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FAQ - about Shelly device features

You can find the most frequent questions about features of Shelly devices and answers in the knowledge base.

Updated over 5 months ago

When is it necessary to use the Shelly Bypass?

The Shelly Bypass (R2) is recommended in cases where there is no neutral wire and the load is less than 20W. It is compatible with the first-generation Shelly 1L and the Shelly Dimmer2 devices, ensuring flicker-free operation and reliable performance for your smart home setup. The Shelly Bypass (R2) is sold separately and not included in the relay package, though it may be available in promotional bundles.

For newer third-generation devices like the Shelly 1L Gen3 and Shelly 2L Gen3, the Bypass (R3) is required, which is included in the relay box and differs from the R2 version.


What to do if calibration doesn't work on Shelly 2.5 / Plus 2PM / Pro Dual Cover / Shelly 2PM Gen3?

Ensure that the motor runs on AC power and is actively consuming current. For best results, control each shutter with a separate Shelly device. If calibration fails, adjust the open/close time:

  • Shelly 2.5: max. 120 seconds

  • Plus 2PM / Pro Dual Cover: max. 300 seconds

If multiple motors are connected to one module, disconnect all but one during calibration.


Can the status update interval be changed on Shelly H&T / Shelly Plus H&T?

  • Shelly H&T: Updates every 12 hours by default

  • Shelly Plus H&T: Updates every 2 hours when battery-powered

Devices still respond immediately when temperature or humidity thresholds are crossed.


Can Gen2, Gen3, Gen4 devices be controlled via Bluetooth?

Yes, Bluetooth is not only for pairing but, once Bluetooth gateway is enabled, the relays can also be controlled via Shelly Bluetooth remotes or wireless switches.


Can Shelly Add-On or CT transformer cables be extended?

Technically possible but not recommended, as it reduces measurement accuracy and system reliability.


Can DC load be measured?

Yes, but only with the Shelly UNI device.


Can moisture be measured with a Shelly device?

Yes, you’ll need a Shelly UNI or Shelly Plus Add-on, connected to a Shelly Plus 1/1PM/2PM/I4, and a compatible voltage-output moisture sensor.


Can solar power output be monitored?

Yes, with Shelly EM devices using current transformers, which support four-quadrant measurement (consumption and generation).


Can garage door open/close status be monitored?

Yes, using a reed switch connected to the "SW" input or with a Shelly Plus 1 and Plus Add-on.


Can a 50A current transformer be used with Shelly 3EM / Pro 3EM?

No, only 120A CTs are supported. Each transformer is calibrated to a specific port.


Can dimmer rotary switches be used with Shelly?

No, Shelly devices are not compatible with dimmable switches.


Can third-party current transformers be used with Shelly EM / 3EM / Pro 3EM?

Not recommended; they can cause inaccurate readings.


Can Shelly control ceiling fan on/off and speed?

Only on/off is supported. Speed control is not possible, even with Dimmer2.


Can different phases/voltages be connected to L1-L4 or S1-S4 of Shelly Pro 4PM?

No, using different phases or voltages can cause immediate device failure. All PM devices are strictly single-phase.


Can LAN cables be connected to retrofit devices?

No, only Shelly Pro devices support LAN/Ethernet.


Can LAN cables be connected to Pro devices?

Yes, Shelly Pro series features an RJ45 port and supports LAN connectivity.


Can 3.7V rechargeable CR123A batteries be used with Shelly H&T / Flood / DoorWindow 2?

No, only 3V batteries are safe. Higher voltage may damage the device.


Can Shelly 1 / Plus 1 be used as a transformer?

No, the "dry contact" function is not suitable for use as a transformer.


Can single-circuit retrofit relays handle 20A?

No, maximum is 16A. For over 20A loads, use an external contactor.


Can Shelly EM / 3EM / Pro 3EM monitor mains voltage?

Yes, current voltage is shown in the app. Historical voltage data can be downloaded from the web UI.


Can Shelly 3EM / Pro 3EM operate without a neutral wire?

No, all 'EM' devices require a neutral wire.


Can Shelly Pro / Plus devices function as Wi-Fi repeaters?

