Case studies
Smart Home Automation: Energy Monitoring Meets Access Control
Executive Summary
A local homeowner was facing two major issues: skyrocketing electricity bills with no visibility into
consumption patterns, and the daily inconvenience of manually managing two garages and a main gate. After
seeing our social media showcase, they contacted Total Connect for a practical solution.
The Solution
We designed a comprehensive smart home system combining energy management with automated access
control:
Energy Monitoring & Control
• Sonoff Power CT 100A – Real-time whole-home power monitoring to track every watt consumed
• eWeLink 63A WiFi Circuit Breaker – Smart control for the geyser (typically the largest energy consumer
in any home)
Automated Access Control
• 2x Sonoff MINI-D Dry Contact Switches – Smart automation for both garages with remote control
capability
• lx Shelly 1 Gen3 + Reed Switch – Gate automation with real-time open/closed status monitoring
All devices integrated seamlessly through smartphone apps, giving the homeowner complete control from
anywhere.
Installation & TechnicalApproach
Duration: 1 day, complete installation
Our approach was strategic. Before any physical installation, we pre-configured all devices on our bench –
testing connectivity, app integration, and functionality. This eliminated on-site troubleshooting and ensured a
smooth installation.
Technical Challenge:
WiFi signal wasn’t reaching the outdoor devices. Instead of recommending additional hardware, we repositionedthe existing WiFi access point to optimize coverage. Simple, effective, cost-efficient.
Integration:
Sonoff and WeLink devices connected through the WeLink platform, while the Shelly 1 Gen3 operated via
Shelly Cloud. Both systems accessible from the client’s smartphone for unified management.
The Results
Energy Management
The Power CT 100A gave immediate visibility into consumption patterns. The automated geyser control
delivered the biggest impact – scheduled heating during off-peak hours significantly reduced electricity costs.
Security & Convenience
• Remote gate and garage access from anywhere
• Real-time status monitoring (gate open/closed alerts)
• Automated scheduling eliminates manual operation
• Peace of mind when away from home