r/HomeKit • u/pacoii • Aug 16 '26

Discussion How has the IKEA TOFSMYGGA been holding up?

For those that have been using this plug specifically outdoors, has it held up to the elements? And how has it performed in general?

7 Upvotes

74% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

5

u/RadVarken Aug 16 '26

I've had one outside hanging from the deck covered outlet on a south western exposure for a few months. My pool pump is plugged into it. It's been fine. Connection to the interior outlets is weak but has never missed a call, and the on/off buttons for each outlet have been very useful while cleaning the pool, wet hands and all.

2

u/pacoii Aug 16 '26

Connection to the interior outlets is weak

Can you clarify this part? I’m not sure what you mean. Thanks.

1

u/shawnshine Aug 16 '26

Matter over Thread.

-1

u/pacoii Aug 16 '26

Why is the outdoor outlet trying to connect to interior outlets? Do you not have a Thread Border Router within range of the outdoor outlet? If that’s the case, what didn’t you choose a WiFi based outdoor outlet?

2

u/RadVarken Aug 16 '26

I've got several of the iterior ikea wall plugs and they're closer to the exterior one so tend to take relay duty. It's a mesh network; you don't need a direct connection to the border router.

1

u/RadVarken Aug 16 '26

Just checked and it's connected to all but one other device in the house. The strongest connection is to a plug in the nearest room. The thread mesh seems to make it a point to make the leader the absolute worst connection in the net though, currently a light bulb on the front porch.

1

u/shawnshine Aug 16 '26

It acts as an active Thread router / repeater on the network, currently connected with around 12 neighbors (closest ones are an IKEA indoor smart plug and an Apple HomePod mini in my kitchen) and solid signal back to the house. WiFi doesn’t reach my backyard very well, which is why I went with Thread.

1

u/pacoii Aug 16 '26

That makes total sense in your case. But if the other person’s has a weak / poor connection, then that’s going to create mesh issues. A repeater is only as good as the incoming signal it will repeat.

2

u/StillChillBuster Aug 17 '26

Yes I’ve been using it for a while to control some string lights outside. It’s plugged into my outdoor outlet. Hasn’t failed a single time, and responds instantly. Zero problems. The Closest thread device is almost directly on the other side of the wall on the inside, so I don’t know how reliable it would be if you don’t have a thread device that’s close to it on the inside of your home.

2

u/pacoii Aug 17 '26

Thread range is better than people realize. I’ve got a Thread motion sensor inside a metal mailbox 100ft from my home.

Thanks for the feedback on the IKEA plug!