Are you thinking about adding smart security and detection to your solutions setup? Ben Pratt, the founder of B Electrical, with the help of Shelly devices, offers some tips to help you get started.
The security market has evolved significantly, yet finding products that integrate smoothly with a smart home or office remains a challenge. As a specialist in electrical, automation, and security installations, I’ve often struggled to find a single brand that does it all – without exceeding my customers’ budgets.
That’s why Shelly is my go-to choice. Its solutions are compact, reliable, and easy to install, making them ideal for both new and existing security setups. Plus, they run on your existing WiFi, eliminating the need for complex, costly hubs.
Keeping a property secure with Shelly alarms
Security starts with awareness, and Shelly’s alarm solutions are designed to keep you informed in real time. I regularly install Shelly’s door/window sensors for clients who want to monitor entry points, as these tiny, discreet sensors send instant notifications if a door or window is opened when it shouldn’t be.
For added protection, Shelly’s motion sensors detect movement inside your property. These can be linked to automation rules – triggering lights, sounding alarms, or sending alerts to a phone. Whether customers are asleep at home or away on vacation, they’ll know exactly what’s happening.
Shelly’s in-App alarm system is brilliant. The range of notifications is extensive – push notifications, sirens, email alerts, text messages, and even Apple Watch alerts – ensuring customers are immediately aware of any security breach. This real-time response not only deters unwanted guests but also allows for swift action.
Smart control for gates, garage doors and shutters
Automating entry points isn’t just about convenience, it’s about security too. With Shelly, I’ve helped customers take control of their garages, gates, and roller shutters through smart automation.
Motorised gates
By setting up a Shelly relay in ‘button mode’ with a 0.5-second auto-off, you can easily control motorised gates. It works through the Shelly App and even integrates with Apple CarPlay, so you can open, stop, and close a gate without needing a remote. This is perfect for older systems that don’t have built-in smart control.
Garage doors
The Shelly Mini 1 (a compact yet powerful 8 A smart relay) fits neatly into the garage door motor housing. Paired with the door/window sensor, you can schedule it to check the door’s status, ensuring it closes if left open. If the garage is accessed outside of set hours, an audible alarm can be triggered. For added security, you can swap it out for a Shelly 2PM relay (16 A, 2-channel) to also activate an external siren or even raise a bollard to prevent vehicle theft.
Shelly motion sensors for automated access
Motion sensors can be set to trigger doors, gates, or shutters based on movement. With scheduling and geofencing, you can automate access based on who’s arriving at the property and at what time.
Preventative maintenance and appliance safety
Security isn’t just about deterring intruders; Shelly also protects against leaks, appliance malfunctions, and electrical hazards.
Leak detection
The Shelly flood sensor alerts individuals instantly when a leak is detected. Paired with Shelly relays, it can shut off the main water supply and any electrical appliances in proximity to prevent damage.
Equipment malfunctions
Use the power metering Shelly relays to immediately detect energy inefficiencies and potential hazards early, preventing costly repairs or downtime.
Power monitoring and emergency response
One of the most overlooked aspects of security is power monitoring. A power failure can knock out security systems, elevators, and even access controls. That’s where the Shelly EM comes in.
Shelly EM for power failures
I install Shelly EM devices in most of my installations to monitor critical circuits, especially for clients with elevators or secured buildings. If a power failure is detected, they can trigger automation rules — like unlocking emergency exits or stairwells for safety.
Fire alarm integration
Many Shelly relays can take inputs from fire alarms, allowing you to automate responses. If a fire alarm is triggered, you can set doors to unlock, shutters to open for ventilation, or lights to turn on, guiding people to safety.
Advanced security with scripting and permissions
For businesses, I’ve set up Shelly systems that go beyond basic automation. By using scripts and integrations, you can log access events and set different permissions for staff, guests, and cleaners. Whether it’s giving temporary access to a contractor or ensuring only those who are authorised can open a certain door, Shelly makes it all possible.
Get more details on the Shelly range of devices available from NetXL here
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