Welcome to CraftingTable Academy – Month 4, Lesson 2!
In this hands-on lesson, we’re diving into smart plugs and smart switches—and giving you the tools to control real devices and monitor their energy use from your Home Assistant dashboard.
Here’s what you’ll cover today:
✅ Pair and configure your two Zigbee smart plugs for on/off control
✅ Set up your mini Zigbee smart switch with energy monitoring
✅ Safely install high-voltage devices, including step-by-step guidance for:
- Turning off breakers
- Accessing outlet wiring
- Identifying Line, Neutral, and Load wires
- Connecting the mini switch securely
✅ Understand the difference between devices that can and can’t monitor energy
✅ Create automations based on power usage (like knowing when your device finishes charging)
✅ Bonus Challenge: Combine smart plugs, switches, and relays into a single scene or routine!
💡 What You Need for This Lesson:
- 2x Zigbee smart plugs
- Mini Zigbee smart switch
- Screwdriver, voltage tester, wire strippers, and electrical tape (for safe wiring)
- Basic knowledge of Home Assistant setup (from Lesson 1)
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have multiple smart devices fully integrated into Home Assistant, ready for automations, schedules, and remote control.
👉 Check the lesson notes below for wiring diagrams, safety tips, and bonus project ideas.