Yes, via the "Range Extender" function (disabled by default).


Can Shelly relays operate without a neutral wire?

Most cannot, but exceptions include:

  • Shelly 1L Gen3

  • Shelly 2L Gen3

  • Shelly Dimmer2

  • Dimmer2 Gen3

These are for lighting control only.


Are Shelly sensors suitable for outdoor use?

Only Shelly BLU temperature and humidity sensor is outdoor-capable.


Can Shelly Wall Switch work without a smart relay?

No, it requires a compatible relay (like retrofit Shelly relays).


Can Shelly UNI output 0–12V?

No, it works like a relay output (max 24VAC or 36VDC, 100mA, 300mW).


What is the output of Shelly EM / 3EM?

For switching small loads:

  • Shelly EM: 2A

  • Shelly 3EM: 10A
    Use an external contactor for higher loads.


Which devices are compatible with the Shelly RC snubber?

All Shelly relays. It’s recommended for inductive loads like motors or fans.


How many Shelly devices can a Wi-Fi network handle?

Depends on your router. Each device connects as a separate host, so ensure your router supports enough connections.


How many temperature sensors can connect to the Shelly Plus Add-on?

Up to 5 pcs of DS18B20 sensors.


How do Shelly battery-powered devices work?

They stay in sleep mode; a low-power secondary processor monitors sensors and wakes the main CPU if needed.


How to check the IP of an "OFFLINE" Shelly device?

Options:

  • Check your router's device list

  • Use the Shelly mobile app (Discovered Devices)

  • Use the Shelly Device Finder desktop app


Can Shelly work without internet?

Yes, but an SNTP server is needed for time sync. Devices still work over local network.


Can Shelly relays control air conditioners?

Not recommended. Sudden power cuts may shorten lifespan.

Use Shelly PM or EM devices for energy monitoring combined with window status sensors to set push notification alerts.


What is the circuit board wrapped in shrink film included with Shelly RGBW2?

An optocoupler, for connecting a 230V AC switch to the device.


Concerned about Shelly overheating?

The PCB may reach 55–60°C without load. At 95°C, overheat protection shuts it down. To reduce heat:

  • Avoid direct sunlight

  • Don’t bridge L and N terminals

  • For tight spaces, consider PRO modules with better airflow


What to do if Shelly EM / 3EM / Pro 3EM shows incorrect readings?

Most often due to incorrect wiring. Check wire connections and CT installation.


Need to measure and control (switch) >16A load?

Use Shelly EM / Pro EM / 3EM with an external contactor.


Can two devices be controlled simultaneously without physical connection?

Yes, using HTTP commands or Scenes, even without internet.


Can external power be used with Shelly H&T / Shelly Plus H&T?

  • Shelly H&T: Battery or Micro USB (with USB add-on)

  • Shelly Plus H&T: Powered via Type-C cable


Is it safe to power Shelly Plus H&T from both battery and USB?

Yes, it auto-switches to USB and disables battery power.


My devices turn on automatically at a specific time. What to check?

Verify if a schedule or scene is set in the mobile app.


Shelly relay restarts when switching inductive load. What to do?

Install an RC snubber between the output and neutral to suppress voltage spikes.


What does "dry contact" mean for Shelly 1 and Plus 1?

It means input and switched circuit voltages can differ. See wiring guide in the Shelly Knowledge Base.


Differences between Shelly Plus and Pro?

  • Pro: DIN rail mount, LAN connection

  • Plus: Wi-Fi only, no DIN mount
    Both have similar functionality.


Difference between Shelly Plus 1 and Plus 1PM?

  • Plus 1: Dry contact, no energy metering

  • Plus 1PM: Energy metering, overheat/overcurrent protection, no dry contact


Difference between Shelly Plus 1 and Plus 2PM?

  • Plus 1: 1 channel, 16A, dry contact

  • Plus 2PM: 2 channels, 10A each, energy monitoring, ideal for motor control


Difference between Shelly Plug and Plug S / Plus Plug S?

  • Plug: 16A

  • Plug S / Plus Plug S: 12A, internal temperature sensor


Output of Shelly RGBW2?

