3 ways to monitor your appliances with an ESP32 (no smart plugs needed)
Smart plugs are convenient, but they’re not always the right tool for the job. They generally max out at 15 to 20 amps, and they won’t work with hardwired appliances like a water heater or dryer. Besides, at roughly $20 a piece, buying one for each appliance in your house becomes expensive fast. But just like a $5 ESP32 can do a lot for your home network, it can also do a lot for your smart home. Pair up with the appropriate sensor, and there are tons of ways you can monitor your appliance without ever having to deal with a smart sensor. Related I wasted money on the wrong ESP board because nobody explained this upfront Buying ESP boards shouldn’t feel like gambling. See exactly how much power your appliances use CT clamps turn any appliance into a real-time energy monitor If you want real watt-hour data—the kind that tells you exactly how much electricity your refrigerator or washing machine is pulling—a current transformer (CT) clamp is the way to go. A split-core sensor …
