Modern systems smart home have ceased to be the preserve of the elite and have become an accessible tool for anyone who values ββcomfort. One of the most popular and affordable automation devices is Sonoff Basic WiFi Relay, allowing you to control electrical appliances remotely via your smartphone. Its compact body conceals powerful components capable of switching loads of up to 10 amps, sufficient for most household light fixtures and outlets.
The installation process of this device requires careful attention, as it involves working with electricity. However, if safety precautions are followed, it's easy even for beginners. In this article, we'll cover every step in detail: from unpacking and preparing the tool to finalizing the app's scenarios. You'll learn how to properly strip the wires, select the operating mode, and avoid common mistakes during first-time use.
Preparation for installation and necessary tools
Before you begin wiring, you need to make sure you have all the necessary components and tools. You will need Sonoff Basic relay, which is usually sold with instructions, as well as a set of basic electrician's tools. It's important to prepare the installation site in advance, ensuring that the power cables can be connected.
To do quality work you will need the following set of tools:
- π οΈ Flat-head screwdriver for tightening terminal screws.
- βοΈ Side cutters or nippers for cutting off excess length of wires.
- πͺ Stripper or knife for stripping insulation from the ends of wires.
- π± A smartphone with the app installed eWeLink.
Make sure your power supply matches the device's operating range, as indicated on the housing label. Standard models are designed for 220-230 volt AC power, and connecting to a different voltage may damage the device. It's also worth inspecting the housing for any cracks or chips that may have occurred during transportation.
β οΈ Caution: Any work connecting wires to a 220V network must be carried out only after completely disconnecting the power supply at the electrical panel. Failure to do so may result in electric shock.
Studying the connection diagram and pinout
Understanding which wire to connect and where is the foundation for a successful installation. On the side or end of the case Sonoff Basic There are contact groups covered by a protective cover. Underneath, you'll see markings indicating the purpose of each pin. It's important not to mix them up to avoid short circuits.
The main contacts you will be working with are:
- π L IN β phase input from the power grid (power supply for the relay itself).
- π N IN β zero input from the power grid.
- π‘ L OUT β phase output to the load (lamp or device).
- π‘ N OUT β zero output to the load (often connected internally to N IN).
In some device versions, the neutral inputs and outputs may be combined into a single terminal or have a jumper inside the housing, so always check the current diagram on the box or in the manufacturer's official manual. If you plan to control only the phase, which is the most common configuration, the neutral wire to the load will bypass the relay and be connected to the device itself only for power supply.
| Designation | Wire type | Purpose | Color (standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L IN | Phase (Input) | Relay power supply | Brown / Red |
| N IN | Zero (Input) | Relay power supply | Blue / White |
| L OUT | Phase (Exit) | Goes to the consumer | Black / Orange |
| N OUT | Zero (Exit) | Goes to the consumer | Blue / White |
When stripping wires, remove about 8-10 millimeters of insulation to ensure reliable contact inside the terminal, but do not leave any exposed wires. Stripping too much is dangerous because it can lead to accidental contact with adjacent contacts or the wall of the electrical box.
Physical connection of wires to terminals
Once the wires are prepared and the power is off, you can begin wiring. Thread the wires through the holes in the relay housing, if necessary, and secure them to the appropriate terminals. To ensure reliable contact, use a screwdriver, tightening the screws firmly but not too hard to avoid stripping the threads.
The connection process is as follows:
- πΉ Connect the phase wire from the network (L IN) to the corresponding input on the relay.
- πΉ Connect the neutral wire from the network (N IN) to the neutral input.
- πΉ Connect the phase wire going to the lamp or socket to the L OUT output.
- πΉ Connect the neutral wire to the load to N OUT or the common neutral terminal.
After securing all the wires, carefully arrange them inside the junction box or panel, being careful not to damage the insulation with sharp edges. The device should fit freely in the designated space without exerting pressure on the housing, as this could cause deformation and problems with the control button.
