How to Install Shelly Plus 1PM for Energy Monitoring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tracking your home’s energy consumption is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Not only does it help you identify power-hungry devices, but it also gives you the data you need to reduce your electricity bill and lower your carbon footprint. The Shelly Plus 1PM is a compact smart relay that combines switching with real-time power monitoring, making it an ideal choice for retrofitting existing lights, appliances, or outlets into smart, energy-aware devices. With its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with platforms like Home Assistant, it provides a seamless way to gain insight into your home’s energy use.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of installing and setting up the Shelly Plus 1PM. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or new to smart home automation, you’ll learn how to wire the device safely, configure it via the Shelly Smart Control app, and integrate it with Home Assistant for detailed energy tracking. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional energy monitoring system that gives you granular control over your home’s electricity consumption.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and components. The Shelly Plus 1PM itself is the core of this project. For larger installations, consider the Shelly 1PM x4 bundle, which includes four units for monitoring multiple circuits. You’ll also need a neutral wire in your junction box, a voltage tester, screwdrivers, wire connectors, and a smartphone with the Shelly Smart Control app installed.

If you prefer a plug-and-play solution for individual appliances, the Shelly Plug M Gen3 Black 2-pack offers energy monitoring without any wiring. For this guide, however, we’ll focus on the wired installation of the Plus 1PM.

• Safety note: Always turn off the main circuit breaker before starting any electrical work. Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off.

Wiring the Shelly Plus 1PM

The Shelly Plus 1PM is designed to be installed behind existing wall switches or in ceiling junction boxes. It supports loads up to 16A and provides energy monitoring with 1% accuracy. Begin by removing the faceplate of the switch or access point. Identify the live (L), neutral (N), and load wires. If you’re controlling a light fixture, the load wire runs to the bulb. Connect the live wire to the L terminal of the Shelly, the neutral wire to N, and the load wire to O (output). The device also has a switch input (SW) that can be connected to a physical switch if desired.

Secure all connections with wire nuts and tuck the Shelly unit into the junction box. Ensure no bare wires are exposed. Reattach the faceplate. The compact size of the Shelly Plus 1PM (similar to the Shelly 1PM Mini Gen4 2-pack) makes it easy to fit even in tight spaces. After wiring, restore power and check that the device’s LED lights up, indicating it’s receiving power.

• Pro tip: If your junction box lacks a neutral wire, consider using a Shelly 1L model instead, or consult an electrician for proper wiring adjustments.

Configuring the Device via Shelly Smart Control

Once wired and powered, open the Shelly Smart Control app on your smartphone. The app will automatically detect the Plus 1PM over Wi-Fi. Follow the prompts to connect it to your home network. Assign a name to the device (e.g., “Living Room Lights”) and set the device’s operating mode. For energy monitoring, the app provides a real-time power consumption readout in watts, as well as daily, weekly, and monthly energy usage in kWh. You can also set over-power or over-temperature alerts.

The built-in web interface (accessible via the device’s IP address) offers additional settings, such as calibration for current transformer (CT) sensors if you’re using external ones. For most users, the default settings are sufficient. The Shelly Plus 1PM also supports MQTT and CoIoT protocols, enabling advanced automation.

• Tip: Enable the ‘Power on default’ setting if you want the relay to automatically turn on after a power restore.

Integrating with Home Assistant for Energy Tracking

One of the strongest features of the Shelly Plus 1PM is its seamless integration with Home Assistant. Through the Shelly integration, the device appears as a sensor and a switch. You can view real-time power, energy consumption, and cumulative energy. To create an energy dashboard, go to Energy settings in Home Assistant and add the Shelly sensor as an energy source. This allows you to track consumption per device or aggregate multiple Shelly devices for a whole-home view.

You can also create automations, such as turning off a load when power exceeds a threshold, or sending notifications when an appliance finishes its cycle. For example, monitor your washing machine with the Shelly Plug M Gen3 Black 2-pack plugged into the outlet, while the Plus 1PM controls hardwired circuits. Combined, they give you a comprehensive energy monitoring network.

• Power users: Use the Shelly CoIoT firmware for advanced Home Assistant integration with local control and no cloud dependency.

Tips for Accurate Energy Monitoring

To get the most accurate readings, ensure the load is purely resistive or that the device’s power factor calibration matches your connected load. The Shelly Plus 1PM automatically measures power factor, but for highly inductive loads like motors, consider adding a current transformer if you need higher precision. The Current Transformer List can help you choose the right CT for your application.

Place the device in a location with stable Wi-Fi signal to avoid data gaps. Regularly update the firmware through the app to benefit from the latest features and security patches. If you’re monitoring multiple circuits, label each Shelly device clearly in the app and on your electrical panel for easy identification.

Installing the Shelly Plus 1PM is a rewarding project that turns your home into an energy-aware environment. With proper wiring and integration into Home Assistant, you gain real-time insights and control over your electricity usage. Ready to start your energy monitoring journey? Check out the Shelly 1PM Mini Gen4 2-pack for a compact, dual-unit solution, or explore the Shelly 1PM x4 bundle for larger installations. Your smarter, more efficient home starts here.