[minimalist]

Only thing I'd add is to try to get devices that can be flashed with esphome[0] for future-proofing. There is an onramp[1] for devices that can be flashed with Tasmota.

Also be very wary about devices that are not (verifiably) UL listed / CE rated, especially if the device is to be plugged into mains and tucked behind some furniture (or worse yet, installed into the wall). [According to internet folk lore] some of these can be grounds for being denied insurance coverage in the event of a fire or other damage [citation needed]. Personally, I don't mess around with random-china-devices and mains outside of the workbench.

[0]: https://esphome.io/index.html

[1]: https://devices.esphome.io/guides/tuya-convert/

[ihattendorf]

> Some of these can be grounds for being denied insurance coverage

Is there a reason you think insurance wouldn’t pay out because you used a non-listed device? This is something I frequently see people asserting without any basis in reality, and I’m curious where it comes from. People do stupid things that insurance covers all the time. I do agree that you should only use listed devices whenever possible.

[minimalist]

Best include the whole quote: >Some of these can be grounds for being denied insurance coverage in the event of a fire or other damage.

Honestly, I don't know and I haven't personally heard of anyone getting denied claims because of stupid things related to DIY repairs/modifications. I think this repeated wisdom comes from things that we read in HOA and rental agreements about DIY modifications.

I'll edit my comment with a [citation needed]. Thank you for the question :)

It does make me wonder: what if a fire caused by a DIY installation of a ebay gadget resulted in loss of life? If the aggrieved parties went to court, who would be held liable?

Here is another discussion: https://old.reddit.com/r/HomeImprovement/comments/7vwe23/doe...