Remote/internet controlled 110v outlets without Alexa, etc.?

[beanz2]

Are there any remote controlled 110v outlets I can switch off and on through the internet? Reluctant to use apps such as Alexa, Google Home, etc. that also spy on users.

The application would be to switch on and off roof heating cables to prevent ice dam build up. We?re not always there to turn it on.

Looking for something basic like Kuna porch lights that can be switched through their app, Nest thermostats, etc.

Thanks in advance!

[67Cuda]

I use Feit light switches that operate through their app. You'll need a 2.4 WiFi connection. This is their plug, same app.

https://www.amazon.com/Feit-Electric-required-Control-Anywhere/dp/B07SV59WXL?th=1

[beanz2]

I use Feit light switches that operate through their app. You'll need a 2.4 WiFi connection. This is their plug, same app.

https://www.amazon.com/Feit-Electric...07SV59WXL?th=1

Awesome. Thanks!

No need for some sort of smart app with a listening microphone, right?

[shojivic]

I used an older version of this wifi-controlled switch by Belkin (competitor to, and maker of computer peripherals like Logitech):

https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC/ref=sr_1_4_mod_primary_new?crid=9UDYCCA463SD&keywords=belkin%2Bwemo%2Bsmart%2Bplug&qid=1680276836&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=Belkin%2Bwemo%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-4&th=1

The older version took some time to fine-tune, but was reliable, and that was 5+ years ago.. This new and improved design would be better, I'd expect.

The full product lineup:

https://www.belkin.com/products/wemo-smart-home/

[beanz2]

I used an older version of this wifi-controlled switch by Belkin (competitor to, and maker of computer peripherals like Logitech):

https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC/ref=sr_1_4_mod_primary_new?crid=9UDYCCA463SD&keywords=belkin%2Bwemo%2Bsmart%2Bplug&qid=1680276836&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=Belkin%2Bwemo%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-4&th=1

The older version took some time to fine-tune, but was reliable, and that was 5+ years ago.. This new and improved design would be better, I'd expect.

The full product lineup:

https://www.belkin.com/products/wemo-smart-home/

Thanks. I?ll look into it too.

[ugimports]

Are there any remote controlled 110v outlets I can switch off and on through the internet? Reluctant to use apps such as Alexa, Google Home, etc. that also spy on users.

The application would be to switch on and off roof heating cables to prevent ice dam build up. We?re not always there to turn it on.

Looking for something basic like Kuna porch lights that can be switched through their app, Nest thermostats, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Plenty of options on Amazon. Search "wifi socket". I've used this brand: https://amzn.to/3Zt8rpf

1 as low as $8. I have a 4 pack I use throughout the house.

Alexa/Google not required. You can just use their app.

In our vacay home we have a smartthings hub and most of our outlets are zwave, but that's a little more involved if you just need a couple sockets and have wifi already and don't necessarily need any automation.

[67Cuda]

Awesome. Thanks!

No need for some sort of smart app with a listening microphone, right?

No smart anything with microphone needed.

[BlackyHouston]

I prefer KASA products

Are there any remote controlled 110v outlets I can switch off and on through the internet? Reluctant to use apps such as Alexa, Google Home, etc. that also spy on users.

The application would be to switch on and off roof heating cables to prevent ice dam build up. We?re not always there to turn it on.

Looking for something basic like Kuna porch lights that can be switched through their app, Nest thermostats, etc.

Thanks in advance!

[SactoDoug]

Beware things that are controlled through an "app". What that usually means is that you must register with the maker's service and install their app while agreeing to all of their app's permissions and their TOS. In most cases you are allowing them to harvest your data. Should their service ever get hacked, your data and your devices that uses their services could be compromised. Baby monitor app providers have been notorious for being hacked and turning baby monitors into spy cams that strangers on the Internet are watching.

You set up a local home assistant where you control everything. The software is open source and free. The software is called Home Assistant. The hardware is Home Assistant Yellow which they do sell for $135.

https://www.home-assistant.io/

20 minute video going over one guy's setup and use of it. There are many other videos on Home Assistant that you can find with a search.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJFsZL5CTgM

[OlderThanDirt]

I use a SmartThings hub, which allows me to use a wide variety of devices and programming. While I have some Wi-Fi devices, the bulk of my devices use Z-wave and Zigbee protocols. These devices form their own mesh network and extend the range of your communications. Too many Wi-Fi devices really starts to clutter up your network.

The programming options are also almost limitless, yet simple. Your phones can be used as proximity devices to run different routines based on your location (home/away). You can basically have your system control any electronic device remotely and based on predefined conditions.

