This review dives into the Sonoff S60ZBTPF smart plug, highlighting its standout features and performance. Unlike many smart plugs limited by lower wattage capacities, the S60ZBTPF boasts an impressive 4000W power handling capability, making it ideal for high-power appliances such as electric heaters. This review will explore its robust build quality, ease of Home Assistant integration, and detailed energy monitoring capabilities. We'll examine how this superior power handling eliminates the compromises often necessary with less powerful alternatives, allowing for full utilization of demanding devices.Beyond its power capacity, we'll assess the user experience, including the straightforward setup process and the comprehensive data provided by its energy monitoring features. We'll also showcase how these features can be leveraged within a Home Assistant environment to create custom automations for enhanced energy management and convenience. Finally, we'll consider the overall value proposition, comparing its price and performance to similar products on the market to determine whether it justifies the investment.
Pros And Cons
- Can control up to 4000W of energy use
- Awesome finish, feels heavy and sturdy
- Easy to add to Home Assistant via ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT
- Includes energy monitoring
- Small size
- Good button design
- Works well with Home Assistant, even though documentation says otherwise
- Has overload protection (power cut above 16A or 12A)
- Lightning and surge protection
- Acts as a Zigbee network router
- Relatively inexpensive ($13.50)
- Some integrations (e.g., some versions of Home Assistant or Sonoff ecosystem) may require firmware updates for full functionality.
Read more: AMI Meter Reading Guide: Understanding Your Smart Electricity Meter
Comparison with Other Smart Plugs
The Sonoff S60ZBTPF stands out from the crowd of smart plugs with its impressive 4000W power handling capacity. This significantly surpasses the limitations of other popular options, like the Shelly Plug S (around 12 amps), which proved insufficient for powering my heaters at full capacity. The IKEA smart plugs, while aesthetically pleasing, lack built-in energy monitoring, a key feature of the Sonoff S60ZBTPF.
This higher power capacity is particularly beneficial for devices with high energy demands, offering seamless integration without the need for power-saving compromises. This eliminates the frustrations encountered when using underpowered plugs. The Sonoff solution allows for the full utilization of heating systems, preventing delays and maximizing performance.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonoff S60ZBTPF boasts a premium build quality; it feels substantial and well-made. The device's compact size is a bonus, making it suitable for tight spaces. The integrated button is subtle but responsive, allowing for easy on/off control even without looking.
It's evident that this isn't a cheaply made product. The robust construction inspires confidence in its durability and long-term reliability. It's a smart plug that's clearly designed to stand the test of time.
Home Assistant Integration and Energy Monitoring
Integrating the Sonoff S60ZBTPF into Home Assistant is remarkably straightforward. Using ZHA, the pairing process was quick and easy. The device provides comprehensive energy data, including real-time power consumption, total energy usage, voltage, and current.
The energy monitoring features are incredibly detailed and accurate, allowing for precise tracking of individual device usage. This data is invaluable for understanding energy patterns and optimizing consumption within your smart home system.
Automation and Practical Use
I've created a Home Assistant automation that monitors the plug's on-state duration. It automatically turns off the device after a pre-set time (adjustable via a custom helper in the Home Assistant frontend), eliminating any risk of forgetting to switch it off.
This automation is particularly useful for devices like my space heater in the summer house. It lets me preheat the house before arrival and ensures automatic shutdown after use without the need for manual intervention.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Sonoff S60ZBTPF offers a compelling combination of high power handling, precise energy monitoring, seamless Home Assistant integration, and a robust build at a reasonable price point. Its Zigbee connectivity ensures compatibility with a wider range of smart home ecosystems, and the additional network router function is a welcome bonus.
While slightly more expensive than basic IKEA plugs, the inclusion of energy monitoring and superior power capacity makes it a worthwhile investment, particularly for users of high-powered appliances. Its ability to potentially save electronics from power surges and its overall performance earns the Sonoff S60ZBTPF a strong recommendation.