Shelly Plus 1 vs Eltako Series 62 (IP)
Introduction < <–strong>
In today's post, I would like to deal with the very young Eltako Series 62 IP and also a little bit with competing products like Shelly 1 Plus, but also a few China variants that I have used, for example. We look at some advantages and disadvantages of the Eltako series and different usage scenarios.
Main part
What products do I look at?
At the end of the day there are four different variants of a smart radio switch for me and my user circle:
The known Shelly Plus 1
The Eltako Series 62
And finally the “young” Eltako Series 62 IP
What to consider in general?
In principle, these products are all the same from the intended use. All turn on or off a phase. However, the application is important. Not every device supports the 16A per circuit (3680W) permitted in Germany. Depending on what is connected to the switched phase, service failures can occur here (the module burns through) or, in the worst case, a fire.
To illustrate this using examples: The “classical” China switches are already very different. While the ZigBee version “only” 2300W can off (10A), the WiFi version can switch the full 16A (whether that is so at the end of the day, of course, is always another question. Here we go from the manufacturer's details. The Eltako devices are similar. While the older series 62 (light module without dimmer) can only switch 2300W, the series 62-IP pen may switch up to 16A.
Here it is always necessary to observe what is to be switched. Where short tips usually do not make any problems (may they potentially but!).
Then you have to see which module you want. The modules mentioned in this comparison are “only” switches with remote control. There are also dimmer modules, roller shutter modules and others.
What technology can it be?
The biggest difference between the above-listed switches is the radio technology used (and the software). While the China switches can master both ZigBee, WLAN and 433 MHz in principle, Shelly is fully relying on WLAN, just like the Eltako Series 62 IP. The Series 62 (without IP) relies on EnOcean as a radio standard.
Other differences?
The most comprehensive solution is the Shelly Plus 1 keep ready. In addition to the switch functionality, the Shelly can be operated not only with AC (110 – 240V), but also with 12V DC. It can also switch AC and DC to 240V. Furthermore, the Plus 1 gives the possibility to connect another module, the Shelly Plus. Temperature sensors can be used, for example, by these sensors. Very practical, for example, if you have multimedia cans in which there is plenty of space anyway and then you want to install a hidden thermometer at the same time, or also a motion detector, CO sensor or anything else... Furthermore, there is also the possibility of attaching the Shelly to a DIN rail.
The “China switches” are only switches. These can be nothing more, but like all other products can also be included in automations. The same applies to the EnOcean-capable switch from Eltako.
What does the devices look like?
Eltako Series 62 IP
The Eltako Series 62 IP has a huge advantage over the other devices. This is HomeKit and Matter certified and can accordingly work natively in HomeKit and uses the Matter standard via WLAN. There are some embodiments here, for example as dimmer, pure switch or as roller shutter switch. All have adapted functions and inputs/outputs.
The control can generally take place via, for example, HomeKit. However, if the switch type is to be changed, the Eltako Connect app must be used. Whether HomeKit or Matter currently do not offer a suitable configuration interface, be it sometimes. It's a shame, though. Apart from that, a local HTTP API can be used to control the device.
The Eltako Series 62 IP features the following details:
SOC: ESP32-WROVER-E (WiFi b/g/n – 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth 4.2)
Matter Support -> HomeKit-certified
Eltako Connect app
HTTP API
Right large of dimensions
Cables go out front
Price: approx. 40€
Shelly Plus 1
Shelly Plus 1 is now a very well-known device in the smart home and maker scene. Generally, the Shelly brand is often bought by many people, as these devices have proven to be very reliable and functional. The Shelly 1 Plus relies on the same SoC and the same relay as the Eltako Series 62 IP, but has a fundamentally different software.
The Shelly is also controlled by WLAN, but does not support Matter or Homekit. It offers MQTT support as well as a web UI and the extension connector mentioned at the outset. Accordingly, the Shelly can be used universally and controlled differently from the Eltako even without any apps. Apart from this, the Shelly can be operated with DC, as mentioned. The killer argument for me is the price. Shelly Plus 1 currently costs approx. 16€, this is not even half the Eltako Series 62 IP.
In summary, Shelly Plus 1 is characterized by the following:
SoC: ESP32-WROVER-E (WiFi b/g/n – 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 4.2)
MQTT support
Web UI support
Shelly app
HTTP API
Add-ons available
Can be used with DC and AC
Beautiful little
Cables go down
Price: approx. 16€
And the other devices?
Eltako's other devices and Moes, for example, do not have special features such as addon support or mater support, but are strictly tailored to the particular application. That's why I'm not going into this detail. These devices can be generally used (if the radio standard is correct). However, the Shelly 1 Plus and the Eltako Series 62 IP have additional features that are not standard, such as mat support or MQTT support.
Which one should take that now?
In this case, one can say quite clearly: this depends on :).
Who is on the move in the EnOcean Standard is, of course, forced to use an EnOcean device. But if Wi-Fi/cigare and others are possible, the applications are important.
If Homekit is used and no third party system is to be used, then Eltako the best choice, despite the very high price for my taste. For this, however, the certifications have a guarantee that the fun works.
But if, for example, Homeassistant or similar is used, the world looks different for me.
I do not use any WiFi devices for my everyday control, as WiFi not only works more inefficiently, but also is not so reliable. For this reason, I have for my entire apartment ZigBee switch decided and satisfied with these. Furthermore, these are quite small and fit into my deepened cans wonderfully.
You can't say anything at just 10€ per switch.
If, however, ZigBee is not present, extra features are needed or automation is to be done in the cloud, then it is best to use the WiFi version.
Here you will decide what is best. Only the Shelly supports MQTT and addons. For example, Tuya compatible switch with very many devices (if they are already available), via which the cloud can be automated. If this is the wish, you can save the money and use these devices. In my blog series “Smarthome for Starter” I have already received a little bit about the advantages and disadvantages of Cloud in Smarthome.
Accordingly, you can now choose what fits best. For me, it's the ZigBee version, as I already have smart thermometers, motion detectors and door contacts and therefore a Shelly would not make sense for me. An Eltako is not value for me and Wi-Fi is generally not in question for me... What your priorities are and what applies to your smarthome, but you have to rate for yourself :). The function of switching something by radio offers all :).
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