The purpose of a smart Wi-Fi socket (or as it is also called smart sockets) is the ability to control electrical appliances via the Internet from anywhere. Such an outlet gains access to the network via a Wi-Fi connection, hence the name. The idea of inventing unique gadgets with smart connectors that can be controlled remotely came to the minds of German engineers from Fraugofer.
Now you don't have to worry about network devices in your home
Externally, the simplest Wi-Fi socket is a very nice, modern-style, single-connector adapter.
Required elements of a smart socket:
Additional elements for some more complex models:
There are also options on the market made in the form of a surge protector, where there can be several connectors for connecting electrical appliances, usually up to 4. The connectors are usually standard and do not require additional adapters.
Plastic and glass are actively used as materials for the production of smart socket panels.
Automated sockets are great for use in private homes, apartments and offices. These small-sized devices become indispensable assistants in organizing a comfortable and safe life (or work).
Built-in sensors will be able to warn you in time about a gas leak or other important incident, take care of the safety of your belongings, and even literally greet you with warmth and incendiary illumination!
It is very convenient to use smart sockets to control heating devices and air conditioners, ventilation, humidification, various pumps, surveillance cameras, lighting, etc.
It also makes sense to connect “dangerous” devices to them, for example, an iron, and not be tormented by doubts whether you turned it off or not when leaving home.
With the help of a smart socket, you can use the music center as an alarm clock, turn off the night light in the nursery without disturbing the baby, save yourself from the need to get to bed in the dark, turn on the kettle when you arrive, easily use sockets located in inconvenient places, ensure timely watering of plants without your presence, in general, will find many interesting and useful applications.
Main functions of a smart socket:
When connected to a router, each smart plug receives its own unique IP address, which allows you to establish access to it and transmit encrypted commands over the Internet (encryption prevents just anyone from controlling your electronics). Naturally, the more stable the connection, the simpler and more correct the management will be.
Settings can be stored both on the server and on the device itself. In the latter case, a situation may arise when, after losing the Network, all settings will have to be set again. If a server is used to save settings, then information, including statistics, can be stored for years. Depending on the model, you may have access to various graphs based on the results of information recorded by sensors.
To get a detailed remote control interface, just install special software on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. The necessary software is freely available for download and installation. Of course, if you have programming skills and you are not satisfied with the interface of the offered programs, you can write your own.
The program allows you not only to turn devices on and off remotely, but also to set timers, that is, set a specific time (of course, Wi-Fi must also work to work on a schedule). Thanks to this function, you can significantly save energy and also prevent the risk of dangerous situations.
Timer capabilities:
Some smart sockets can be remotely blocked so that when you press a physical button, you cannot turn the device on or off, and at the same time prohibit the operation of schedules and timers. It may also be possible to set the “I’m at home” mode, which allows you to turn off all smart sockets at once.
In the event of a power outage, the smart gadget uses a built-in backup power source to immediately notify you. The same power source will allow the connected security system and fire alarm to function for some time.
Smart sockets can be combined into a network (the number of sockets can reach 50), assign main and controlled sockets based on the principle of hard drives (Master and Slave), in a word, subordinate and automate almost all equipment in a home or office.
As a rule, the vast majority of smart plug models operate with an input voltage of 100–240 V (that is, they can be used in regular electrical networks).
The output voltage usually ranges from 2 to 4 kW, which is quite enough to connect even quite power-hungry devices (for example, oil heaters).
The Wi-Fi network standard used is 802.11 b/g/n at a frequency of 2.4 Hz.
Note! Before connecting any electrical appliance to a smart socket, you must make sure that its power does not exceed that specified in the technical documentation for the socket itself.
If you wish and have the necessary skills, tools and materials, it is indeed quite possible to build a Wi-Fi outlet with your own hands.
To make the most budget smart socket you will need:
True, if you are not an avid electrician and programmer, and have never held a soldering iron in your hands, then it is better not to take risks, because if something goes wrong, you can get an electric shock and burn down the apartment. Is it worth it?
It’s much safer to buy such a useful gadget in a store and make your life more comfortable without unnecessary effort, risk and unexpected consequences, especially since the prices for smart plugs are quite reasonable, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to save a lot by assembling the device yourself.
If you have firmly decided to design a smart socket yourself, then we decide on the purpose, design and functionality of the homemade gadget, prepare the necessary tools, materials and get down to business.
Regardless of whether you bought a Wi-Fi socket or successfully made it yourself, you will probably like the remote control and very soon you will no longer be able to imagine how you can live without such an amazing, useful and convenient invention.
