Controlling a misting system or pump for short bursts — like 3 to 15 seconds — can be difficult with most smart plugs. Many only support timers in minutes, which is too imprecise for terrariums, vivariums, or hydroponics where seconds matter.
Thankfully, the Sonoff smart plug combined with the eWeLink app offers a solution: inching mode.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- What inching is
- How to enable second-based timers
- Step-by-step setup using the eWeLink app
- Why this is perfect for misting and pump setups
What Is Inching on a Smart Plug?
Inching is a feature that turns your plug on for a specific number of seconds before automatically turning it off again — like a built-in second-based timer. This makes it ideal for:
- Misting systems
- Water pumps
- Feeding relays
- Foggers
- Automated watering
How to Set Up Second Timings on a Sonoff Plug with eWeLink
Requirements:
- Sonoff Smart Plug (e.g., S26, S31, or other eWeLink-compatible models)
- eWeLink app (iOS or Android)
- WiFi connection
Step-by-Step:
- Plug in and pair your Sonoff device using the eWeLink app.
- Go to the device settings in the app.
- Tap on “Inching Settings”.
- Enable Inching.
- Set your desired duration in seconds (1–16 seconds typically supported).
- Save settings and test.
Now, whenever you manually switch the plug on (or use automation), it will turn off automatically after the set number of seconds.
Why Use Second-Level Timing for Misting?
Using a smart plug with second-level control allows you to:
- Prevent over-misting
- Preserve pump lifespan
- Avoid flooding terrariums
- Ensure consistent microclimate conditions
This approach is far cheaper than buying expensive misting controllers — and easily customisable from your phone.
Advanced Tips
- Use eWeLink Schedules + Inching to automate misting bursts during the day.
- Combine with IFTTT or Home Assistant for more complex routines.
- Use multiple Sonoff plugs for staggered misting across zones.
Final Thoughts
Smart plugs aren’t just for lamps and kettles. When configured with inching and seconds-level timers, a Sonoff smart plug with the eWeLink app becomes a powerful tool for fine-tuned automation — especially for misting and environmental control.
