All about smart Wi-Fi-outlet

The purpose of a smart Wi-Fi outlet (or as it is also called a smart outlet) is the ability to control electrical appliances via the Internet, from anywhere. Access to the network such an outlet receives via Wi-Fi-connection, hence the name. The idea of ​​inventing unique gadgets with smart connectors that can be remotely controlled, came up with German engineers from the city of Frauhofer.

Now you can not worry about network appliances in the house

Appearance, elements and materials

Outwardly, the simplest Wi-Fi-socket is quite so cute, made in a modern style, one-piece adapter.

Mandatory elements of a smart outlet:

  • led indicator;
  • physical on / off button;
  • spare power supply in case of power failure;
  • grounding

Additional elements for some more complex models:

  • USB port;
  • Motion Sensor;
  • thermometer;
  • humidity sensor;
  • light sensor;
  • smoke detector;
  • video camera;
  • timers, etc.

Also on the market there are options made in the form of a network filter, where connectors for connecting electrical appliances can be several, usually up to 4. The connectors are usually standard and do not require additional adapters.

Plastic and glass are widely used as materials for the production of smart outlets.

Using smart sockets, features

Automated sockets are great for use in private homes, apartments and offices. These small devices become indispensable helpers 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 meet literally with warmth and incendiary illumination!

It is very convenient to use smart sockets to control heating devices and air conditioners, ventilation, air 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 the house.

With the smart socket you can operate the music center as an alarm clock, turn off the night light in the nursery without disturbing the baby, save yourself from having to get to bed in the dark, turn on the kettle before you arrive, easily use sockets in uncomfortable places, ensure timely watering of plants without of your presence, in general, find many interesting and useful uses.

The main functions of a smart outlet:

  • remote control of various household appliances;
  • ensuring security and fire safety;
  • energy savings;
  • rebooting servers, routers and other office equipment;
  • Notification of power outages, with the possibility of emergency power off devices to prevent the failure of important and expensive equipment.

Operating principle, management and capabilities

When connected to a router, each smart socket receives its own unique IP address, which allows you to establish access to it and transmit commands in an encrypted form via the Internet (encryption does not allow controlling your electronics to anyone). Naturally, the more stable the connection, the easier and more correct the control 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 the loss of the Network, all settings must be reinstalled. If a server is used to save the settings, 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 the sensors.

To get a detailed remote control interface, it is enough to install special software on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. The necessary software is available for download and installation. Of course, if you have programming skills and you are not satisfied with the interface of the proposed programs, you can write your own with your own hands.

The program allows you not only to remotely turn on and off the instruments, but also to set up timers, that is, to set a specific time (of course, for the work on schedule, Wi-Fi should also work). Thanks to this function, you can significantly save energy, as well as prevent the risk of dangerous situations.

Timer features:

  • random on and off times (a very useful feature to create the effect of having someone in the house);
  • countdown (on and off electronics after a certain period of time);
  • scheduled specific time (switching on and off of devices at a strictly defined time, once, every day, every specific day, etc.).

Some smart sockets can be remotely blocked so that when you press a physical button, you can neither turn on or turn off the device, while prohibiting the work of schedules and timers. It may also be possible to install the mode "I am at home", which allows you to turn off all smart sockets at once.

In the event of a power outage, the smart gadget uses the built-in backup power source to alert you immediately. The same power source will allow for some time to operate the connected security system and fire alarm.

Smart sockets can be networked (the number of sockets can reach 50), assign the main and controlled sockets according to the principle of hard drives (Master and Slave), in a word, subordinate and automate almost all the equipment in your home or office.

Specifications

As a rule, the vast majority of models of smart sockets work with an input voltage of 100–240 V (that is, they can be used in ordinary electrical networks).

The value of the output voltage usually ranges from 2 to 4 kW, which is quite enough to connect even quite voracious appliances (for example, oil heaters).

The Wi-Fi network standard used is 802.11 b / g / n at 2.4 Hz.

Safety when using

Note! Before connecting any electrical appliance to a smart outlet, you must make sure that its power does not exceed that indicated in the technical documentation for the outlet itself.

Can I make a smart outlet with my own hands?

If you wish and have the necessary skills, tools and materials, it is really quite possible to build a Wi-Fi-outlet with your own hands.

For the manufacture of the most budget smart sockets will need:

  • Wi-Fi module;
  • solid relay;
  • small power supply (optimally, the voltage regulator was 3.3 V);
  • external outlet (for the convenience of firmware, you can use an external outlet or a filter with a USB port).

However, if you are not an avid electrician and a programmer, you have never held a soldering iron in your hands, then it is better not to risk it, because if something goes wrong, you can get an electric shock and burn an apartment. Is it worth it?

It is much quieter to get such a useful gadget in the store and, without any extra effort, risk and unexpected consequences, make your life more comfortable, especially since the prices for smart sockets are quite reasonable, so it is unlikely that you can save a lot by assembling a device with your own hands.

If you are still firmly decided to design a smart outlet with your own hands, then we determine the purpose, design and functionality of a homemade gadget, prepare the necessary tools, materials and get down to business.

Not a luxury, but a necessity

Regardless of whether you bought a Wi-Fi outlet or successfully made it yourself, you will certainly like the remote control and very soon you will not be able to imagine how you can live without such an amazing, useful and convenient invention.