The smart plug is one of the most useful household gadgets we've ever reviewed. It allows you to save money, secure your home, and remotely control various gadgets - in a word, another “twist” for your smart home. Today, among 1600 models, we have chosen for you 4 smart GSM sockets with a Wi-Fi connector - choose what is right for you. But first, according to tradition, an educational program.
The Chinese company Xiaomi does not lag behind its competing manufacturers and presented the Xiaomi Mi Smart Power Plug. A distinctive feature of this model is its compactness, ease of use and versatility.
Controlling the Xiaomi outlet and, accordingly, the equipment connected to it is possible from any place where there is an Internet connection. The remote control function is convenient and safe, because now you don’t need to worry about the light or iron not being turned off. You just need to install the Xiaomi Mi Smart Home application and synchronize with your mobile device and Wi-Fi network. The application supports Android and iOS platforms. You can control energy consumption using the built-in smart timer option, which allows you to set a specific time for the device to automatically turn on and off.
The minimalistic design of the smart socket will suit any interior: small dimensions (63x55x35 mm) and a white glossy coating made of durable thermoplastic that can withstand temperatures up to 750°C. The panel has universal inputs, including a USB connector. A blue indicator light indicates a successful connection.
The manufacturer took care of additional safety from children in the form of built-in protective curtains, as well as automatic shutdown when the device overheats. The last option is controlled by a temperature sensor, which sends a notification to the smartphone when the device temperature is elevated.
TP-Link has long been known to consumers as a reliable manufacturer of network equipment, including in the niche of smart plugs. The functionality and operating features of this model will be clear even to those who have never held such a device in their hands. The design is simple - just insert the nozzle into the socket and immediately proceed to setting it up.
The TP-Link Smart Plug is configured using special software. First, we connect the outlet itself to the wireless network, and then configure it from the smartphone as you please, since the interface is available.
Everything is intuitive: basic on/off, the ability to set the device on a timer (especially useful for forgetful people who leave the iron or heater on) or set the outlet to automatically turn off if you move a certain distance from it. You can even create a schedule to automatically turn off appliances to save energy - you will have to tinker with the settings, but the bills will become less scary, as well as network overheating.
There is no confusion when managing multiple outlets; the device immediately offers to rename the device and assign a unique icon, avoiding the typical “room1/2/3”. Scheduling is the simplest and most intuitive interface among other models.
If the first model seemed a little expensive, pay attention to the next one with simpler functionality and a reasonable price.
Review from a real buyer To be honest, I didn’t even know that such sockets existed until I saw them in an online store. I bought one for myself to test, it turned out to be a useful thing! Now I'm thinking of getting a couple of these.
Saving electricity is an integral habit of every modern person, because using excess electricity is harmful not only to our wallet, but also to the environment. The smart socket presented to your attention is designed for use with such important household electrical appliances as an illumination system.
Thus, the device interacts with such types of lamps as: incandescent, halogen lamps, LED systems, and the device also supports the operation of heating systems, electric motors and contactors.
The smart socket is truly universal, because it is suitable for any output with a voltage of 220 V. The gadget is controlled using a radio remote control and waves, which, accordingly, are received by the nooLite system located in the socket block. Thanks to this, you can control the light from neighboring rooms and even outside your home. In addition, the socket “can” remember scenarios for using illumination and repeat them over and over again.
The microclimate of a home is extremely important both for a person’s comfort and for his health, because sudden changes in temperature quite strongly affect the functioning of various body systems. A high-quality smart socket will help you create an individual microclimate and maintain it without much energy consumption.
The presented device is compatible with any climate control devices, such as air conditioning systems, air heaters, heaters, etc. The maximum voltage at which operation is possible is 230 V.
So, a smart socket connects to a classic socket in an apartment or office, creating its own output for climate control devices. Thanks to the small LCD screen and button system, you can quickly and easily set the desired temperature, after which the system will maintain it itself. The thermostat also has a safety and automatic shutdown system to prevent fires.
Opening fire statistics, you can see that one of the most common causes of fire is overheating of electric heating and other devices, after which a short circuit occurs. Due to our dynamic lifestyle, sometimes we often forget to turn off the heater, iron, electric kettle or lamp, and this can cost us property.
To prevent this problem, you should consider purchasing REDMOND RSP-R1S - a universal security system for remote power control.
The presented gadget connects to a standard outlet and provides you with as many as four outlets for devices, namely a classic outlet, a Euro outlet, a British type and, which is very convenient in the era of smartphones, a USB interface for charging. The device also contains a sensor that connects to a Wi-Fi wireless network. It is thanks to it that you can control your nutrition via the Internet from your smartphone from anywhere in the world: work, vacation, walks, etc.
