Why do you need a Smart Plug and how does it work? Main functions

What does the concept of a smart home mean?

The key idea of a smart home is considered to be automatic control of various elements in the apartment. For example, automatically turning off the lights when no one is in the room for a long time or shutting off the water supply in the house when a leak is detected. And, for example, a smart socket with a temperature sensor can turn on the heater when the temperature in the room drops. This system is designed to increase the security of your home and optimize various electrical networks to improve comfort.

How smart plugs work

The socket mechanism is usually built on a relay; when a signal is received, the relay changes its position and either begins to transmit current or stops. Previously, a SIM card was needed to control a smart socket and to turn it off or turn it off it was necessary to send an SMS or call. Now control occurs using wi-fi or bluetooth, using a regular program on a smartphone. Now there are smart sockets with a temperature sensor; they allow you to monitor the temperature in real time and adjust the operation depending on the indicators.

Why a smart plug is useful and its functions

A smart socket allows you to not only turn on the kettle while lying in bed. The main advantage is the ability to customize the operating time. For example, set up an irrigation system that will water the plants for 15 minutes, morning and evening. Or set up an external lighting system so that it turns on independently in the evening and goes out in the morning. And if you are not sure that you turned off the iron, then simply turn off the socket itself via your phone without leaving your workplace. And in places where it is not possible to connect to the Internet, a smart socket with a SIM card is used, which also has a temperature sensor installed.

What if Alice doesn't see the socket on WiFi?

If Alice does not see a smart socket or switch via WiFi, then there may be two most common reasons for this:

You have linked another account to the Yandex application in the outlet application, to which it has not been added. Check that you have synchronized on your smartphone exactly the account in which the installed socket is located
Your model is not supported by Alice. As I gave in the example at the beginning of the article, not all smart home systems can work with the voice assistant from Yandex

Types of devices

There are two types of devices: overhead and built-in. Overhead sockets are sockets that are inserted into an existing connector. And built-in ones are installed during the renovation stage and look similar to standard sockets. And they also highlight the control method and the number of sockets in one system.

Overhead pros and cons

Among the poles we can distinguish:

The ability to install a similar smart socket in an existing one;
Mobility, if necessary, you can easily move the device to another more convenient place.

The disadvantages include:

Dependence on signal quality; in a country house, due to a poor signal, remote control becomes impossible;
Due to its small size, the device cannot always be conveniently positioned, or it will spoil the appearance of the room;
For GSM sockets, you must constantly monitor the balance of the installed SIM card.

Built-in smart sockets

There are two types of embedded devices. Installed directly into the wall, just like conventional sockets, or this is a system built into an electrical panel.

Functions

Thanks to this device, you will be able to remotely control electrical appliances. In addition, you will also be able to perform a number of useful functions.

The purposes of the smart socket are as follows:

Air temperature control using a special sensor. Thanks to this function, you have a wonderful opportunity to prepare in advance for arriving at the dacha after a long absence. Temperature adjustment can occur depending on weather conditions.
Emergency notification about power supply conditions or sudden temperature rises. Using this function, you can call emergency services and avoid negative consequences.
Setting up electrical appliances according to a given mode.

These are the main functions that a smart plug can handle when you are away.

If the power indicator is not lit, then this indicates that there is no external power. In this case, the device automatically switches to manual mode. Other common problems include:

Frequent blinking of the GSM indicator for a long time. The lack of signal may occur due to the fact that the SIM card that is inserted into the network is not found or there is simply no signal.
Functions are blocked. Check if the AOH mode is disabled or top up your SIM card.
The socket does not respond to SMS commands. To do this, turn the outlet on or off. If necessary, you can simply reset the settings.

This GSM device remotely controls electrical appliances, but in addition to this, it performs a number of useful functions.

Purpose of a smart socket:

Air temperature control using a temperature sensor. Thanks to this function, you can prepare in advance for arriving at a country house after a long absence. Adjusting the temperature in an apartment or office depending on the weather outside.
Informing when the set temperature has been reached, emergency notification about the state of the power supply or a sudden increase or decrease in temperature. This function allows you to call emergency services in case of unforeseen situations, avoiding negative consequences.
Setting up the operation of electrical appliances according to a given mode. For example, turning on the electric kettle 10-15 minutes before coming home from work.