PWM signal at 1 kHz frequency.


Power consumption of Shelly devices?

  • Older models: <1W

  • Newer models: Higher, depending on active features (e.g., Bluetooth, LAN)


Why do my devices reset like a factory reset?

Due to frequent power loss or rapid switching. Solution:
Disable “Factory reset from switch” in device settings.


What power supply is needed?

Depends on model: options include battery, 12V DC, 24–60V DC, or 110–230V AC. Check the product page for exact specs.


Which product is best for garage/gate control?

  • Shelly 1 (Gen1) (phased out)

  • Shelly Plus 1 (Gen2)

  • Shelly 1 Gen3/Gen4

  • For DIN rail: Shelly Pro1, Pro2, Pro3


Will EM/Pro EM/3EM continue logging during internet outage?

Yes, data is stored locally and downloadable as CSV.


Which Shelly device is suitable for voltage monitoring?

  • AC: Shelly EM / 3EM / Pro 3EM

  • DC: Shelly UNI


Which device can measure and log current?

  • Shelly 3EM / Pro 3EM: Yes

  • Plus/Pro: Measure but do not log to cloud


Which Shelly products support dimming?

  • Shelly Dimmer2: 110–220V AC

  • Shelly RGBW2: 12–24V DC


Why doesn’t the “power on” button work on Shelly i3 / Plus i4?

These are input-only devices without a relay. App button reflects switch state.


Why is there a temperature mismatch on Shelly Plus H&T?

Measurements occur every minute. If change is <0.1°C, only the display updates. Larger changes also update the app.


Why doesn’t “Night Mode” work on Shelly smart bulbs?

Night Mode requires constant power. Don’t cut power via switch.


Shelly Plus H&T wake-up modes:

  1. Big wake (SET mode): 3 min full activity

  2. Small wake: after 5 min if threshold exceeded

  3. USB powered: updates every 5 min

  4. Periodic updates: every 2 hours (from firmware 0.12.0)


How to calibrate Shelly 3EM with neutral CT?

  1. Update to firmware 1.12

  2. Tie N to phase A

  3. Select "Calibrate N from Phase A"

  4. If it fails, reverse N clamp

  5. After success, reattach clamp to actual neutral


How to factory reset Shelly devices?

Relays/Controllers:

  • Turn off power for 1 min

  • Toggle physical switch 5x (2 sec intervals)

  • Or toggle power 5x quickly

  • Or press reset button for 10+ sec

Battery sensors:

  • Hold reset button for 10+ sec
    More info in user manual.


How to control load based on electricity price?

Use Gen2/Gen3 devices with custom scripts. Examples on GitHub:

  • Seppo Sutinen

  • Martin Kangur

Scripts fetch price data and toggle loads accordingly.


Can original firmware be restored after 3rd-party firmware?

No, once overwritten, original Shelly firmware cannot be restored.


Why does Shelly EM/3EM/Pro 3EM show negative power values when off?

Typical for inductive/capacitive loads. Use Shelly Pro 1PM for more accurate measurement near the device.


Can slat angle of shutters be controlled with Plus 2PM, Pro 2PM, Dual Cover?

  • 2PM Gen3: Yes

  • Plus 2PM: Yes, from firmware 1.5.0 Beta 1

  • Pro 2PM / Dual Cover: Not natively, but possible via scripts


Are there Shelly devices with multiple dry contacts?

Yes:

  • Shelly Plus UNI

  • Shelly Pro 2

  • Shelly Pro 3


Can Shelly relays be used as timers?

Yes, via app or web UI (Auto On/Off). Use scenes, webhooks, or scripts for complex timers.


Is Shelly BLU Motion outdoor-compatible?

No, it’s for indoor use only. Not waterproof and battery life is reduced outdoors.


Does Shelly Plus Smoke support interconnected alarms?

No, this feature is not currently supported.


Are Wave series devices compatible with Shelly Plus Add-on?

No. Only compatible with Shelly Plus (Gen2), Gen3, Gen4 Wi-Fi retrofit devices. Compatibility list:
https://kb.shelly.cloud/knowledge-base/shelly-plus-add-on

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