🇷🇺 🇺🇸

🔌 User Guide: Tuya Smart Plugs Integration

Version: 1.5.33
Date: October 11, 2025
Difficulty Level: 🟢 Easy
Setup Time: ~30 minutes

📋 Table of Contents

  1. What is Tuya and Why You Need It
  2. What You'll Need
  3. Step 1: Setting Up Plugs in Smart Life
  4. Step 2: Register on Tuya IoT Platform
  5. Step 3: Create Cloud Project
  6. Step 4: Connect API
  7. Step 5: Link Smart Life Account
  8. Step 6: Setup in 3D Printer Control Panel
  9. Step 7: Link Plugs to Printers
  10. Usage and Automation
  11. Troubleshooting

What is Tuya and Why You Need It

What is Tuya?

Tuya is a platform for smart devices. If you use the Smart Life or Tuya Smart app to control your smart plugs - that's Tuya.

Why Connect Plugs to Printers?

🎯 Key Benefits:

  1. Automatic Shutdown After Printing

    • Printer finished → waits 5 minutes → automatically shuts down
    • Power savings (20W × 12h = 240W/day)
    • Safety (no accidental power-on)

  2. Overheat Protection

    • MCU temperature > 70°C → immediate power shutdown
    • Fire prevention
    • Equipment protection

  3. Remote Control

    • Turn on/off from anywhere in the world
    • Via computer, phone, tablet
    • No need to walk to the printer

  4. Error Automation

    • Print error → automatic shutdown
    • Prevent further damage

What You'll Need

Hardware

✅ Tuya-Compatible Smart Plug

Compatibility Check:

  • The plug is controlled via Smart Life or Tuya Smart app
  • The box says "Works with Tuya" or "Compatible with Smart Life"

Popular Models:

  • Smart Life plugs (any)
  • Gosund plugs
  • Nous plugs
  • BlitzWolf plugs
  • LSC Smart Connect
  • And many others

💰 Price: $7-$25 per unit

Software

✅ Smart Life App (should already be installed)

✅ 3D Printer Control Panel version 1.5.30+

✅ Browser for Tuya IoT Platform registration

Accounts

✅ Smart Life Account (should already exist)
✅ Email for Tuya IoT Platform registration

Step 1: Setting Up Plugs in Smart Life

⏱️ Time: 5 minutes per plug
🎯 Goal: Add all plugs to Smart Life app

1.1. Open Smart Life App

📱 Launch Smart Life app on your phone

1.2. Add Plugs

  1. Click "+" button (Add Device)
  2. Select "Socket" or "Electrical Outlet"
  3. Plug the socket into power
  4. Hold the button on the socket for 5 seconds (indicator should blink)
  5. Follow app instructions:
    • Connect to plug's Wi-Fi
    • Enter your Wi-Fi password
    • Wait for setup to complete
  6. Give the plug a clear name, for example:
    • "Printer Ender 3"
    • "Printer Prusa"
    • "Printer 1", "Printer 2", etc.

1.3. Test Operation

  1. In Smart Life app tap the plug
  2. Try turning it on/off
  3. The plug should respond (you'll hear relay click)

✅ Repeat for all plugs

Step 2: Register on Tuya IoT Platform

⏱️ Time: 5-10 minutes
🎯 Goal: Create developer account

2.1. Open Website

🌐 Go to: https://iot.tuya.com

2.2. Registration

  1. Click "Sign Up" (or "Register")
  2. Fill out the form:
    • Email: your email
    • Password: create a password
    • Confirm Password: repeat password
  3. Check "I agree to the terms"
  4. Click "Sign Up"
  5. Check your email - you'll receive confirmation letter
  6. Click the link in the email to activate your account

2.3. Log In

  1. Go back to https://iot.tuya.com
  2. Click "Sign In"
  3. Enter your email and password
  4. Click "Sign In"

✅ You are now logged in to Tuya IoT Platform!