Review from a real buyer It’s very cool that it is controlled via WiFi. It was quite a shock for me! I have never seen such devices before. Now I’m slowly getting used to civilization.
Once upon a time, a smart home was considered an invention of science fiction writers, but today the dream of remote control of all home systems is becoming a reality. The unique Elgato Eve Energy smart socket helps with this. This compact device was designed for all Apple technology lovers.
The gadget supports the proprietary Apple HomeKit system, which allows you to wirelessly connect all your iOS devices to a power outlet via Bluetooth 4.0 and control them both using your smartphone and using the proprietary voice assistant Siri. The device also reads the usage metrics of a particular device, thanks to which you can see such valuable energy consumption and draw a number of conclusions. The body of the smart socket is made of high-quality plastic that does not burn even when heated for a long time.
The name of the smart socket indicates the presence of a GSM module, which is responsible for remote control of the device. In addition, in the socket panel you can see a slot for a SIM card. Thus, power management is possible via SMS commands or a mobile application.
The socket is in demand in the market due to its ease of use. To activate the remote control function, you need to insert a SIM card from any mobile network into the slot, connect the outlet to the electrical network and then connect the necessary devices. Just 3 steps, and your home is controlled from a distance. It is worth noting that the power of connected devices should not exceed 2 kW. With its small dimensions (39x25x12 mm), a battery is located inside the gadget, informing about power failures.
Most often, the socket is used as a smart home controller: controlling household appliances, doors, gates, surveillance cameras, lighting, etc.
Smart home Hommyn Wi-Fi socket (PL-20-W) is an excellent addition to a smart home. The Wi-Fi network connection function simplifies the use of the outlet: just one press of the power button, and the adapter connects to an available Internet network. Everything is extremely simple, and the indicator at the bottom of the device will inform you that it is ready to start working. After successful connection, you can control the smart gadget using a special application installed on a smartphone with the Android/iOS operating system. The socket operates from a network with a power of 220V.
In addition to the remote control function via a smartphone, the socket has built-in equally important functions of a timer and “schedule” for automatically turning on/off devices. Using these options, you can program a smart socket to one-time/permanently activate the devices connected to it for a certain time.
The smart socket has a pleasant appearance and will fit into any interior. Elongated in length with rounded corners, it has a body made of white durable plastic and dimensions 103X63X37 mm.
| Name | Main characteristics | Price |
| Protocol: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, wireless transmission type: 2.4GHz, 1T1R, system requirements: Android 4.1 or higher, iOS 8 or higher. | ||
| Supply voltage: 230V ± 10%, 50Hz, number of load channels: 1, maximum load power: 3000W. | ||
| Temperature range 5 ° C to 30 ° C, operating accuracy +/- 1 ° C, maximum permissible voltage 230 V. | ||
| Redmond |
This project will allow you to independently assemble a “smart” outlet controlled from a computer. The basis of such a socket is the popular Arduino Uno board and a solid-state relay.
First of all, you need to assemble the following solid state relay circuit based on the MOC3041 optocoupler and some additional components. The MOC3041 is a simple, low-cost optocoupler with LED and photodiode. Then connect the Arduino board to the J1 connector of the assembled power switch. To control the relay we use I/O line D12. The input connectors J2 will be a direct socket for connecting high voltage 220 VAC, and the connectors J3 will be connected to the load, in this case a lamp. Attention: be extremely careful when working with mains voltage! If it comes into contact with unprotected skin, it can cause irreparable damage, burns or even death!
Now connect the Arduino Uno board to your computer via USB, copy the below code into the Arduino IDE and upload it to the Arduino. This sketch is quite simple. It reads an ASCII-encoded character through the serial port and changes the logical state of line D12/ When receiving “1”, line D12 goes into a high logical state (the relay closes), when “2” it goes into a low state (the relay opens).
Automatic reset
The Arduino Uno board is designed in such a way that the software has the ability to reset the board when it is connected to the computer. One of the hardware data flow control (DTR) lines on the ATmega8U2 is connected to the reset line of the ATmega328 via a 100 nf capacitor. When this line goes low, the chip is reset. The software uses this feature to allow you to program your Arduino at the click of a button in the Arduino IDE. But there are some unpleasant moments for us here - the board is reset every time it is connected programmatically to the computer. Fortunately, the Arduino Uno has a RESET-EN track, by cutting which you can disable auto-restart. To turn it back on, simply solder the pads of this track.