β οΈ Caution: Before applying power, visually inspect all connections again. Make sure there are no protruding copper wire strands that could cause a short circuit between the L and N terminals.
Exceeding the permissible load will cause overheating of the contacts and possible fire.
βοΈ Check before switching on
Setting up your device in the eWeLink app
After the physical installation, it's time for the software. To manage the device, you'll need to register in the system. eWeLink, which is the "brain" behind Sonoff products. The app is available for iOS and Android platforms and is distributed free of charge through official stores.
Initial setup algorithm:
- π² Turn on Bluetooth and geolocation on your smartphone to speed up device search.
- π² Launch the app and click the "+" button to add a new device.
- π² Select "Quick pairing mode" and enter the password for your WiFi network.
- π² Press and hold the button on the relay body for about 7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing quickly.
While searching for a device, your phone will transmit data about your network directly to the relay. If the indicator turns solid, the connection has been successful, and you can rename the device, for example, to "Living Room Light." If you experience connection errors, make sure your network is operating at 2.4 GHz, as older relay models do not support the 5 GHz standard.
β οΈ Note: The eWeLink app interface may be updated, and the button layout may change slightly. If you don't see the described options, please check the help section within the current version of the app.
Operating modes and scenario automation
One of the key features Sonoff Basic The switch's ability to operate in various modes expands its range of applications. In the device settings in the app, you can select one of three main switch modes, each suited to specific tasks.
Available switching modes:
- π Toggle β standard switch mode, where each press changes the state to the opposite.
- β±οΈ Inching β pulse mode, when the relay is switched on for a specified time (from 1 second to 3600 seconds) and switched off automatically.
- π Self-locking - a locking mode, useful for controlling gates or specific mechanisms.
Using the mode Inching, you can easily create a device to temporarily turn on a pump or ventilation system. For example, by setting a 30-second timer, you can start a circulation pump according to a schedule or voice command without the risk of forgetting to turn it off.
What is Inching mode?
Inching mode (pulse mode) allows the relay to remain on only for a user-defined time. After the timer expires, the device automatically opens the circuit, returning to its initial state. This is ideal for controlling bells, short-term backlighting, or resetting errors on appliances.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting
During operation, situations may arise where the device stops responding to commands or disappears from the network. Most often, these issues are related to changes in router settings or a weak WiFi signal where the relay is installed. The indicator on the device's housing can help diagnose the status: fast blinking indicates pairing mode, slow blinking indicates a connection attempt, and a steady light indicates successful operation.
The main causes of failures and methods for eliminating them:
- πΆ Weak signal: If the relay is located far from the router, try moving the access point or using a WiFi repeater.
- π Power surges: Unstable power supply can cause reboots; it is recommended to use stabilizers for sensitive equipment.
- π± IP conflict: In rare cases, statically assigning an IP address to the device in the router settings can help.
If your device has stopped connecting to the network, try a factory reset. To do this, press and hold the button on the device for more than 10 seconds until the indicator light flashes rapidly. Then, follow the setup procedure in the app. eWeLink will have to go through it again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to control the relay without the Internet?
Basic control via the eWeLink app requires internet access, as the command is routed through a cloud server. However, if you use local solutions like Home Assistant or have configured a local API, control is possible within the network. The physical button on the device is also always functional, regardless of network availability.
Does Sonoff Basic support Alice or Google?
Yes, the device is fully compatible with voice assistants. To do this, go to the "Other platforms" section in the eWeLink app and link your account to Yandex, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa. Once linked, you'll be able to control the light with your voice.
What is the maximum power of the connected load?
The standard Sonoff Basic model is rated for up to 10 amps. At 220 volts, this equates to approximately 2200 watts of active load. For more powerful loads, such as electric boilers or powerful heaters, it is recommended to use a relay with a higher rating or connect the load via a contactor.
What to do if the relay hums during operation?
A slight hum may be heard due to the internal switching relay; this is normal for electromechanical switches. However, if the hum is coming from the transformer inside the housing or the noise is very loud, this may indicate a defect or overload, and the device should be replaced.