya Smart Switch OFF after 10 minutes if it's turned ON by any switch, Automation or Voice command; and another (optional) Automation to duplicate the wall switch control function via an Arlec SG120HA push button smart switch.
We mainly use the Arlec button to control the fan now. Saves us looking at the wall switch which may end up in the ON position when the relay is in the OFF state. (Doesn’t matter, but can be visually annoying.)
I now have the Tuya Mini WiFi Smart Switch automatically switching OFF our HPM '3-In-One' exhaust fan if it's accidentally left ON, saving it from running all day. 🙂
A great little device that works well and is very cheap.
(The fan timing works great for clearing shower steam and its 'Number 2' purpose. 🤣)
Photos:
1 & 2: The Tuya Mini WiFi Smart Switch.
3: HPM ‘3-In-One’ bathroom/toilet exhaust fan.
4: Helios ZNE timer switch.
5: Grid Connect Automations.
6. The wall switch – Nothing to see here BUT the Tuya Smart Switch is connected behind.
(No photos of the wiring in fear someone may DIY.🫨)
7: Arlec SG120HA push button smart switch.
Hey all,
After some help for my Orion doorbell (model DC55HA). I've had it for a few years now and all has been good, but from 27 July this year, its not recording any motion sensor activity on my playback.
I checked out the automations and scenes and I seem to have lost a 'motion detected' trigger, I only have 'tap to trigger'.
I can set the automation up fine, PIR, sensitivity high, night mode auto etc. but without a 'motion detected' trigger, it does nothing.
Did an update to the app change something? Am I missing something? Or does my doorbell model for some reason now not support the motion detected > automation > record on playback function any more?
Thanks in advance
Edit: I have unpaired and repaired the doorbell, uninstalled and reinstalled the app, deleted and re entered the automations/scenes multiple times.
Hello @FM
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Orion doorbell.
I was going to suggest the true and tried uninstall/reinstall step, but it seems you've gotten ahead of me. My only other thoughts are that perhaps that function has been moved to the lower tiers of the menu. For more information in regards to the app update you can call Arlec direct on 03 99825111 or email them on cs@arlec.com.au.
Let me call on our experienced members @CSParnell and @GreenHouse for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