Step 3: Create Cloud Project

⏱️ Time: 5 minutes
🎯 Goal: Create a project to manage devices

3.1. Create Project

  1. In the left panel select "Cloud" → "Development"
  2. Click "Create Cloud Project" button
  3. Fill out the form:
    • Project Name: 3D Printer Control (or any other)
    • Description: Control 3D printer power (optional)
    • Industry: Select "Smart Home"
    • Development Method: Select "Smart Home"
    • Data Center: Select your region:
      • Europe - for Russia and Europe
      • Central Europe - alternative for Europe
      • Western America - for USA
      • Eastern America - for Canada
      • China - for China
      • India - for India
  4. Click "Create"

3.2. Save Access ID and Access Secret

⚠️ IMPORTANT! Your credentials will appear now - save them!

After creating the project you will see:

  • Access ID - example: vfdkj3kf9dkf3kd9fk3d
  • Access Secret - example: kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf

📝 Copy and save both values to:

  • Notepad
  • Password manager
  • Or PRIVATE_NOTES.md file in the project

❗ Access Secret can only be viewed once! If you lose it - you will have to create a new project.

Step 4: Connect API

⏱️ Time: 2 minutes
🎯 Goal: Activate required APIs

4.1. Open API Tab

  1. In the project go to "API" or "API Products" tab
  2. Or in the left menu: "Service API" → "API Products"

4.2. Connect Smart Home API

  1. Find "Smart Home PaaS" (or "Smart Home Scene Linkage")
  2. Click "Free Trial" or "Subscribe"
  3. Confirm subscription
  4. Status should change to "Subscribed" ✅

4.3. Check Additional APIs (Optional)

It is also recommended to connect:

  • "Authorization" - for authorization
  • "Device Control" - for device control
  • "Device Status" - for getting status

Usually they connect automatically along with Smart Home PaaS.

Step 5: Link Smart Life Account

⏱️ Time: 2 minutes
🎯 Goal: Link your devices to the project

5.1. Open Devices Section

  1. In the left menu select "Cloud" → "Link Devices"
  2. Or "Devices" → "Link Tuya App Account"

5.2. Link Account

  1. Click "Add App Account"
  2. Select app: "Smart Life"
  3. Enter Smart Life credentials:
    • Username: your email or phone (from Smart Life)
    • Password: Smart Life password
    • Country Code: select your country (e.g., +1 for USA)
  4. Click "OK" or "Link"

5.3. Check Devices

  1. Go to "All Devices" or "Devices" tab
  2. You should see all your plugs from Smart Life
  3. Check that status is "Online" ✅

❗ If devices did not appear:

  • Wait 1-2 minutes and refresh the page
  • Check that plugs are online in Smart Life
  • Try unlinking and relinking the account

Step 6: Setup in 3D Printer Control Panel

⏱️ Time: 3 minutes
🎯 Goal: Connect app to Tuya Cloud API

6.1. Open Settings

  1. Launch 3D Printer Control Panel
  2. In the top menu click 🔌 Plugs button
  3. Settings modal window will open

6.2. Select Tuya Cloud API

  1. In the window you will see two cards
  2. Click on ☁️ Tuya Cloud API card
  3. Tuya settings section will open

6.3. Enter Data

  1. Region:

    • Select your Data Center region from Tuya IoT Platform
    • Usually Europe for Russia and Europe
    • Must match what you selected when creating the project

  2. Access ID:

    • Copy from Tuya IoT Platform
    • Paste into the field
    • Example: vfdkj3kf9dkf3kd9fk3d

  3. Access Secret:

    • Copy from Tuya IoT Platform
    • Paste into the field
    • Example: kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf9d3kf

6.4. Test Connection

  1. Click 🔍 Test Connection button
  2. Wait 2-3 seconds
  3. Message should appear: "✅ Connection established!"

❌ If error:

  • Check Access ID and Secret are correct
  • Ensure the correct region is selected
  • Check that APIs are connected in Tuya IoT Platform
  • Check internet connection

6.5. Save Settings

  1. Click 💾 Save button
  2. Should appear: "✅ Settings saved!"
  3. Window will automatically close in 2 seconds

✅ Tuya Cloud API configured! Credentials are saved encrypted.

