Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving into the world of Shelly devices lately, and I wanted to share my experiences and some tips I’ve picked up along the way. If you’re looking to integrate Shelly Plus 1 into your smart home setup, especially for controlling multiple lights or appliances, this might be helpful for you!
My Setup Journey
I recently tried setting up a Shelly Plus 1 to control a set of regular lamps using standard light switches. My goal was to have the Shelly Plus 1 act as a smart hub without installing it behind the light switch (since I’m in a rental apartment). Instead, I connected it to the ceiling light fixture and hid it under a cover. Initially, everything seemed to work smoothly—turning the switch on would power the Shelly, which in turn would activate the lamps. However, I encountered a snag when trying to turn the lights off. The Shelly wasn’t consistently communicating its ‘OFF’ status to the cloud, which meant the lamps wouldn’t always turn off as expected.
The Issue and My Thoughts
After some research and trial and error, I realized the problem might be related to how the Shelly Plus 1 handles power states. Since it’s not directly connected to the live wire but instead to the switched phase, it might lose communication with the cloud when the switch is turned off. This would explain why the ‘OFF’ status wasn’t being registered properly. I started exploring different firmware versions, cloud configurations, and even alternative devices like the Shelly 1L and Shelly i4 to see if they might offer a better solution.
Solutions and Workarounds
While I haven’t found a perfect fix yet, here are a few things I’ve learned that might help others in similar situations:
- Firmware Updates: Always ensure your Shelly devices are running the latest firmware. Sometimes, bugs get fixed in newer releases.
- Cloud Configuration: Experiment with different cloud rules. Instead of relying solely on the ‘Power’ status, you might set up rules based on power consumption thresholds. For example, if the Shelly detects a drop in power usage, it could trigger an ‘OFF’ state.
- Alternative Devices: If the Shelly Plus 1 isn’t cutting it for your specific use case, consider trying other Shelly models. The Shelly 1L, for instance, might handle power state detection more reliably.
- Physical Wiring Adjustments: If possible, consult an electrician to ensure your wiring setup is optimal. Sometimes, a simple adjustment in how the device is connected can make a world of difference.
A Word of Encouragement
Smart home setups can be a bit of a puzzle, especially when dealing with devices that require precise wiring and configuration. But with patience and a bit of trial and error, you can usually find a workaround or even a better solution than you originally envisioned! If anyone has additional tips or success stories with Shelly devices, I’d love to hear them. Let’s keep the learning and sharing going! 