The main obstacle to the widespread use of smart home systems in everyday life is their high cost. Alternatively, simpler and cheaper remotely controlled electrical systems are considered. One of these solutions is a smart socket, which is a modern device that controls the current state of the home appliances included in it.
Device and Functionality
Structurally, the device consists of an executive mechanical module (electromagnetic relay) connecting and disconnecting electrical circuits, and a processor controlling it. Any home appliance with a rated power of up to 3.5 kW can be connected to a smart outlet. Given this limitation, the user selects a product with the appropriate functionality for it.
The principle of operation of the device is to remotely affect the loads connected to it. They can be turned on and off by a previously entered program or remotely. You can manipulate sockets with remote control (in addition to programming them) by transmitting commands through an established broadcast channel. To do this, use:
- radio control;
- channel for sending SMS messages;
- Internet.
Depending on the selected method, one or another means of transmitting control packages is used.
Functionality
An intelligent socket with a remote control or other means of transferring parcels (from a phone or tablet, for example) is capable of:
- monitor the current status of household appliances included in it;
- send notifications about the most important parameters (ambient temperature, voltage in the network, etc.);
- automatically turn off the equipment during sudden voltage drops, short circuit, as well as during overloads;
- turn on / off devices according to a previously entered program;
- turn off independently after exceeding the time limit allotted for the operation of a household product.
The greater the possibilities a socket has, the more effective its use is when controlling home appliances. The only limitation is the requirement for the power of operated electrical appliances, which should not exceed a specified value.
Types of Outlets
Smart sockets are classified by their location and method of control. According to the first sign, they are external and built-in. The first are installed in the usual outlet in the apartment. Thus, they receive power from the 220 Volt network and the ability to perform their functions. The controlled device is included in them as in a conventional outlet (in an easily removable adapter).
Built-in controlled sockets are mounted, like ordinary products, in niches specially prepared for them using a plastic mounting box. For their normal functioning, a connection to the existing apartment electrical network will be required. According to the control method, they are:
- radio-controlled;
- with control by GSM (SMS);
- working on the Internet (Wi-Fi sockets).
Outlet products with temperature sensors and other auxiliary functions fall under the same classification.
Radio controlled sockets
Devices of this class are controlled by commands sent over the air from a portable remote control with a maximum range of up to 40 meters. The remote control is powered by ordinary batteries, and the outlet itself is powered from the mains.
Depending on the model, the smart kit contains up to 8 labeled products and a remote control with the desired number of channels. On it there are on / off buttons, which are arranged in pairs and are numbered according to controlled sockets.
The advantages of radio-controlled smart devices include:
- low cost;
- immunity to interference;
- ease of connection, eliminating the need to change the wiring diagram;
- the ability to control multiple devices at once;
- profitability.
The relative disadvantages of these radio products are the limited scope due to radio emission and a high percentage of false positives. Their weaknesses also include signal attenuation with metal or reinforced elements of building structures.
With GSM control
In their appearance, these devices practically do not differ from those controlled by radio - they also have standard terminal plugs for plugging into a regular outlet. On the front panel there are nests for the consumer of electricity, as well as control buttons and indicators on semiconductor elements (LEDs). Depending on the specific device, it includes various sensors:
- determining air temperature;
- monitoring the presence of gas leaks;
- registering the presence of smoke;
- responsive to the position of the door lock bolt.
Inside the product there is a board with a GSM module and a separate slot for a SIM card, as well as a storage capacitor or battery. The latter are used as a backup (emergency) power source that allows you to work in the mode of receiving and saving commands in the event of power failure.
These products are available in two versions, one of which is equipped only with a pair of sockets for switching on the consumer. The second option has several outputs to the load and is similar to a power strip. With its help, it is possible to implement various scenarios of several loads at once.
Internet-controlled
Network-controlled devices are positioned as Wi-Fi sockets, as they can be controlled from the most remote points where there is an Internet connection. These products are available as an adapter or extension cord. If remote control is required - on a phone, laptop or tablet - you will need to install special software. Thanks to him, the user, if desired, will be able to display the control panel for a set of commands.