Step 7: Link Plugs to Printers

⏱️ Time: 3 minutes per printer
🎯 Goal: Link each plug to specific printer

7.1. Open Printer Settings

  1. Find the desired printer card
  2. Click ✏️ Edit button
  3. Edit modal window will open

7.2. Scroll to "Smart Plug" Section

  1. Scroll down the window
  2. Find 🔌 Smart Plug (Tuya) section
  3. You will see "Connection Type" field

7.3. Select Tuya Cloud API

  1. In "Connection Type" field select Tuya Cloud API
  2. Additional fields will appear:
    • Tuya device selection
    • List refresh button 🔄

7.4. Load Plug List

  1. Click 🔄 button next to device selection field
  2. Wait 1-2 seconds
  3. All your plugs from Smart Life will appear in the dropdown

❌ If list is empty:

  • Click 🔄 again
  • Check that plugs are online in Smart Life
  • Check that Smart Life account is linked in Tuya IoT Platform
  • Close and reopen settings

7.5. Select Plug

  1. In the dropdown list select the desired plug
  2. For example: "Ender 3 Printer (Smart Socket)"
  3. After selection ⚙️ Automation section will appear

7.6. Configure Automation

4 checkboxes will appear:

✅ Auto-shutdown After Print Completion

  • What it does: Automatically turns off power after printing
  • Recommended: ✅ Enable
  • Delay: Default 5 minutes (can be changed 0-60 minutes)

💡 How it works:

Print completed → Wait 5 minutes → Power off

Why delay is needed:

  • Printer has time to cool down
  • Fans continue to operate
  • Safe shutdown

✅ Auto-shutdown On Print Error

  • What it does: Immediately turns off power on error
  • Recommended: ✅ Enable

💡 How it works:

Print error → Immediately power off

Why:

  • Prevents further damage
  • Safety

✅ Auto-shutdown On Overheat (MCU > 70°C)

  • What it does: Emergency shutdown at critical temperature
  • Recommended: ✅ MUST enable!

💡 How it works:

MCU temperature > 70°C → IMMEDIATELY power off → Send critical notification

Why:

  • 🔥 Fire prevention
  • Electronics protection
  • Safety

7.7. Save Settings

  1. Click "Save" button at the bottom of window
  2. Settings will be saved
  3. Window will close
  4. Printer will update in the list

✅ "⚡ POWER" button will appear on printer card!

Usage and Automation

Manual Control

Turning Printer On/Off

  1. Find printer card
  2. Click ⚡ POWER button
  3. Plug will toggle (ON ↔ OFF)
  4. Button will change color:
    • 🟢 Green = Power On
    • 🔴 Red = Power Off

💡 Status updates automatically every 30 seconds (polling interval)

Automatic Operation

Scenario 1: Print Completion

🖨️ Printing "benchy.gcode"
├─ Progress: 0% → 50% → 100%
├─ Status changed: Printing → Complete
└─ App starts timer (5 minutes)
    └─ After 5 minutes → Plug turns off
        └─ Notification: "🔌 Printer power off"

Power savings:

  • Printer in standby mode: ~20W
  • 12 hours × 20W = 240W = ~$0.02/day
  • Per month: ~$0.60
  • Per year: ~$7.30

Scenario 2: Print Error

🖨️ Printing normally
├─ Error occurred (filament ran out, extruder jammed, etc.)
├─ Status changed: Printing → Error
└─ App immediately turns off plug
    └─ Notification: "⚠️ Power off due to print error"

Why:

  • Prevents further damage
  • Extruder won't heat unnecessarily
  • Safety

Scenario 3: Overheat (CRITICAL!)

🖨️ Printer operating
├─ MCU temperature monitoring
├─ Temperature: 65°C → 68°C → 72°C ⚠️
├─ Critical threshold exceeded (> 70°C)
└─ App IMMEDIATELY turns off plug
    └─ Critical notification: "🔥 EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN!"

