SmartHomeShop Docs

Installation Guide

Pre-release documentation. WallSense has not been officially released yet. The design, specifications and firmware can still change until release. Check smarthomeshop.io/wallsense/en for the current planning.

Mains safety: Have mains connections made by a qualified installer. Switch the circuit off first. WallSense is for indoor use only.

This guide takes you from a back box to WallSense in Home Assistant. Step-by-step photos follow at release. Read the placement advice before you choose a box, because WallSense cannot be rotated.

Before You Start

WallSense mounts on 60 mm screw centers in a round 60 mm back box.

Measurement Value
Front 55 × 55 mm
Module depth 26 mm
Installation depth with Ethernet/PoE and a bare RJ45 connector without a boot About 40 mm
Screw centers 60 mm
Back box Round, 60 mm

Check your frame and your country on Frames and Compatibility. Package contents are announced at release.

Prepare the Back Box

Reusing a back box

  1. Switch off the circuit before you remove a switch, socket or blank plate. Leave mains work and verifying that the circuit is dead to a qualified installer.
  2. Measure the opening and the depth of the box. Keep room for cables.
  3. Check that the box has a clear view of the area you want to monitor.

Placing a new back box

  1. Locate cables, pipes and structural parts before you drill. A detector alone cannot rule out every risk.
  2. Use tools suitable for your wall, wear safety glasses and use suitable dust extraction, especially with concrete.
  3. Fit the box according to the instructions of its manufacturer.

Choose Your Power

Option Network What you need
PoE Ethernet An Ethernet cable from a PoE switch or PoE injector. No separate power adapter at the sensor.
110 to 240 V mains WiFi, Ethernet or Thread A suitable mains supply at the back box, connected by a qualified installer.

USB-C is not a power option. It is only for flashing firmware. If you choose Thread, flash the Thread firmware before you install WallSense, see Connect via Thread.

Note: The current firmware is a WiFi test build. Ethernet, PoE and Thread need firmware that will follow at release. See Firmware.

Cable Routing

  • Ethernet or PoE: in a shallow box, use a bare RJ45 connector without a boot. About 40 mm of installation depth is then required. A plug with a boot needs more depth.
  • Mains: the installer brings the mains wires into the box and connects them.
  • Sharing a frame: if WallSense shares a frame with a switch or socket, plan the route of all cables before you fit anything.
  • Do not pinch cables behind the module, and keep the openings around the housing free.

Fit WallSense

  1. Make sure the power is off.
  2. Connect your cable to the matching socket. Leave the mains connection to the installer.
  3. Mount WallSense in the back box on the 60 mm screw centers, so it sits flush with the wall.
  4. Fit your frame, with an adapter plate if your frame needs one.
  5. Check that the openings around the housing are free. They are for air measurement.
  6. Switch the power on.

First Start

  • The rear LEDs are off at every start. The front LED only gives touch feedback. A dark front is normal.
  • With WiFi firmware, WallSense opens a setup network with a captive portal on first start. Follow WiFi Setup.
  • With Ethernet firmware, WallSense uses the cable and needs no WiFi setup.

Add to Home Assistant

ESPHome devices are discovered automatically.

  1. Open Home Assistant and go to Settings > Devices & services.
  2. Look for the discovered WallSense and add it.
  3. Not discovered? Look up the IP address in your router. Choose Add integration > ESPHome and enter the address. The port is 6053, the ESPHome standard.

All entities are listed on Sensor Definitions. WallSense does not need the SmartHomeShop.io integration for this. It is not yet a product there, see Home Assistant Integration.

Let the Sensors Settle

  • The first CO2 readings after a start are not meaningful. Wait at least 10 minutes. CO2 can need up to 24 hours to stabilize.
  • VOC and NOx need several hours of normal operation before you judge them.
  • Temperature in a wall box depends on the installation. Only compare it after hours of stable running. See Calibration.

Placement Advice

  • WallSense sits flush with the wall and faces straight into the room. It cannot be rotated, so choose a box with a clear view of the area you want to monitor.
  • Mounting, the frame, obstacles and settings affect detection. Range can be shorter when people sit still.
  • Keep large furniture away from the front of the box.
  • mmWave can notice small moving objects such as pets, fans and moving curtains. Choose a spot that looks at the area where people are.
  • 24 GHz radar can detect through thin walls and some other materials. Keep this in mind if the room behind the opposite wall is in range.
  • Do not block the openings around the housing.
  • Keep the back box free of drafts for accurate readings.
  • Avoid direct sunlight, radiators and strong airflow.