After connecting via WIFI, an individual IP address is assigned, which allows you to receive and send commands in encrypted form. Individual settings made before installation are stored on the server or in the device’s memory. In the second case, they are reset when the power is turned off. This category also includes smart sockets with voice control on the Yandex Alice service. If desired, these products are made by hand. This will require in-depth knowledge of electronics and experience installing electrical circuits.
Connection and setup
Connection, adjustment and commissioning of the radio-controlled product are carried out according to the instructions immediately after they are inserted into the sockets of a conventional outlet. After transferring the smart socket to another seat, you do not need to re-configure the radio channel. Individual samples of radio models are controlled not only from the remote control, but also through the buttons on the front panel of the device.
To start and configure a GSM socket, you will need to install a SIM card with a cash balance in the slot available in it, and this is done on a product pulled out of the network. In addition, in the device settings, you must disable the function of entering the PIN code at startup.It is important to note that these samples are designed to work only with GSM cards - other standards are not suitable for this.
Next, the outlet is connected to a network power source, after which the process of initializing its operation begins. In the process, an authorized phone number is recorded in the device’s own memory from which commands are received and to which reports on operations are sent. The latter are implemented by sending to the card a digital code provided in the passport of the device. It is formed as a combination of the default password (a series of zeros) and the phone number of the user (sender). The procedure ends with the receipt of a response message confirming the acceptance of the previously sent parcel.
The second option is a call through a mobile phone card number. The answer to the call is a call reset, confirming the completion of the action. The permissible number of authorized numbers is determined by the specific model of the outlet and indicated on the product passport. An incorrectly performed authorization procedure will lead to incorrect operation of the GSM socket.
To increase security, upon completion of the installation of an authorized number, the previously used default password (a series of zeros) is changed to a more complex one. It is possible to do this by sending to the SIM card a message with the digital code indicated in the attached passport. At the final stage, they begin to configure the device, for which each of its functions is assigned a given code, also indicated in the document. To simplify the exchange of messages, the selected codes are recorded in the telephone memory in the form of templates, and they are also tied to the shortcut keys.
Multi-channel sockets with SMS function allow the connection of several electrical appliances with an individual scenario of each of the devices. A generalized instruction for alerting and putting into operation has not been developed for such devices, since their settings are individual for each new model. The order of its implementation is given in the technical document.
Rules and selection criteria
Tips for choosing smart sockets of various types:
Select a device controlled by radio channel, taking into account the specific place of use and the zone of its installation. This will eliminate unwanted signal attenuation and frequent malfunctions. It should be remembered that radio-controlled sockets are only external performance.
- GSM products for Split systems are selected complete with a backup battery, which allows you to save the previously made settings in case of network failure.
- The number of connectors for the connection should correspond to the estimated volume of electrical appliances used.
- The allowable current load reserve cannot be less than 30 percent of the capacity of controlled consumers.
In addition to the GSM function, some models provide the possibility of additional control via the Internet. When using such an outlet, the buyer will be able to use an alternative option if one type of connection disappears.
Popular smart socket manufacturers
Among the models with radio path control are:
- ARA3-1500 R from COCO International B.V. with a radius of action of 30 meters and a power of 1.5 kilowatts (number of channels - 3).
- AGDR-3500 of the same manufacturer with a coverage radius of 30-70 meters and a connected load of 3.5 kW. The number of working channels - 6 pieces.
- UNIEL grades USH-P004 and P009 (G3-1000W-25m and G3-3600W-25m) with the characteristics given in their designation. The number of channels is 3 and 4, respectively.
Popular models of SMS products are presented by smart sockets from Xiaomi, Tp-Link and other samples. A well-known Chinese manufacturer offers a popular Smart Power Plug model that can work on the Internet and has a built-in timer. Tp-Link has put up for sale one of its best HS100 models. The outlet is controlled via Wi-Fi (Internet) directly from your smartphone.
