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The KinCony B16 is the likely product behind the description of an ESP32-S3 automation controller with 16 relays. It combines 16 relay outputs with 16 optocoupler-isolated dry-contact inputs and supports documented ESPHome and Home Assistant setups. Its headline relay rating is a manufacturer-listed maximum of 250 VAC/7 A—not a guarantee that every load or installation is suitable.
What is the 16-relay ESP32-S3 controller?
The description most closely matches KinCony’s B16, a DIN-rail controller built around an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U (N16R8). KinCony’s product listing specifies a 12 V DC supply and 16 relay outputs, with a stated maximum output rating of 250 VAC/7 A. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent tests of continuous switching performance or installation safety.
The B16 also has 16 optocoupler-isolated dry-contact inputs. Its listed interfaces and auxiliary features include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS-485, Bluetooth, USB-C, a display, an SD-card interface and seven 1-Wire GPIO channels. See the KinCony B16 product listing for the manufacturer’s specifications. The channel count refers to relay outputs; it does not mean the ESP32-S3 exposes 16 general-purpose GPIO pins for them.
What can you control with 16 relay channels?
A relay output can switch an electrical circuit, so a 16-channel controller can provide separate on/off control for multiple compatible loads. The inputs can be used to read dry-contact signals, such as those from switches or other contact-based devices. The product listing establishes the number and published ratings of these connections, but does not establish that a particular appliance, circuit, or wiring arrangement is suitable.
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Before choosing a channel for a load, check the exact board model, load type, supply, wiring, and the requirements of the installation. The B16’s 250 VAC/7 A figure is a manufacturer-stated maximum; it should not be treated as a verified safe continuous rating for every load.
Does the B16 work with ESPHome and Home Assistant?
KinCony documents ESPHome and Home Assistant support for the B16, and ESPHome’s device directory provides a model-specific B16 configuration example. The example configures the ESP32-S3, enables the Home Assistant API, and declares Ethernet, I2C, GPIO expanders, and an RS-485 UART. It is a starting reference, not a promise of compatibility with every software version or installation.
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The example uses a W5500 Ethernet controller and I2C-connected PCF8575 expanders for relay outputs and inputs. That architecture matters: the 16 relay channels are not simply 16 native ESP32-S3 GPIO pins. ESPHome’s ESP32 platform documentation describes the S3’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and notes that it has no built-in Ethernet; Ethernet can be provided by supported external controllers such as the SPI-based path used in the B16 example.
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How is the B16 different from the F16?
KinCony’s F16 is a separate 16-channel model, not a higher-rated setting for the B16. The F16 listing describes removable OMRON relays and states maximum loads of 250 VAC/16 A or 30 VDC/16 A. It also lists 16 dry-contact inputs and 12/24 V DC supply options, with the shop page’s default configuration stated as 12 V. Do not apply the F16 ratings to the B16.
| Model | Relay details and stated maximum | Supply and other documented details |
|---|---|---|
| KinCony B16 | 16 relay outputs; 250 VAC/7 A maximum stated by KinCony | 12 V DC; 16 optocoupler-isolated dry-contact inputs; Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS-485, Bluetooth, USB-C, display, SD-card interface, seven 1-Wire GPIO channels; DIN-rail installation |
| KinCony F16 | 16 removable OMRON relays; 250 VAC/16 A or 30 VDC/16 A maximum stated by KinCony | 12/24 V DC options; 16 dry-contact inputs |
Consult the KinCony F16 product listing and ESPHome’s F16 device entry for model-specific details. Removable relays may be relevant when serviceability matters, but channel count alone is not enough to choose between boards. Check the exact SKU, relay rating, supply configuration, I/O, network interfaces, enclosure dimensions, and mounting requirements against the intended installation.
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What should you verify before installing one?
- Exact model and SKU: Confirm whether the controller is a B16 or F16; their listed relay ratings differ.
- Load requirements: Compare the load’s voltage, current, and type with the current model-specific documentation. A published maximum is not an independent suitability assessment.
- Power supply: Match the supply to the specific model and ordered configuration; the B16 listing specifies 12 V DC, while the F16 listing describes 12/24 V options.
- Wiring and installation: Confirm that the board, wiring, enclosure, and installation meet the requirements for the circuit and location. Product pages alone do not establish suitability for a particular installation.
- Control path: Decide whether the project will use ESPHome, Home Assistant, another documented firmware option, or custom code, and verify the relevant configuration for the software version in use.
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