FAQ
TL;DR: Want schedules without constant Wi‑Fi? A small antenna PSU costs ~0.5 PLN/month, and "switch‑mode supplies don't like" power‑cycling; use mechanical timers or Tasmota‑flashed plugs that keep offline schedules. [Elektroda, kood, post #19840698]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps homeowners automate outlets where Wi‑Fi is patchy, avoid false savings, and pick durable offline options.
Quick Facts
- 12 V × 100 mA antenna PSU ≈ 1.2 W (~0.8 kWh/month ≈ ~0.5 PLN/month); turning it off nightly saves ~0.25 PLN/month. [Elektroda, kood, post #19841691]
- Mechanical plug‑in timers are simple, cheap, reliable, and they don’t interact with each other; no Wi‑Fi required. [Elektroda, Mobali, post #19841546]
- Tasmota‑flashed smart plugs run schedules offline, remember settings after power reset, and can expose their own access point. [Elektroda, exti, post #19841895]
- Remote/“smart” sockets consume some standby power themselves, which can erase savings on tiny loads. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #19841684]
- A user measured a boiler at about 3–4 kWh per day; target high‑draw appliances first. [Elektroda, fckg, post #19841704]
What’s the simplest offline way to schedule power without Wi‑Fi?
Use a mechanical plug‑in timer. It is simple, inexpensive, and reliable. It runs your on/off schedule without any network. These timers do not interact with each other. Set it once and let it work. [Elektroda, Mobali, post #19841546]
Is there a smart plug that keeps schedules when Wi‑Fi is down?
Yes—flash a compatible smart plug with Tasmota. It executes schedules locally, even with no Wi‑Fi coverage. You can make the plug host its own access point for quick changes. It reconnects when coverage appears. It “will remember after a power reset.” [Elektroda, exti, post #19841895]
Do Wi‑Fi smart plugs need an access point nearby to run schedules?
Not with Tasmota. You can configure the plug to work entirely offline. If you want, enable its own access point to adjust timers locally. It will connect only when Wi‑Fi coverage exists. [Elektroda, exti, post #19841895]
Will power‑cycling small switch‑mode supplies actually save money?
Savings are tiny for small loads. An antenna PSU can cost about 0.5 PLN per month. Frequent power‑cycling can shorten supply life. “Switch‑mode power supplies don’t like switching off the power.” Consider leaving such supplies on. [Elektroda, kood, post #19840698]
How much energy does an antenna amplifier power supply use?
About 12 V × 0.1 A equals 1.2 W. That is roughly 0.8 kWh per month. At the example rate, that’s around 0.5 PLN monthly. Turning it off for 12 hours daily saves about 0.25 PLN per month. [Elektroda, kood, post #19841691]
How should I decide which devices to put on a timer?
Measure first with a plug‑in power meter. Check each circuit to see real consumption. Small supplies can be around 1.2 W and rarely justify automation. Use timers where measurements show meaningful usage. This avoids chasing negligible savings. [Elektroda, kood, post #19841691]
My electronic programmers “interact” unpredictably—how do I stop that?
Use mechanical timers for independence. They are simple and very reliable. There is no possibility of these programmers interacting with each other. Assign one timer per outlet and set windows separately. [Elektroda, Mobali, post #19841546]
Can a master‑slave power strip automate accessories?
Yes. When the master device draws current, it switches power to the slave sockets. This automates turning accessories on and off with the main load. It’s handy for PC or AV setups. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #19840430]
Is a power strip with individual switches useful here?
It is a simple, low‑tech option. Toggle only the outlets you need. It helps when devices sit together and are easy to reach. For distant locations, use automated scheduling. [Elektroda, Mobali, post #19840422]
How do I set up an offline schedule on a Tasmota plug?
- Flash a compatible smart plug with Tasmota firmware.
- In Tasmota, create Timer entries for your on/off windows and save.
- Optionally enable the plug’s own access point for local changes; it runs offline and reconnects when Wi‑Fi returns. [Elektroda, exti, post #19841895]
Will Tasmota remember schedules after a power cut?
Yes. Tasmota stores the schedule and resumes it after power returns. As noted, it “will remember after a power reset.” You can run fully offline and still keep timers. [Elektroda, exti, post #19841895]
Can I use a timer or smart socket to cut power to a laptop?
Be cautious. Replacing a small power supply with a remote socket adds another powered device. That can reduce or erase any savings. Consider this before automating a laptop’s charger. [Elektroda, gkwiatkowski, post #19841684]
What’s a practical way to schedule a boiler twice a day?
Use a mechanical timer and set two one‑hour on‑windows. It is simple, robust, and does not depend on Wi‑Fi. Mechanical programmers are very reliable for repetitive schedules. [Elektroda, Mobali, post #19841546]