As an alternative to a hardware solution to the auto-reset problem, you can use software solutions. For example, install the HTERM terminal or try Google's Chrome Browser Serial Port Monitor.
Now is the age of computerization, elements of a smart home are coming into our lives by leaps and bounds, and if previously it was available only to a select few, now it is much cheaper. Today I want to tell you about “smart sockets” - how they work, what technologies there are, and which one I bought for myself and why. In general, after this article you will also want to buy one for yourself, and the price is really affordable...
- this is a device that is controlled using a smartphone or computer, can be programmed by time and date, and be guided by temperature and air humidity readings.
Actually, this is a mini-computer that is programmed and can be controlled from anywhere in the world, say, using your smartphone.
Many people are probably wondering what this device is. In most cases, it’s like a socket, on one side there is a plug for connecting to a standard socket, on the other side there is a connector for connecting various devices.
That is, it is a kind of adapter, you install it in a standard (ordinary socket) and then you connect the devices that need to be programmed into it.
The body is made of plastic. There is often an indicator on the front or top panel that shows whether the outlet is active or not.
However, now these “smart devices” differ in types. Let’s just say it’s like in cars, some people need “full stuffing”, and for others even the initial configuration is enough.
However, the price here also varies significantly, if a regular outlet designed to be controlled via Wi-Fi the price on Chinese sites ranges from 1,200 rubles, then the version with a SIM card costs 3,000 - 3,500 rubles, but a complete set with an air sensor and humidity reaches 6000 - 6500 rubles! NOT VERY LITTLE.
Here you know what anyone needs, I personally took the simplest one for specific needs, which it copes with 100% (more on that a little later). Therefore, I took the regular WI-FI version.
But if you install it in a place where there is no WIFI, say - many people use it for the garage, then there will be a version with a SIM card or a temperature sensor.
I will describe exactly my “smart socket”. Personally, I took the company “BroadLink” in Russia; this company is represented modestly, many simply do not know it, but I, as a system administrator with extensive experience, know that this manufacturer has always dealt with network equipment, these are routers, network cards, and recently WIFI modules for many laptops. The company is really serious and I had no reason to doubt the quality.
I spent a really long time searching everyone’s favorite Aliexpress for the availability of high-quality equipment, and now I’ve found it.
Primary requirements:
Let me digress a little, if you think that 1200 is really a lot, then I “monitored” the market here in Russia, if you don’t take the “resellers” (who bought in China and sell here for twice as much), the cost is not even small. For example, Leroy-Merlin has similar solutions, only the 3.5 kW option costs about 3,600 rubles! NOT VERY LITTLE.
The socket arrived in about a month, it is made of very high quality, there is not even the slightest hint that it is made in China. The plastic is perfect, there is a button on the front panel that can manually turn the outlet on or off.
Before you control this outlet, you need to download the “E-Control” application (I have Android and therefore in the Play Market, it’s easy to find it, I don’t know how it is in IOS).
We connect our “smart gadget” to any outlet, it starts blinking blue. After that, we launch the application, it automatically finds your network, asks you to enter your username and password - enter it. The application automatically finds the outlet and connects to it, or rather, it appears in devices that you can control.
There are not many settings, but they are sufficient for me:
In general, I'm happy! What’s also nice is that the outlet is located at home on the WIFI network and you, via 4G (or 3G, regular mobile Internet), can control it from anywhere you want, that is, you can program it, turn it on, off, etc. VERY COMFORTABLY! Personally, a friend of mine took many of these gadgets for his country house, and even installed one on the gate.
Guys, first of all, I want to tell you about a friend of mine. He has a country house, and control of lighting, garage doors, and heating lies on these sockets. True, he has a WIFI network at home!
Let's say he drives up to the house, turns on the socket on his smartphone, the power for the electric motor is inserted into it, which opens the garage door. Also, the garage heating is electric; it’s trivial that when there is no car, it is not turned on, but when there is one, it is turned on via a smartphone.
Lighting. The house is countryside, so there are not always people there, but for example, you can turn on the lighting in the hall, then potential thieves will think that there is someone in the house.
My experience is much more modest - I personally took an outlet for the water heater, this way I save on hot water. I have a 120 liter water heater, which is connected to a bathroom with a shower. There are three of us - two adults and one child, there is enough hot water to wash a child, take a shower for two adults for 15 - 20 minutes.
But the downside of the water heater is that it always maintains the set temperature, that is, even if you wash your hands and use up some hot water, it will turn on for a certain time and heat the water! That is, there are a lot of “extra” triggers. It is also impossible to program the inclusion of a water heater in the “night tariff” when electricity is cheaper!