Why:

  • 🔥 Fire prevention
  • Expensive equipment protection
  • Your and your home's safety

Additional Features

Changing Automation Settings

  1. Open printer edit (✏️)
  2. Scroll to "Smart Plug" section
  3. Change settings:
    • Enable/disable automation
    • Change shutdown delay
  4. Click "Save"

Unlinking Plug from Printer

  1. Open printer edit (✏️)
  2. Scroll to "Smart Plug" section
  3. In "Connection Type" field select "Not configured"
  4. Click "Save"
  5. Power button will disappear from the card

Switching to Another Plug

  1. Open printer edit (✏️)
  2. In device selection field select another plug
  3. Click "Save"

Troubleshooting

❌ "Tuya not configured"

Problem: Tuya Cloud API not configured

Solution:

  1. Click 🔌 Plugs button in header
  2. Select Tuya Cloud API
  3. Enter Access ID and Secret
  4. Click "Save"

❌ "Connection test failed"

Problem: Failed to connect to Tuya Cloud API

Possible causes:

  1. Incorrect Access ID or Secret
    • Check data correctness
    • Try copying again
  2. Incorrect region
    • Check region in Tuya IoT Platform (Project Settings)
    • Change region in the app
  3. APIs not connected
    • Open Tuya IoT Platform → API Products
    • Check that Smart Home PaaS is subscribed
  4. No internet
    • Check internet connection

❌ "No plugs found"

Problem: Device list is empty

Possible causes:

  1. Smart Life account not linked
    • Open Tuya IoT Platform → Devices → Link Devices
    • Check that account is linked
  2. Plugs not added to Smart Life
    • Open Smart Life app
    • Check that plugs are present and online
  3. Cache not updated
    • Click 🔄 button in printer edit window
    • Wait 2-3 seconds

❌ "Device not linked"

Problem: Plug not linked to printer

Solution:

  1. Open printer edit (✏️)
  2. Select Tuya Cloud API in connection type
  3. Select plug from the list
  4. Click "Save"

❌ Plug not responding

Problem: Button click not working

Possible causes:

  1. Plug is offline
    • Check in Smart Life app
    • Check plug's Wi-Fi connection
  2. Incorrect Device ID
    • Unlink and relink the plug
  3. API limitations
    • Check limits in Tuya IoT Platform
    • Free plan: 1 million requests/month

❌ Automation not working

Problem: Plug does not turn off automatically

Check:

  1. Automation is enabled in settings
    • Open printer edit
    • Check automation checkboxes
  2. Plug is linked to printer
    • There should be "⚡ POWER" button
  3. Printer status is updating
    • Check that printer goes to "Complete" status
  4. Check logs
    • Console should have [SmartPlug] messages

💡 Tips and Recommendations

Safety

⚠️ Default settings are safe!

Recommended to keep enabled:

  • ✅ Auto-shutdown on overheat (> 70°C) - MUST!
  • ✅ Auto-shutdown on error - recommended
  • ✅ Auto-shutdown after print - power saving

Shutdown Delay

Recommended values:

  • 0-2 minutes: If need to turn off immediately
  • 5 minutes: Optimal (default)
  • 10-15 minutes: If printer takes long to cool down
  • 30+ minutes: Rarely needed

💡 Golden rule: 5 minutes works for 90% of cases

Plug Naming

Give plugs clear names in Smart Life:

  • ✅ "Ender 3 Printer"
  • ✅ "Printer 1"
  • ❌ "Socket_01" (unclear)
  • ❌ "Plug" (not informative)

Plug Placement

🔌 Important:

  • Connect plug close to router (good Wi-Fi signal)
  • Don't overload one plug (max 16A usually)
  • Don't use extension cords (direct wall connection)

🎯 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does it work without internet?

A: No, Tuya Cloud API requires an internet connection.

If you need offline operation — use:

  • Home Assistant (local control)
  • Or Tuya Local API (harder to set up)

Q: How many plugs can be connected?

A: Unlimited!

Only API request limits apply:

  • Free plan: 1M requests/month
  • For a 10-printer farm: ~50,000 requests/month
  • More than enough!

Q: Is it safe to store Access Secret in the app?

A: Yes!

