The first video about the dishwasher got more reactions than expected. Not because of the technology – but because many people had similar problems that I hadn’t even addressed: plugs that melted. Devices that behaved strangely after being switched off. Questions about Aquastop and solar surplus.
The five points here came directly from that feedback.
1. Watch the Maximum Load
Perhaps the most important point first: many smart plugs are only rated for 10A/2500W. Some appliances – especially older models – can draw 2800 or even 3000 watts during the heating phase. In the worst case, this can cause the plug to overheat or even melt – as happened to one viewer. Measure your device’s power draw beforehand, or check the rating plate. Better to use a plug rated for 16A/3500W, e.g. Shelly Plug (not the S), Sonoff, TP-Link, or AVM.
Suitable smart energy-monitoring plugs (affiliate links):
- Fritz!DECT 200 https://amzn.to/44armtk
- Shelly Plug S https://amzn.to/4k0PZie
- TP-Link Tapo https://amzn.to/4lewLq3
- More options: https://amzn.to/4lcpZRE
Note: Links marked with affiliate link are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I receive a small commission if you purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. The revenue helps me run this blog and YouTube channel and keep creating content. Thank you for your support!
― Joachim
2. Cutting Power – Is That Even Safe?
A valid concern raised by the community: what about Aquastop and leak protection? In most cases, switching off after the wash cycle is actually safer, because the valve is closed when unpowered. However, some manufacturers have systems that require a constant power supply. When in doubt, check the manual or contact the manufacturer. For most appliances, switching off after the cycle is harmless – and saves standby power.
3. What Does “Smart” Actually Mean?
It’s not just about detecting the “done” status – with solar surplus or a dynamic electricity tariff you can get even more out of it. A basic setup with power monitoring is the foundation for further automations. If you have solar panels or use a dynamic tariff, you can switch the plug on at the right time – a few lines of automation in Home Assistant are all it takes.
Tip: You can read more about this in the article Dynamic Electricity Tariffs and Home Assistant.
4. Door Sensor, TTS, Angry Mode: Next-Level Smart!
A community tip: combining a door sensor with text-to-speech announcements takes things to the next level. Automatic resets, funny phrases, and even increasingly “annoyed” reminders motivate everyone to unload the machine – kids included! One viewer even used ChatGPT to generate a set of messages that get progressively more irritated the longer the wait.
5. Switching On – How Does That Work?
Whether your dishwasher automatically resumes after a power interruption depends on the model – just try it out. Start the appliance, pull the plug, plug it back in – if it keeps running, you’re good to go. If not, you can still use the power monitoring; you just won’t be able to start it automatically via an automation. Personally, I switch the plug on with a long press on the light switch, for example.
Conclusion: With these tips your appliances become truly smart – and you get the most out of your household setup. Watch the video for all the details and practical examples!