One of the most recent inventions in the field of electrical equipment is the smart plug. The small device is easy to install and greatly facilitates the safe use of household appliances.
What is a smart socket
A smart socket is a power point that can be turned on / off by itself or by a 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 (roller shutters, etc.).
Smart devices are used for the following purposes:
- remote control of climate control devices in the house, in the country;
- the ability to open the doors of the gate / garage without leaving the car;
- switching off household appliances after leaving the house (forgotten kettle, iron, coffee machine, air conditioner, etc.);
- automation of on / off cycles of devices during the absence of home owners;
- starting or braking the operation of equipment according to specified conditions (for triggered motion sensors);
- control of electricity consumption at a specific power point;
- performing equipment reboot cycles;
- control of the irrigation system.
Some people use a smart plug as an alarm clock.
Varieties of devices
First of all, a smart socket is divided into two types according to the type of design.
- Overhead. Designed to be used in conjunction with the main power point, it is a commonplace but clever adapter. The smart device is simply plugged into a regular power outlet.
- Embedded. Wall-mounted similar to the conventional terminal model of the device.
Depending on the complexity of the device, all smart sockets are divided into the following subspecies:
- independent single model that can be controlled remotely;
- a power point with several outputs, thanks to which you can set separate commands about the operating modes of the connected equipment;
- a group of food points, in which one is the leading, and the rest depend on it.
Smart sockets are also classified according to their additional functions:
- timer device;
- remotely controlled mechanism;
- socket-cache.
When choosing a smart power point, it is important to consider the maximum power it can handle. The optimal figure for normal household use is 3.5 kW.
Management principles
If we are talking about a remotely controlled mechanism, the options for giving commands look like this:
- Using GSM. Such a device requires a Wi-Fi connection. The socket receives its IP address through the router. All that remains is to install an application on the smartphone, with the help of which remote commands are given to the power point.
- Via SMS. Management here is carried out via mobile messages. The obedience of the device depends on the phone number from which the control takes place. It is possible with only one device. Being outside in frosty weather, you can send an SMS to the outlet with a command to turn on the heating. Upon returning home, the owner enters a heated room.
- Radio controlled. These power points can be commanded using the remote control. It is capable of affecting a smart device from a distance of up to 30 m.
Any remotely disconnected socket has an acceptable cost and does not cause any difficulties in its installation / operation.
Main functions
In addition to executing basic commands (turning on / off household appliances and systems), smart sockets perform a number of such functions:
- Control of the cycles of the lighting systems in the house. It is recommended to use this option during a long absence of the owners from the house. Attackers will be deceived by lighting the rooms regularly.
- Fire protection function. It is provided due to the reaction of the power point to excess temperatures in the room, gas pollution or high humidity.
- Notifying the home owner of an emergency power outage.
- Regulation of the regular consumption of electrical energy.
Thanks to this functionality and remote control, devices become an integral part of a smart home.
Review of popular smart models
The most popular smart power points on the market:
- Xiaomi Mi Smart Power Plug. Made of high-gloss, impact-resistant white plastic. Compatible with Android and iOS. The device can turn off by itself in case of overheating. Additionally, the device was equipped with protective curtains from children.
- TP-Link Smart Plug. An overlay device that is easy to operate using special software.
- NooLite SRF-1-3000. The device interacts with both power points and switches. Can memorize a "scenario" of 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 varies from 750 to 3000 rubles. The purchase can be paid in cash, card or transfer.
Self-made device
The simplest model of an ethernet socket can be made by hand. To do this, you need to prepare:
- external socket;
- 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:
- The relay is sequentially soldered to the module, and the module to the power supply. All ends are insulated.
- Cutting the heat-shrink tube into separate pieces of 6 cm, put them on each element.
- The finished parts of the Smart product are placed in a cup holder that has not yet been installed in the wall. At this stage, the device is connected to the power cable and the socket is debugged.
- It remains to do the software. Here you can copy the software from the original version of the device via the Internet or start programming yourself with special skills.
A ready-made homemade smart socket costs 1100-1500 rubles.