This is exactly what the “smart socket” compensates for, I programmed it that way. It turns on at night during the “night tariff”, when electricity is cheap, 120 liters of “boiling water” are heated, this is enough for the morning, BEYOND your eyes! Then everyone leaves for work, and the outlet turns off the heat, ALL! The water heater cools down, but not much. When everyone came home, at about 19:00, it turned on again for two hours, until 21:00. Thus, it heats the water to maximum temperature, and we wash comfortably without feeling any lack of water.
Many may ask the question - do standard switches consume much more electricity? Yes, guys, MUCH, as the practice of using a water heater has shown, “before” and “after” the purchase of a “smart device”, the difference is about two times. If previously the water heater alone consumed approximately 300 - 350 KW per month, now it is approximately 150 - 170 KW and this is only due to proper planning! Let me emphasize once again - THAT THERE IS SIMPLY NO DISCOMFORT!
Of course, now there are water heaters with a built-in timer, but I personally have not seen one with a 120-liter capacity. If the versions are 80 - 100 liters, BUT THEIR COST IS ALMOST TWO TIMES HIGHER THAN MY 120 LITERS. Although I have a stainless steel tank. BOTTOM LINE, I bought a water heater, bought an outlet, and save on water and electricity.
By the way, many people use it for heaters in the house, for example, they put it in a room and programmed it to work at certain moments.
Well, let's watch the video version now.
I’ll finish this, I think it was useful, read our construction blog.
I really wanted to make it myself, my own “smart” outlet, with lotto and students. Built-in (hidden wiring in the house). Controlled via WiFi (locally) and the Internet (globally). With receipt of the current status (in the future - with information about consumption). With connection of several sockets in one block (up to four). With temperature, light and presence sensors. With a video camera, after all!
The first part is simply checking the overall performance of the circuit. In fact, it’s a kind of analogue of WeMo Switch, only built into a standard electrical outlet and therefore not tied to any specific design (to fit into any existing interior).
So, what do you want? I would like to control each of the four outlets independently (in one of my rooms at home, the outlets are combined into blocks of two two-outlet modules close to each other, in two standard plastic socket boxes, respectively). All the units (lighting, filter pump, heater, compressor) of the aquarium with a beautiful brocade catfish are connected to one of these blocks, so we will control them. Catfish in the photo above, if anything (picture to attract attention).
So what do we need?
1. Receive commands via WiFi and issue appropriate control signals to close contacts. Those. You need a controller module with WiFi. Since I have our handkerchief on AR9331 (a piano in the bushes, yes: in fact, initially I wanted to try it out in real life), it will be such a controller.
2. Relay 16A 220V. In order not to bother, I took a ready-made module from Amperka. At the same time, there is an LED to indicate the operating mode of the socket.
3. Power these two modules with 5V. I disassembled a compact power supply with a USB connector.
4. Socket box 60mm deep.
5. The actual socket (for now, for experiments, I took the first one I found in a nearby hardware store):
6. LED to indicate the operating mode of the socket (On/Off). I found green and red in my nightstand. At first I wanted to use green (I like the color better), but it turned out to be not bright enough, so I ended up using red.
I came up with a diagram (primitive, yes):
Layed out the components:
I cut the wires and soldered them:
I cut off pieces of heat-shrinkable tubing and insulated the modules:
I stuffed everything into the socket, connected the cable, and plugged it into the outlet. While it’s too early to push things into the wall, we need to get things right on the table.
To make the LED more visible, I used a thin soldering iron tip to make a small hole in the socket.
The test bench is ready.
The software for the initial simple check was taken from uv’s post. Ariman"a.
Well... Surprisingly, everything works. The relay clicks, the LED blinks, and electricity is supplied to the outlet. The first step has been taken. It took about an hour and a half in total. Money:
1. AR9331 controller - I don’t even know how to evaluate it. Let it be 750 rubles - at that price we are going to sell it when we make a batch.
2. Relay module - 290 rub.
3. Power supply - well, let it be 200 rubles (I saw it in an underground passage at that price, I’ve had mine lying around for a couple of years already).
4. Socket box - 45 rub.
5. Socket - 120 rub.
Total: 1405 rub.
Now we need to finalize the software (first of all, the firmware). More on this in the next part, if people are interested. And then I will connect sensors and three more relay modules to control four outlets, not just one.
P.S. I connected the video camera - it works, where does it go? But we need to fit it into the interior somehow, I haven’t figured out how yet... And in terms of software, we need to learn how to broadcast the stream to the Internet, and not just to the local area.
