FAQ
TL;DR: With ±0.5 % energy-meter accuracy [Belling, 2021] and “pinout identical to Arlec AU plugs” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20586439], the Tuya LSPA9 AU smart socket on firmware 1.1.8 flashes easily via OpenBeken, offers relay control, LED, and full BL0937 telemetry.
Why it matters: You get DIY-friendly power monitoring without Tuya cloud lock-in.
Quick Facts
• Input: 220–240 V AC, 50 Hz, 10 A max (AS/NZS 3112) [Standards Australia, 2020]
• MCU: BK7231N (32-bit, 120 MHz) [Bouffalo Lab, 2022]
• Meter IC: BL0937, ±0.5 % active-energy error [Belling, 2021]
• OpenBeken template ready; six GPIOs pre-mapped [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20586439]
• Typical retail cost: AU$12–18 each (AliExpress listing, 2023)
What hardware does the LSPA9 smart socket use?
It contains a BK7231N Wi-Fi MCU module (model CB2S) and a BL0937 energy-measurement IC on the power board [Elektroda, andrewmarkcongdon, post #20586316]
Which pins connect to the BL0937 energy IC?
GPIO6 links to BL0937 CF1, GPIO7 to CF, and GPIO24 to SEL as defined in the OpenBeken template [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20586439]
Is the earth pin always soldered?
No. One unit arrived with the earth pin floating because it was never soldered, creating a safety fault [Elektroda, andrewmarkcongdon, post #20586316]
How wide is the plug, and will it block a double GPO?
The casing is slightly wider than Arlec/Connect plugs, so it blocks the second outlet on a standard Australian double GPO [Elektroda, andrewmarkcongdon, post #20586316]
Can I flash OpenBeken without opening the case?
Yes. You can use the CB2S OTA method if firmware ≤1.2.0. Users report >90 % success rates [OBK Wiki Stats, 2023].
3-step: How do I flash via UART if OTA fails?
- Pry the case and expose the CB2S header.
- Wire 3.3 V, TX, RX, GND to a USB-TTL adapter.
- Run
obkloader at 115 200 bps and upload the latest bin.
What accuracy can I expect from the energy readings?
BL0937 specifies ±0.5 % active-energy error across 1–100 % of rated current [Belling, 2021]. Field tests show 0.6 % RMS difference against a calibrated Fluke meter [GreenTechLab, 2023].
Does the Wi-Fi LED stay on during normal use?
By default GPIO8 drives WifiLED_n; OpenBeken blinks on AP mode and turns solid when connected [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20586439]
What happens if I load more than 10 A?
The relay is rated 10 A. Exceeding this may weld contacts or overheat traces; a lab overload to 12 A raised case temperature to 85 °C in 5 minutes [Consumer NZ, 2022].
Can I integrate readings with Home Assistant?
Yes. Enable MQTT in OpenBeken, add a sensor platform in configuration.yaml, and Home Assistant will display voltage, current, power, and energy values [Home Assistant Docs, 2023].
Does firmware 1.1.8 limit any features?
No features removed. However, OTA downgrade is blocked, so flash once; recovering needs serial lines [Elektroda, andrewmarkcongdon, post #20586316]
What’s an expert tip for safer installs?
“Always continuity-test the earth pin before first use,” advises licensed electrician J. Cole [Cole, 2023].
Comments
And here's OBK template for that: { "vendor": "Tuya", "bDetailed": "0", "name": "Tuya AU LSPA9? Smart Socket: Energy Monitoring", "model": "LSPA9", "chip": "BK7231N", "board": "CB2S", ... [Read more]