Hardware Versions
The WaterP1MeterKit is available in four hardware versions. This page helps you understand the differences.
📢 Note: The current WaterP1MeterKit is V4, built on the ESP32-C6 platform. V3 remains supported, but V4 is the newest hardware generation.
How to Identify Your Version
Not sure which version you have? Here's how to tell them apart:
| Version | How to Recognize |
|---|---|
| V4 | Current model with ESP32-C6 hardware. Check Hardware Version in Home Assistant or the firmware/device information. |
| V3 | Has a small cutout/hole on the side (lengthwise) for the expansion sensor port |
| V2 | PoE works, no side cutout (V1 and V2 look identical from outside) |
| V1 | PoE does not work, no side cutout (V1 and V2 look identical from outside) |
Tip: For V4, the most reliable check is the device information in Home Assistant: Settings → Devices & services → Devices → WaterP1MeterKit → check the hardware/firmware information.
Version Comparison
| Feature | V1 | V2 | V3 | V4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller | ESP32 generation | ESP32 generation | ESP32 generation | ESP32-C6 |
| WiFi | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ethernet | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Built-in PoE | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Thread | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (Thread firmware) |
| Water Sensor | Fixed | Fixed | Detachable | Detachable |
| Expansion Port | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Improved Precision | - | - | ✅ | ✅ |
| P1 Energy Monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Belgian DSMR/MBus Water | Firmware 1.13+ |
Firmware 1.14+ |
Firmware 1.13+ |
Firmware 1.11+ |
| Temperature & Humidity | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Firmware for DSMR/MBus Water
Belgian digital water meter support via DSMR/MBus needs at least these firmware versions. See the changelog for the latest release:
| Hardware | Minimum firmware | DSMR/MBus water support |
|---|---|---|
| V1 | 1.13 |
✅ |
| V2 | 1.14 |
✅ |
| V3 | 1.13 |
✅ |
| V4 | 1.11 |
✅ |
The new DSMR water entities are disabled by default. Enable DSMR Water Consumed only if your smart meter exposes Belgian digital water data through the P1 telegram.
V1: Original
The original WaterP1MeterKit that started it all.
Key Features:
- WiFi and Ethernet connectivity
- P1 energy meter reading (DSMR 4, DSMR 5 and ESMR 5, older meters with custom ESPHome settings)
- Water meter monitoring
- Temperature & humidity sensor (HDC1080)
PoE Support: V1 does not have built-in PoE. To use PoE, you need an external PoE splitter that separates power into an Ethernet cable and a USB-C cable.
V2: Built-in PoE
The second generation added native PoE support for cleaner installations.
Key Features:
- Everything from V1
- Built-in PoE support (802.3af): single cable for power and data
- No external splitter needed
V3: Detachable Sensor & Expansion
The third generation added more flexibility around installation and expansion.
Key Features:
- Everything from V2
- Detachable water sensor: easier installation and replacement
- Expansion port: connect additional sensors:
- Water leak sensor
- Door/window sensor
- Improved precision: enhanced water measurement accuracy
V4: ESP32-C6 (Current)
V4 is the current WaterP1MeterKit hardware generation and moves the platform to ESP32-C6.
Key Features:
- Everything from V3
- ESP32-C6 hardware platform
- WiFi, Ethernet and built-in PoE support
- Works over Thread with the Thread firmware, see Connect via Thread
- Detachable water sensor
- Expansion port for optional sensors
- Open-source ESPHome firmware
Best For:
- New installations
- Users who want the latest WaterP1MeterKit hardware
- Installations where reliable Ethernet/PoE and current firmware support are important
Connectivity Options
All versions support both WiFi and Ethernet connectivity:
| Connection | V1 | V2 | V3 | V4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi (2.4 GHz) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PoE (802.3af) | Via splitter | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Built-in |
| Thread | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Default Firmware
All devices ship with WiFi firmware pre-installed. This means:
- The device creates a WiFi hotspot on first boot:
waterp1meterkit(V4 with older firmware:waterp1meterkit-v4) - You can connect and configure your home WiFi network
- After connecting to Home Assistant, you can switch to Ethernet if needed
Switching Between WiFi and Ethernet
There are three ways to switch firmware:
-
Via Home Assistant (easiest)
- Connect Ethernet cable first (if switching to Ethernet)
- Use the Firmware Variant selector in the device settings
- Device automatically downloads and installs the new firmware
-
Via USB-C flashing
- Connect to computer via USB-C
- Flash the appropriate firmware via web flasher
-
Via the setup page
- Choose Ethernet while you set up WiFi on the hotspot
- The device installs the Ethernet firmware over WiFi in about two minutes
- Plug in the network cable
👉 See Network Configuration for detailed instructions.
Water Consumption Tracking
All versions include persistent water consumption tracking:
| Sensor | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Total Consumption | Water measured since boot, in m³ (use for Energy Dashboard) |
| Water Meter Initial Value | Set your current physical meter reading |
| Water Meter Total | Initial Value + Total Consumption = actual reading |
Smart Data Saving
The kit uses intelligent saving to protect flash memory:
| Trigger | When | Always Saves? |
|---|---|---|
| Interval check | Every 5 minutes | ✅ If the reading changed |
| Clean shutdown | OTA or restart | ✅ Saves remaining delta before reboot |
| Factory reset | Reset to defaults | ❌ Stored preferences are erased |
This means your meter reading survives reboots and firmware updates.
Current Availability
We currently sell the V4 (ESP32-C6): the newest hardware generation with:
- ✅ ESP32-C6 hardware platform
- ✅ Built-in PoE support
- ✅ Detachable water sensor for easy installation
- ✅ Expansion port for additional sensors
- ✅ Open-source ESPHome firmware
V1 and V2 are no longer available for purchase. V3 remains supported for existing customers.
Legacy Version Reference
For existing V1/V2/V3 owners, here's a quick reference:
| If you have... | Key difference from V4 |
|---|---|
| V1 | No built-in PoE (needs external splitter), fixed sensor |
| V2 | Fixed sensor (not detachable), no expansion port |
| V3 | Similar feature set, previous-generation ESP32 hardware |
Upgrading Between Versions
The WaterP1MeterKit hardware versions are not upgradeable: each version is a separate device. However:
- Firmware is available per hardware version
- Configuration in Home Assistant can be exported/imported
- Historical data remains in Home Assistant when replacing the device