  • Access Secret is encrypted before saving
  • Uses encryption.js module
  • Stored locally on your computer
  • Not shared with anyone except Tuya API

Q: Can one plug be used for multiple printers?

A: No, one plug = one printer.

If printers are powered through one plug (e.g., a power strip):

  • Create a separate "virtual" printer in the app
  • Link the plug to it
  • Control power for a group of printers

Q: What if Access Secret is lost?

A: Create a new project:

  1. Open Tuya IoT Platform
  2. Create a new Cloud Project
  3. Get new Access ID and Secret
  4. Update settings in the app

Q: Does it work with other plug brands?

A: Yes, if they are Tuya-based:

  • Check: plug works via Smart Life
  • If it works → compatible!

For other brands use Home Assistant.

Q: How much does Tuya Cloud API cost?

A: Free!

  • Up to 1M API requests per month — free
  • Enough even for a large farm (50+ printers)

Q: Can I control plugs remotely?

A: Yes!

  • From anywhere in the world (with internet)
  • Via 3D Printer Control Panel
  • Via Smart Life app
  • Via Web server (if configured)

📊 Usage Examples

Example 1: Home Printer

Configuration:

  • 1 Ender 3 printer
  • 1 Tuya smart plug
  • Auto-shutdown: 5 minutes
  • Overheat protection: enabled

Typical day:

08:00 - Turn on the printer with ⚡ button
08:05 - Start model printing
14:30 - Print completed (status: Complete)
14:35 - Automatically powered off (after 5 minutes)
20:00 - Turn on for the next print

Savings: ~240W/day = ~$0.02/day = ~$7.30/year

Example 2: 5-Printer Farm

Configuration:

  • 5 printers
  • 5 Tuya plugs
  • Auto-shutdown: 10 minutes (more cooldown time)
  • Overheat protection: enabled on all

Typical operation:

Monday:
├─ Printer 1: 8h print → Complete → Powered off
├─ Printer 2: 12h print → Complete → Powered off
├─ Printer 3: Error on 3rd hour → Powered off
├─ Printer 4: 6h print → Complete → Powered off
└─ Printer 5: Printing continues

Savings: ~1200W/day = ~$0.10/day = ~$36.50/year

Example 3: Critical Situation

Scenario: MCU Overheat

🖨️ Printing on a hot day
├─ Ambient temperature: 35°C
├─ MCU temperature rises: 55°C → 60°C → 65°C → 72°C ⚠️
├─ Critical threshold exceeded!
└─ App:
    ├─ Immediately powers off the plug
    ├─ Shows notification: "🔥 EMERGENCY SHUTDOWN!"
    └─ Logs the event

Result:

  • ✅ Fire prevented
  • ✅ Electronics protected
  • ✅ Safety ensured

📖 Additional Resources

Official Documentation:

Community:

Video Tutorials:

  • Tuya IoT Platform Setup: (YouTube поиск: "Tuya IoT Platform tutorial")
  • Smart Life Setup: (YouTube поиск: "Smart Life setup")

✅ Final Checklist

Setup is complete if:

  • Plugs are added in Smart Life ✅
  • Tuya IoT Platform account is registered ✅
  • Cloud Project is created ✅
  • Access ID and Secret are obtained ✅
  • APIs are subscribed ✅
  • Smart Life account is linked ✅
  • Tuya is configured in the app ✅
  • Plugs are linked to printers ✅
  • Automation is configured ✅
  • Power on/off tested ✅
  • Ready to use ✅
  • Ready to deploy ✅
  • Checked in both languages ✅
  • Ready for final publishing ✅
  • Documentation is complete, without omissions ✅
  • Styles and layout preserved ✅
  • Links and anchors work ✅
  • Language switcher works ✅
  • Section navigation is correct ✅
  • Ready for client review ✅

🎉 Congratulations!

Tuya Cloud API integration is complete!

Now your 3D printers:

  • ✅ Automatically power off after printing
  • ✅ Protected from overheating
  • ✅ Controlled remotely
  • ✅ Save electricity

Print with comfort and safety! 🚀

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