In addition to being able to remotely control equipment, a GSM socket can also perform useful functions:

Thanks to the temperature sensor, the smart socket is able to control the air temperature in the room. The presence of such a function allows you to prepare a country house after a long absence and adjust the temperature to a comfortable state.
The GSM socket is capable of signaling with a sound signal that the temperature has reached the set value. It can also report if the temperature has suddenly risen or dropped. Thanks to this function, you can quickly call emergency services if unpredictable situations arise, thus avoiding bad consequences.
The operation of electrical appliances can be carried out according to a certain mode, which can be set for them. For example, turning on the kettle 5 minutes before coming home.
Availability of climate control. Thanks to this function, the temperature is automatically adjusted depending on weather temperature conditions.

Read more: Review of Eurobion Yubas septic tank reviews device advantages and disadvantages

Before directly purchasing smart sockets, you should decide what they are needed for.

These devices perform several functions:

turning on/off lighting (convenient in children's rooms);
turning on heating appliances, boiler, kettle in advance before immediately coming home from work;
remote control of the irrigation system when going on vacation or weekends;
fire protection, thanks to additional equipment for detecting temperature changes, gas contamination or increased humidity;
notification of emergency power outage;
rebooting office equipment with programming for a different operating mode;
regulation of electricity consumption.

An important function of the device is to turn the iron on and off from a distance: you don’t have to rack your brains and feel fear from the obsessive thought of whether the iron is turned off.

Smart devices are capable of issuing an alarm signal when the load on the power grid increases to the maximum permissible level. Some models can automatically turn off faulty electrical appliances and then turn them off. They can also send SMS (or write an email).

Smart wifi plugs

Devices operating via Wi-Fi have become especially popular. Let's consider what ensures the popularity of this type of product.

How the device works

The operation system is carried out thanks to the built-in wi-fi module. The device connects to the router. The setup is carried out using a program on your smartphone. This method allows you to combine many devices into one system. Smart plugs with a temperature sensor are also common. It allows you to monitor the temperature in the program and configure the operation of the outlet based on temperature readings.

Model overview

The most common device.

HS100 – Manufacturer: TP-Link. Has a time-based operating mode;
HS110 – Has the same operating modes, but also monitors the amount of electricity consumed. And it provides both statistics and real-time indicators.

Smart GSM sockets

Externally, they are difficult to distinguish from sockets operating via a radio channel. They are also connected in the form of an “adapter” between the standard outlet and the electrical appliance. The body has control buttons and operation indicators.

Inside the socket there is a controller with a cellular network detection module and a place for a SIM card. Models are available with rechargeable batteries or a compartment for AAA batteries (as a backup power source). The backup power supply makes it possible to operate the device in the absence of power, ensures that settings are saved in the device’s memory, and notifications about status or alarms are sent to one of the sensors.

Several types of such sockets are produced:

For one connection plug.
In the form of an extension cord for several connection sockets.

Multichannel design provides power supply to several consumers and individual operation of each of them, in accordance with previously configured scenarios. There is no universal sequence for preparing such devices for operation. Putting these devices into operating mode is carried out by setting them up in accordance with the operating instructions included with the device.

Installing a SIM card is only allowed when it is disabled. These devices do not support 4G networks. Modules supporting these networks would significantly increase the cost of sockets. GSM/3G networks are available (read the instructions first). A SIM card installed in these sockets should not require a PIN code when turning on the device and should have a positive balance for correct operation. Disabling the PIN code request is done on your mobile phone by disabling the corresponding item in the settings.

After setting up and installing the SIM card into the socket, it is connected to a 220V network. Initialization occurs, software is loaded, and the network is searched. Normal booting of the device takes up to 30 seconds. Next, you need to bind the subscriber number that performs control. It will be possible to receive commands from this number, and the outlet will send notifications to it. The number of subscriber numbers that control one gadget is determined by the specific device model. An attempt to control someone else's, unauthorized number will not lead to the execution of the command.

How to choose a smart plug

You should choose a device based on the tasks it will solve and under what conditions it will work. Then the necessary characteristics are selected. Let's look at the main criteria when choosing.

Control method

We have already discussed the main control methods, these are:

Wi-fi smart socket that is controlled using a program on the phone;
For radio sockets, a remote control is used;
It has a GSM socket and receives commands via SMS and calls from the phone.

For example, a wi-fi socket is better suited for a home, a GSM socket for a summer residence, and in an area without access to various networks. All that remains is radio equipment.

Maximum power

An outlet has limits on how much electricity it can pass through. And if the consumption is too high, the device may fail.

Plug standard

Everything is simple here if you have a device with a non-standard plug, and you do not want to make the design more bulky and use adapters. Then you should select a socket with a suitable plug in advance.

Connection type

The device is installed either directly into an outlet or is part of an electrical panel.

Functionality

Smart plugs have many additional features, for example:

Smart socket with temperature sensor;
Surge protection;
Availability of protection from dust and moisture;
Ability to record various operating algorithms;
Availability of notifications in case of problems;
Tracking the amount of electricity consumed.

