A communications module for a household device includes a sensor device that is configured to be attached in the region of a device housing of the household device, a wireless data interface and a processor. The sensor device is configured to scan an emission signal, penetrating outwards through the device housing, of a component of the household device carrying out the operating process of the household device. The processor is configured to determine an operating state of the household device based on measurement values of the sensor device and to provide same by means of the data interface. In addition, the communications module can be used optionally in different types of household devices.