How does a Wi-Fi outlet work and what are its advantages? Smart socket with remote control: types, device, how to choose a good smart socket how to make

Why do you need a Wi-Fi socket? Its main purpose is to control electrical appliances located in the house from a distance. The device works by connecting it via a wireless Wi-Fi network to a tablet or mobile smartphone. Smart electrical accessories are increasingly conquering the market of electrical products, so in this article we decided to talk about the operating principle, design and functions of a Wi-Fi socket.

Varieties and characteristics

The principle of operation of any type of wi-fi outlet is absolutely the same. As for the design, it is divided into two types: overhead and built-in. The invoice looks like an adapter, which has one connector. The design of the device consists of the following elements: the case itself, an indicator, a button with which to turn the device on or off, and a wi-fi module. The second option is a plug-in module. Its purpose is to replace an ordinary electrical point. The photo below shows both versions:

The principle of operation of the two types is that, thanks to the microprocessor located inside the device, a connection is made with a control mechanism that regulates switching on or off. But you may also come across more complex models, which are produced in the form of a surge protector, which has several connectors.

In addition, there are models that include additional sensors that can be used to detect gas leaks, smoke or water leaks, as well as motion and temperature sensors.

Each Wi-Fi outlet, depending on the manufacturer and model, has special technical characteristics. Manufacturing companies constantly strive to improve their development and regularly introduce their additions and innovations to it. The main differences are:

originality in the design of the device and its packaging;
quality of the material used;
elements from which the product is made.

A Wi-Fi socket of any model consists of a housing made of heat-resistant plastic and various elements that fill this housing. The use of non-flammable materials helps protect people from the release of harmful halogens. The heat resistance of the material is 748 degrees Celsius. Thanks to this, manufacturing companies guarantee the safety of using Wi-Fi equipment.

Main functions

The purpose and scope of application of the Wi-Fi socket is described in the following functions:

turning on and off household appliances from a distance;
thanks to the temperature sensor, the fire safety of the house is ensured;
it is possible to monitor and find out the electricity readings consumed by electrical appliances powered by this device;
if necessary, you can reboot the equipment;
monitoring children thanks to the presence of a timer that turns off the TV or lights after a certain time.

Terms of use

A Wi-Fi socket, as a rule, operates in the operating voltage range of 100 – 240 V (meaning use in home or office environments). The output power has its own range, which ranges from 2 to 4 kW. Thanks to this, it is possible to connect devices with large short-term loads. For example, a heater, electric kettle or food processor.

Despite the fact that all manufacturers create their own individual instructions for using the device, the principle of operation and their purpose are almost the same. The difference lies only in the additional configuration of certain parameters and functions that the wi-fi outlet has.

First you need to install a special application on your smartphone or tablet. Then check if you have a connection to your home wireless Internet. There is a QR code on the box or in the device instructions that allows you to access the software you need to download.

After this, you need to find an option in the program that will search for a new Wi-Fi connection. A window will appear opposite the required wireless network, in which you must enter a password to connect. After confirming the password, the wi-fi socket is connected to a 220V network and turned on by pressing the on/off button. The LED indicator will indicate that the Wi-Fi socket is ready for further operation.

After all the settings have been made and the required functions have been installed, you can connect any household appliance to the connectors and carry out individual settings for it. How to do this correctly is indicated in the instructions. If there is a need to reset all settings to factory settings, then just press the on/off button of the device for six seconds and the socket will return to its original position in which it was released from production.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage is that thanks to such a smart device you can control electrical appliances from a distance. The disadvantages include the following:

If the power goes out, all settings are reset and must be set again.
There are models that are not compatible with the router. To fix this, you need to call a specialist, since only his experience and knowledge will help correct the situation.
The Wi-Fi outlet has its own time zone, which may not coincide with the real one. This is due to the fact that the device is set to the time zone that the manufacturing company has. This leads to self-adjustment of the system.
If an emergency failure occurs in the electrical network, the devices are automatically turned off.
Changing the operation and functions of the device is possible only if there is one wireless network. If they are different, it will lead to negative results.
If there is no Internet connection, the device will not connect at the time specified in the settings. This is explained by the fact that all settings and changes are saved on servers that do not work without the Internet. But there is no special microchip that will include a memory block.

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:

led indicator;
physical on/off button;
backup power source in case of power outage;
grounding

Additional elements for some more complex models:

USB port;
Motion Sensor;
thermometer;
humidity sensor;
light sensor;
smoke detector;
camcorder;
timers, etc.

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.

Smart socket usage, functions

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:

remote control of various household appliances;
ensuring security and fire safety;
energy saving;
rebooting servers, routers and other office equipment;
notification of power outages, with the ability to emergency de-energize devices to prevent failure of important and expensive equipment.

Operating principle, control and capabilities

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:

random on and off times (a very useful feature for creating the effect of someone being in the house);
countdown (turning electronics on and off after a certain period of time);
planned specific time (turning on and off devices at a strictly specified time, once, every day, every specific day, etc.).

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.

Characteristics

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.

Safety in use

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.

Is it possible to make a smart socket with your own hands?

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:

Wi-Fi module;
solid state relay;
small-sized power supply (it is optimal that the voltage stabilizer is 3.3 V);
external socket (for ease of flashing, you can use an external socket or filter with a USB port).

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.

Not a luxury, but a necessity

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.

And so, this guide is offered to everyone who wants to make a “smart” outlet with solitaire and professional networks! Features of this product: the socket will be built-in, controlled both via wi-fi and via the Internet. You can also see the status of the outlet. And if you are not too lazy, then with temperature sensors, light sensors, a video camera and anything else you want later!

It is necessary to check the functionality of the circuit itself. Essentially, it’s a WeMo Switch emulator, the difference is that ours will fit into any outlet and fit perfectly into the interior.

What do we need to implement our plans:
1. In order to control the operation of the outlet via Wi-Fi, we will need a controller module with WiFi.
2. Relay 16A 220V.
3. Power supply for these two modules with a voltage of 5 V
4. And of course the socket box, where would we be without it?
5. And even more so, you can’t do without the outlet itself!
6. It would also be nice to make an LED for on/off indexing.
Here are all the components:

Solder the wires to the structure:

We insulate the wires and contacts:

Then we place all this in the socket box and connect it to the socket itself.

As for software, programming skills are required. If you have these, then it is recommended to use a lightweight web server and the simplest bash scripts, although it is quite possible to install a minimal Python assembly for our purposes.
Otherwise, you should look for a solution to the problem on the forums or copy the software of the official version of this outlet. You can find a large variety of them both on websites dedicated to programming and simply as part of online stores.
We check for functionality. And so the relay, LED and socket voltage are normal. Well, the first step has been taken towards the ideal outlet. The cost of all components can be estimated at approximately 1,500 rubles.

And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment, there’s nothing complicated here, take a soldering iron with a thin tip and go!

Perhaps your hands will shake, but this is only the first five minutes, once you get used to it initially, you will already be confident and steadfast as granite.

Important Note:
The socket is usually located closer to the floor (from physics lessons you should remember that hot air goes up, and cold air goes down), so the thermostat indicators will not be entirely correct - this is worth taking into account if you rely on them to regulate the heating.

Yes Yes Yes. Another one. I understand that everyone is tired of it. But 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 socket box 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. A catfish like this, 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, electricity is supplied to the outlet. The first step has been taken. It took about an hour and a half in total. Money:
1. Controller based on AR9331 - 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 polish 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.

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).

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):

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, 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.