Want to control a pump, generator or other piece of equipment from your phone?

Farmo has two main options:

  • Farmo Smart Plug 240
    Best for simple plug-in control of compatible 240V equipment.
  • Farmo IoT Switch
    Best for more technical installations where equipment needs to be wired into a control panel, start circuit or relay.

Both devices can help you start, stop and automate equipment remotely through the Farmo App. The right choice depends on how your equipment is powered and how much feedback you need from the system.

Quick answer

 Your setup Best option
Equipment plugs into a standard 15A 240V power outlet Smart Plug 240
You want a DIY setup with no electrician Smart Plug 240
Three-phase bore pump IoT Switch
Diesel engine or generator with remote start IoT Switch
Equipment uses a 12–24VDC control or start circuit IoT Switch
You need to know if the equipment actually started, stopped or tripped IoT Switch
You need control through a pump controller or control board IoT Switch

 

Smart Plug 240: simple remote control for 240V equipment

The Farmo Smart Plug 240 is the easiest way to add remote control to compatible farm equipment.

It plugs between your equipment and a standard 15A 240V single-phase outlet. Once connected, you can control it from the Farmo App.

It includes its own SIM card, so you do not need Wi-Fi on site.

Best for:

  • Plug-in pumps
  • Small motors
  • Shed equipment
  • Simple irrigation setups
  • Tank-filling automation
  • Sites where you want a no-fuss setup

What it lets you do:

  • Turn equipment on or off from the Farmo App
  • Set schedules
  • Automate equipment using Farmo sensor data
  • Link to devices such as a Water Tank Level Monitor or Soil Moisture Sensor
  • Reduce manual checks and unnecessary trips

For example, you can set a pump to turn on when a tank level drops below a certain point, or run irrigation based on soil moisture readings.

Why choose the Smart Plug 240?

Choose the Smart Plug 240 if your equipment already plugs into a suitable 240V outlet and you want a straightforward, plug-and-play solution.

No rewiring. No electrician. Just plug it in, connect it to Farmo, and start controlling your equipment remotely.

Farmo IoT Switch: advanced control for pumps, motors and generators

The Farmo IoT Switch is built for more technical equipment setups.

Instead of plugging into a power point, it is wired into a control panel, remote start circuit, pump controller or circuit board. It uses a 24VDC dry contact relay output, making it suitable for a wide range of control applications.

It also has a digital input, which is one of the biggest differences between the IoT Switch and the Smart Plug 240.

Best for:

  • Three-phase bore pumps
  • Diesel engines
  • Generators
  • Irrigation pump controllers
  • Remote start circuits
  • Low-voltage control systems
  • Equipment where you need status feedback

What it lets you do:

  • Start and stop equipment remotely
  • Trigger equipment using Farmo sensor readings
  • Connect to low-voltage control circuits
  • Monitor the real operating status of equipment
  • Track on/off time and input open/closed time
  • Use real-time connectivity through MQTT
  • Operate via built-in NB-IoT/Cat-M1 connectivity

The big advantage: status feedback

The IoT Switch does more than send an on/off command.

Because it has a digital input, it can report what the equipment is actually doing.

That means you can see whether a pump has genuinely started, stopped or tripped — not just whether the app sent the instruction.

This is especially useful for critical equipment where confirmation matters.

When do you need the IoT Switch instead of the Smart Plug 240?

The main question is simple:

Does your equipment plug into a standard 240V outlet, or does it need to be controlled through a circuit?

If it plugs into a suitable 240V outlet, the Smart Plug 240 is usually the better fit.

If it needs to be wired into a controller, start circuit or relay, you will likely need the IoT Switch.

The IoT Switch is the better choice for larger, more complex or hard-wired equipment such as three-phase pumps, diesel motors, irrigation controllers and generators.

It should be installed by a licensed electrical contractor where electrical work is required.

What about off-grid sites?

For remote or off-grid locations, the IoT Switch is available in two versions:

  • 12–24VDC Power Onsite version — $499 AUD
  • Solar Kit Required version — $949 AUD

If there is no reliable power at the site, the IoT Switch can be paired with a Farmo Solar Power Supply Kit to keep the system running.

Smart Plug 240 vs IoT Switch: the simple way to decide

Choose the Smart Plug 240 if you want:

  • A simple plug-in solution
  • DIY setup
  • App control for compatible 240V equipment
  • Scheduling and sensor-based automation
  • No electrician required

Choose the IoT Switch if you need:

  • Hard-wired equipment control
  • Remote start/stop for pumps, motors or generators
  • Control through a pump controller or circuit board
  • Status feedback from the equipment
  • A solution for three-phase, diesel or low-voltage control systems

Still not sure?

Send us a photo of your equipment, power outlet or control panel, and we can help you work out which Farmo device suits your setup.

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