Device Description

The use of such equipment is possible in many areas:

control of equipment at home;
rebooting routers or servers in the office (it is also possible to configure them to work according to a specific schedule);
setting up watering of flower beds, vegetable gardens or gardens on a summer cottage;
regulation and control of indoor climate;
due to additional sensors, use as security.

A simplified circuit of the device consists of an electromagnetic relay that opens and closes an electrical circuit, and a controller that controls this relay. But the characteristics of these components are such that they provide the ability to wirelessly control a smart socket - using a program embedded in it or a signal sent remotely to the controller.

Possible functions of controlled sockets of various models:

monitoring the status of connected household appliances with sending notifications to the owner about monitored parameters (temperature, network voltage);
remote control using mobile devices;
automatic shutdown of household appliances - in case of power surges, short circuits, overheating of the connected device, or absence of occupants for a specified time;
turning on/off devices according to the time values set on the timer (activation of climate systems when the owner arrives, ensuring the necessary cyclic operation of units, technological reboot of equipment);
deactivation of the standby mode when the specified duration is exceeded with complete disconnection of the device from the network.

The more advanced the device, the wider its functionality – remote control capabilities and information content.

For the dacha

At the dacha, a smart device can be used to water the plantings on the site according to a schedule. The user sets his schedule and the automation supplies water.

Read more: How to sheathe a ceiling with plasterboard correctly: we do the sheathing with our own hands

For home

At home, various power failures occur, which leads to accidents. From a distance you can control a heated floor, kettle, refrigerator, iron, boiler, oven and similar appliances.

If necessary, you can urgently de-energize any room. To do this, you need to set this function and all electricity will be turned off at once.

For offices

You can restart switches, network devices, routers, and servers according to a specific schedule. It is enough to set a specific operating schedule for the specified devices.

You can control the indoor microclimate using GSM sockets. The automation will turn heating and cooling devices on and off, working according to the sensor. Activation and deactivation of devices can be controlled manually or delayed using a precise timer. A smart socket with a thermometer and climate control function allows you to automatically turn devices on and off according to the ambient temperature.

It is convenient for the user that you can enter a special schedule, and according to it, the current supply will be turned on and off according to time. An SMS notification can be sent to your phone if there is an unexpected change in air temperature or power surges.

Smart plugs help protect premises from intruders. A sensor system protects against unauthorized entry into the home.

smart sockets are convenient to use at home and in the office; you can turn equipment on and off from a distance.
The very first smart devices with remote control were developed for private households - where daily care and attention to the surrounding areas, flower beds and other plantings is constantly vital. After all, at a certain time it is necessary to water the plants, turn on additional lighting and a number of more complex manipulations. The ability to quickly come home and press the right button does not always exist.

I especially don’t want to get out of a warm car on a chilly autumn or winter day and open the garage door. Modern gadgets have come to the rescue, one of which is smart sockets. This is an original device that is connected to a regular outlet, and then a number of necessary electrical appliances are connected to it. In other words, such a device acts as an adapter.

You can control such a device in different ways:

via radio control;
SMS messages (mobile communications);
Internet connection;
Wi-Fi network.

Additionally, you will need a specific application for your phone, computer, tablet, thanks to which you can turn off (turn on) the outlet at almost any distance from the house. You can set a timer, view operation statistics and electricity consumption. Additional features that your device may have vary depending on the model and manufacturer.

Externally, smart sockets are practically indistinguishable from ordinary ones. The latest models are characterized by an attractive appearance and the ability to successfully fit into any interior. If necessary, you can group several devices at once and configure them for a specific job.

Options for using smart appliances are limited only by the buyer's needs and imagination. You can connect any devices to them, using them as a regular outlet. The only limitation is power: these devices are designed for a total power of 3.5 kW, which corresponds to a simple outlet, a connected air conditioner and a boiler of average energy consumption.

The main category of buyers choosing smart devices are owners of country houses and summer cottages. Safety in the areas is important to them. It is always comfortable to arrive to a pre-heated house. Apartment owners who like to come into a house with the air conditioner already on in the hot summer also buy devices.

Smart sockets are also good for forgetful people who cannot remember whether the iron is turned off or not. Even if the device remains turned on, turning it off will not be a problem.

Devices are often used to reboot equipment that has software. They are used for irrigation systems in the country, heating the house at inexpensive rates at night, and even as alarm clocks.

Many people use them as automatic lighting, video cameras, water and gas leakage sensors. Sometimes this is a door indicator, thermostat and alarm.