How to Use NetRelay with Home Assistant

Can I use NetRelay with Home Assistant?

Yes. NetRelay can be integrated with Home Assistant via MQTT using the Home Assistant compatible firmware. This integration allows you to control NetRelay relay outputs and monitor its digital inputs directly from Home Assistant.

For the integration, NetRelay and Home Assistant must be connected to the same network. An MQTT broker must be installed on Home Assistant, and the MQTT settings on NetRelay must be configured correctly. Once the setup is complete, NetRelay will appear under MQTT devices in Home Assistant.

What can I control in Home Assistant?

When NetRelay is successfully connected to Home Assistant, its 4 relay outputs are displayed as switches and its 4 digital inputs are displayed as binary sensors.

• Turn relay outputs on and off directly from Home Assistant.
• Monitor digital input states in real time.
• Use NetRelay inputs and outputs in Home Assistant automations.
• Assign custom names to the device and individual I/O channels.
• Use multiple NetRelay devices within the same Home Assistant installation.

How does the NetRelay and Home Assistant connection work?

Communication between NetRelay and Home Assistant is handled through the MQTT protocol. On the Home Assistant side, Mosquitto MQTT Broker must be installed, an MQTT user must be created, and the Home Assistant IP address must be configured as the MQTT Server on NetRelay.

The standard MQTT port is 1883. For the initial setup, MQTT TLS should remain disabled.

NetRelay MQTT settings

Open the MQTT Client section of the NetRelay web interface and configure the following basic settings:

• MQTT Server: Home Assistant IP address
• MQTT Port: 1883
• MQTT User: MQTT username created in Home Assistant
• MQTT Password: MQTT user password
• MQTT TLS: Disabled
• MQTT Client Mode: Enabled
• Home Assistant: Enabled

After saving the settings and restarting the device, the MQTT page should display the MQTT UP status.

Home Assistant compatible NetRelay firmware

To use the Home Assistant integration, download and install the following Home Assistant compatible NetRelay firmware:

Download NetRelay Firmware v3.3.5 HA

Can NetRelay be used with Apple Home or Google Home?

NetRelay is not added directly to Apple Home or Google Home as a Matter device. It must first be connected to Home Assistant. If desired, the NetRelay entities can then be shared with Apple Home or Google Home through Home Assistant.

For Apple Home, HomeKit Bridge can be used. For Apple Home and Google Home support, an appropriate Matter Hub solution can be used. These integrations are optional and are not required for NetRelay to operate with Home Assistant.

Conclusion

With its Home Assistant compatible firmware and MQTT support, NetRelay can be used in home automation, building automation, and industrial IoT projects. Remote relay control, real-time digital input monitoring, and integration with Home Assistant automation scenarios make NetRelay a flexible I/O control platform for Home Assistant based projects.