What is a smart socket and where is it used

One of the latest inventions in the field of electrical equipment has become a smart socket. A small device is easy to install and seriously facilitates the safe use of household appliances.

What is a smart socket

A smart outlet is a power point that can turn on / off by itself or by command from remote devices. In the second case, the device is called a controlled outlet. The device automates the process of using lighting devices, household appliances, equipment powered by electricity (rolling gates, etc.).

Use smart devices for such purposes:

• remote control of climate control devices in the house, in the country;
• the ability to open the gates of the gate / garage without leaving the car;
• shutdown of household appliances after leaving the house (forgotten kettle, iron, coffee machine, air conditioning, etc.);
• automation of on / off cycles of devices during the absence of homeowners;
• starting or braking the operation of equipment under specified conditions (for triggered motion sensors);
• control of energy consumption at a specific power point;
• execution of equipment reload cycles;
• irrigation system management.

Some use a smart socket as an alarm clock.

Types of devices

First of all, a smart socket is divided into two types according to the type of design.

• Waybill. Designed for use in conjunction with the main power point, is a commonplace, but smart adapter. The smart fixture is simply plugged into a regular power outlet.
• Embedded. Mounted in the walls by analogy with the usual terminal model of the device.

Depending on the complexity of the device, all smart sockets are divided into these subspecies:

• independent single model that can be controlled remotely;
• a power point that has several outputs, thanks to which you can set separate commands about the operating modes of the connected equipment;
• a group of power points, in which one is the lead, and the rest depend on it.

Intelligent sockets are classified by their additional functions:

• timer device;
• remotely controlled mechanism;
• socket-cache.

When selecting a smart power point, it is important to consider the maximum power that it can withstand. The optimal indicator for ordinary household use is 3.5 kW.

Management principles

If we are talking about a remotely controlled mechanism, the options for issuing commands look like this:

• Using GSM. Such a device requires a Wi-Fi network connection. The socket receives its IP address through the router. It remains only to install an application on the smartphone with the help of which remote commands are set to the power point.
• By SMS. Management is via mobile messaging. The obedience of the device depends on the phone number from which the control takes place. It is possible only from one device. Being on the street in the cold, you can send an SMS outlet with a command to turn on the heating. Upon returning home, the owner enters the heated room.
• Radio-controlled. These power points can be controlled using the remote control. It is capable of acting on a smart device from a distance of 30 m.

Any remotely disconnected outlet has an acceptable cost and does not cause difficulties in its installation / operation.

Main functions

In addition to performing basic commands (turning on / off household appliances and systems), smart sockets perform a number of such functions:

• Monitoring the cycles of work of lighting systems in the house. It is recommended to use this option for a long period of absence of the owners in the house. Attackers will be misled by the regular lighting of rooms.
• Fire function. It is provided due to the reaction of the supply point to excess temperature in the room, gas contamination or high humidity.
• Notification of the owner of the house about emergency power outage
• Adjusting the regular consumption of electrical energy.

Thanks to such functionality and remote control, devices become an integral part of a smart home.

Overview of popular smart models

The most popular smart power points on the market:

• Xiaomi Mi Smart Power Plug. Made of high impact white plastic with a glossy finish. Compatible with Android and iOS. The device may turn itself off when overheating. Additionally, the device was equipped with protective curtains for children.
• TP-Link Smart Plug. Overlay device, which is easy to control using special software.
• NooLite SRF-1-3000. The device interacts with both power points and switches. It can memorize the “scenario” of the frequent use of lighting and repeat it independently.
• Redmond The products of this manufacturer are considered one of the most fireproof.

The price range for smart devices range from 750 to 3,000 rubles. You can pay by cash, card or transfer.

Self-made device

The simplest model of an ethernet outlet can be made by yourself. To do this, you need to prepare:

• external power outlet;
• 5 V power supply;
• WiFi module
• solid state relay 16A 220V .;
• soldering iron and consumables for it;
• glass 60 mm deep;
• LED for on / off indication system device;
• heat-shrink tubing;
• scissors.

Connection diagram:

• Consistently solder the relay with the module, and the module with the power supply. All ends are insulated.
• Having cut the shrink tube into separate pieces of 6 cm, put them on each element.
• Finished parts of Smart products are placed in a cup holder, which is not yet mounted on the wall. At this stage, the device is connected to the power cable and debugging the outlet.
• It remains to do software. Here you can copy the software from the original version of the device via the Internet or do programming yourself with special skills.

Ready-made home-made smart socket costs 1,100-1,500 rubles.