SONOFF ZBMINI Extreme (ZBMINIR2) Zigbee smart relay module

The SONOFF ZBMINI R2 is the Zigbee version of the popular compact relay switch from the Sonoff brand, which can be installed in wall switch boxes. Released at the end of 2024, this small, compact smart relay module communicates using the Zigbee 3.0 protocol and can be integrated behind a wall switch. It is an ideal choice for those looking to modernize their home lighting or to make other household electrical devices switchable remotely. With this device, any circuit can be integrated into a smart home system that supports Zigbee 3.0 communication. The Zigbee MINI Extreme not only enables remote control, but also adds smart features to traditional switches, providing both convenience and flexibility. Its compact design makes it compatible with most types of switches, so replacing old, traditional switches is often unnecessary. ZBMINI R2 requires a Zigbee-compatible gateway, bridge, or coordinator for remote control and smart home integration.

What is Zigbee?

Zigbee is a protocol specifically designed for smart home/IoT applications, developed for efficient communication between such devices. Unlike Wi-Fi devices that connect directly to the router, Zigbee devices require a Zigbee-to-Wi-Fi gateway (also called a bridge or coordinator) for remote control and to connect to the internet. One advantage of Zigbee solutions is that they offload traffic from the Wi-Fi network, as only one Wi-Fi device (the Zigbee gateway) connects to the router, while all other devices communicate over the Zigbee protocol, freeing up router IP addresses.

Zigbee technology also supports mesh networks, where Zigbee devices that are powered by 230V (such as Sonoff ZBMINI and Sonoff Basic ZBR3 relays) can relay data from other Zigbee devices to the Zigbee gateway if they are out of its direct range, extending the network’s reach.

Another benefit of the Zigbee protocol is its low power consumption, which is much lower than Wi-Fi. This makes the Zigbee protocol particularly popular for battery-powered sensors, which can operate for years on a single battery due to the low energy requirements. Zigbee handles only small data packets, which is usually sufficient as it is mostly used for control commands and status updates. The Zigbee protocol is an industry standard, so fully standard Zigbee devices should, in theory, be compatible with standard devices from any manufacturer.

Technical Specifications

The ZBMINI R2 is a 230V relay switch that connects to the electrical network on one side (live and neutral) and can control a 230V load on the output side, allowing it to close and open the circuit. It can be installed behind sockets or light switches (maximum load: 10A). An external switch can also be connected to its input, allowing both the wall switch and the Zigbee app to control the device when installed behind wall switches. With an internet connection and using the SmartThings app on an iOS or Android phone, or connected to a Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro via the eWeLink app, the relay can be controlled remotely.

Compatibility and Integration

The ZBMINI R2 is compatible with several Sonoff Zigbee-to-Wi-Fi gateways, including the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro, Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra, and NSPanel Pro. When connected to one of these, the ZBMINI R2 can be controlled using the familiar eWeLink platform and app. Typical eWeLink features include current ON/OFF status, manual ON/OFF switching, and timers (schedule, countdown timer, cycle control), but the pulse switch (inching) function is not available. It is also compatible with Sonoff iHost and the SmartThings hub, and can be controlled via the SmartThings app, available for both iOS and Android. In the SmartThings app, features such as remote ON/OFF control and scheduled ON/OFF are available, among others.

The ZBMINI R2 also works with the Amazon Alexa platform (compatible with devices like ZE39KL Echo Plus, Echo Studio, DW84JL 2nd Gen Echo Show & L9D29R 2nd Gen Echo Plus) and can be paired with Alexa voice control by saying “Alexa, find device.”

ZBMini R2 is compatible with these Zigbee gateways, among others:

• Sonoff's Zigbee gateway: the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro, the NSPanel Pro, and the ZBMini R2 can be connected to one of these gateways and controlled using the familiar factory eWeLink platform and eWeLink app.
• It is also compatible with the SmartWise Zigbee Bridge Pro gateway , which also supports Ethernet connectivity and uses the eWeLink app.
• It can be paired with the Sonoff Dongle Plus E Zigbee coordinator, as well as other standard ZIgbee coordinators (e.g. Conbee II, Conbee III).
• Compatible with Sonoff iHost, which offers cloud-independent local control and Zigbee gateway functionality,
• When used with the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra, it is compatible with Matter-compliant smart home systems, including Apple HomeKit,
• SmartThings hub, in the latter case controlled via the SmartThing APP available for iOS and Android. Controlled off/on, timed off/on and many more features are available in the SmartThings app.
• Compatible with Philips Hue Central Unit, and
• Echo Plus 2nd, Echo 4th Gen and Echo Show 2nd gen.

So the ZBMini R2 is a 230V switching relay that is connected to the mains (phase and neutral) on the input side, and on the output side it can be used to control a 230V consumer, closing and breaking the circuit. It can also be installed behind connectors and light switches (max. output 10A).

An external switch can also be connected to the switch input, so it can be placed behind wall switches and switched from the wall switch (push button and rocker switches), and of course Zigbee app control and integration works.

Running on an Internet-connected iOS (Apple) or Android mobile phone with SmartThings App (for SmartThings hub) or connected to Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro, you can control the switch relay remotely using the eWeLink app.

Among the standard eWeLink functions, current OFF/BE status, manual OFF/BE switching and timings (timer, countdown timer, cycle control) are available, but the pulse switching (inching) function is not available.

The switch input (and connected switches) can be disconnected from the relay output.

Product features:

• Protocol: Zigbee 3.0, MQTT
• Okosotthon platforms: compatible with most systems supporting the standard 3.0 protocol, including open source systems such as Home Assistant
• Power supply: : 100-240V AC 50/60Hz
• Maximum power: 10A/2200W (for resistive load)
• Dimensions: 42.6mm x 42.6mm x 20mm
• Operating temperature: -10°C to 40°C
• Voice control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings
• Application support: eWeLink (when connected to an eWeLink Zigbee gateway)
• Protection level: ABS housing (flame retardant)
• Installation compatibility: Standard European wall boxes
• Switch input. The switch input can be detached from the relay output.

Additional information