[ugimports]

Beware things that are controlled through an "app". What that usually means is that you must register with the maker's service and install their app while agreeing to all of their app's permissions and their TOS. In most cases you are allowing them to harvest your data. Should their service ever get hacked, your data and your devices that uses their services could be compromised. Baby monitor app providers have been notorious for being hacked and turning baby monitors into spy cams that strangers on the Internet are watching.

You set up a local home assistant where you control everything. The software is open source and free. The software is called Home Assistant. The hardware is Home Assistant Yellow which they do sell for $135.

https://www.home-assistant.io/

20 minute video going over one guy's setup and use of it. There are many other videos on Home Assistant that you can find with a search.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJFsZL5CTgM

I think that's a bit overkill for someone that just wants to control 1 or 2 power outlets.

[SactoDoug]

I think that's a bit overkill for someone that just wants to control 1 or 2 power outlets.

The OP asked for an option that does not spy on him. You suggested the GHome Smart Mini Smart Plug. Those plugs require Google, Alexa, Smart Life App or their own GHome app. All of those apps require registration and harvest user data.

At lest my suggestion meets his requirement that his privacy is preserved.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghomebygabbagoods.smart

Here is part of their Apps user agreement. Yes, they spy on you. Every single thing you do in their app you give them permission to log.

What Personal Data do we collect

In order to provide our services to you, we will ask you to provide necessary Personal Data that is required to provide those services. If you do not provide your Personal Data, we may not be able to provide you with our products or services.

1. Information You Voluntarily Provide Us

 Account or Profile Data: When you register an account with us, we may collect your name and contact details, such as your email address, phone number, user name, and login credentials. During your interaction with our Products, we may further collect your nickname, profile picture, country code, language preference or time zone information into your account.

 Feedback: When using feedback and suggestion features in our Products, we will collect your email address, mobile phone number and your feedback content to address your problems and solve device failures on a timely basis.

2. Information We Collect Automatically

 Device Information: When you interact with our Product, we automatically collect device information, such as the MAC address of your devices, IP address, wireless connection information, operating system type and version, application version number, push notification identifier, log files, and mobile network information.

 Usage Data: During your interaction with our Sites and Services, we automatically collect usage data relating to visits, clicks, downloads, messages sent/received, and other usage of our Sites and Services.

 Log Information: When you use our app, the system and exception log may be uploaded.

 Location Information: We may collect information about your real-time precise or non-precise geo-location when you use our specific Products or Services, such as Smart Plugs, Smart Cameras, Smart Bulbs ETC..

3. Smart Devices Related Information:

 Basic Information of Smart Devices: When you connect your Smart Devices with our Products or Services, we may collect basic information about your Smart Devices such as device name, device ID, online status, activation time, firmware version, and upgrade information.

 Information Reported by Smart Devices: Depending on the different Smart Devices you elect to connect with our Products or Services, we may collect different information reported by your Smart Devices. For example, Email, phone number.

[ugimports]

The OP asked for an option that does not spy on him. You suggested the GHome Smart Mini Smart Plug. Those plugs require Google, Alexa, Smart Life App or their own GHome app. All of those apps require registration and harvest user data.

At lest my suggestion meets his requirement that his privacy is preserved.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghomebygabbagoods.smart

Here is part of their Apps user agreement. Yes, they spy on you. Every single thing you do in their app you give them permission to log.

True..., but I guess to be more straight forward. There are 0 products that are standalone plugs that can be used over the internet that do that.

The solution you provided while solving for the "spying" aspect does introduce the following:
1) "Server" type device (either standalone or re-using)
2) Opening up network via port forwarding to said device
3) Managing ongoing security / maintenance of said device / platform
4) still requires a compatible socket/adapter to be used with the Home Assistant application.
5) some type of dynamic DNS server to be set up

So to meet all of the OPs requirements is technically not possible...you solve the privacy issue with the solution you referenced.. the solution I provided an example of solves for the rest of the OPs requirements (aside from the privacy)..

So ultimately, depending how much the OP cares about privacy will drive how much work he wants to put into a solution to control 1 or 2 power sockets.

At least with those other providers you can provide all fake information if you wanted which lessens the exposure of any actual privacy issues if you don't care if they know when you turn on/off your device(s).

[Toyman321]

If you want to avoid running things through a web service/app and still be able to access things remotely there is always going the Hubitat route.... however, it's going to cost a lot more and you're going to have to jump down the Hubitat rabbit hole.

My entire house is automated through my Hubitat hub, while it's a process to setup Id never do it any other way.

[Oldmandan]

KASA wall plugs use an app on your phone.

You can set a schedule, timers all that stuff

I use it to control Christmas tree lights and other odd lights that don’t have wall switches