Smart socket with remote control: types, device, how to choose a good one

TOP 5 smart sockets

REDMOND SkyPort 103S

The company not so long ago began to produce smart sockets, and this is not the first successful model. With a fairly low price, the socket has a wide functionality. Within the home, it can be controlled via Bluetooth. But both at home and anywhere in the world, you can use a special application to turn the outlet on or off, set a schedule for it, and see the status of the connected device (powered or not).The maximum power of connected devices is 2.3 kW. One socket can be controlled from different smartphones. You can buy several sockets and manage them all from one application.

The socket app is also to be commended for its functionality. In it, you can set up a work schedule for the device, you can choose one of the mass of pre-designed scenarios. For example, you can make sure that the lighting in the bedroom turns on at a certain time in the morning, and during the day the heater turns on from time to time so that the apartment maintains an optimal microclimate. For families with children, a “Safe Mode” is provided, thanks to which you can block the inclusion of certain appliances or limit their operating time.

The price is about 1000 rubles, but if you get discounts, you can buy a device for 600 rubles.

Xiaomi Mi Smart Power Plug

The company released a smart socket back in 2017 as an integral part of the smart home system. The product has a basic set of functions, there is nothing superfluous in it, but everything that is is implemented well. You can connect devices with a power of up to 2.5 kW, a blue LED indicates the operation of the outlet. In case of overheating, the socket turns off.

Management takes place through a special application. In it, you can not only turn on or off the connected device, use a ready-made work scenario or set your own, but also track the amount of electricity consumed (per day, week, etc.). If you use several outlets, then for each you can set your own label depending on the connected device, so as not to get confused.

The price is about 1000 rubles.

The updated model of the line - Xiaomi Mijia Power Plug Smart Socket Plus 2 USB, costs a little more (1200 rubles), but has two USB connectors in stock.

Xiaomi Smart Power Strip

The device is designed for 6 connected devices (3 sockets are universal, 3 are designed only for European and American plugs). Uses the same application as the previous model. You can remotely turn the socket on and off, control electricity consumption, set a work schedule, activate a timer, etc. Minus - it is impossible to turn off only one outlet.

The price is about 1300 rubles.

Digma DiPlug 160M

The socket is designed to connect devices with a power of up to 3.5 kW. Management is carried out using an application on a smartphone. As in other models, you can set operation scenarios for connected devices, set a timer, turn devices on and off. The model allows you to control energy consumption. Moreover, you can set different operation scenarios depending on the temperature and humidity. In cons, users note larger sizes than they would like, but this is not such a critical drawback.

The price is about 1700-2000 rubles.

There is another interesting model Digma DiPlug 100, it is designed for power up to 2.2 kW, does not monitor energy consumption, but costs no more than 1200 rubles.

Rubetek RE-3301

The socket immediately attracts attention with its compact size. If most of these gadgets block a nearby outlet, then there will be no such problems.

The backlight here is circular, the color depends on the load, the intensity of the glow can be adjusted.Management is carried out through the application: you can set a work schedule, a timer, synchronize the on / off devices with external sensors (lighting, temperature, humidity). By the way, if external sensors are connected, then you can set up an SMS notification when, for example, a motion sensor is triggered - a good replacement for an alarm.

What is a WiFi socket?

A smart WiFi socket is a special device that is inserted in place of an old socket and connected to an existing wiring. Then the device is used in normal mode. You can connect household appliances and other electrical consumers to it within the established limit.

Management is carried out through an application installed on a smartphone, with which you can remotely turn the power on and off. Some manufacturers offer models with advanced functionality. For example, on sale you can find smart WiFi sockets with a temperature sensor or current consumption data.

How to choose a smart socket

Consider the criteria that require mandatory implementation in the process of selecting products of similar application.

View. Smart sockets can be built-in and overhead. The first looks like a classic socket and is installed during repairs in the house. Socket outlet - an adapter that allows you to control the operation of an electrical appliance connected through it (you just need to insert the device into a regular outlet). But to disguise it, for example, from small children, is quite difficult. A smart network extender works on the same principle as a smart Wi-Fi socket.
Safety. In order to protect yourself and your children from injury, choose an outlet with grounding and protective "curtains".These parameters are especially relevant for overhead models: the child is tempted to stick his fingers into the socket

Also pay attention to whether the outlet has protection for temperature, current and voltage. It depends on whether the socket turns off when overloaded.

If the outlet continues to operate, both the outlet itself and the appliance connected to it may fail and cause a fire.
Maximum load. This parameter is present in the technical specifications of each smart socket. It depends on its value whether the socket will withstand the connection of a particular device. The maximum total power of connected devices in modern smart sockets is in the range from 1800 W to 3500 W, that is, the internal relay of the socket can withstand a current of 8 to 16 A, respectively.
Additional functions. A temperature sensor installed in a smart socket makes it possible to notify the owner of an increase / decrease in the temperature in the room and, if necessary, turn off the equipment. The motion sensor in the outlet performs different functions: for example, it turns on the lamp when someone approaches, it gives a command to notify the owner's phone that someone else has appeared in the room. The dimmer built into the smart socket allows you to remotely smoothly adjust the intensity of the glow of the lamps connected to the socket.

How it works

First, we connect the outlet and turn on the air conditioner or other device in the house through it. After adding to the Mi Home application, it immediately becomes possible to control the outlet remotely.

If you have smart sensors, sockets, switches and light bulbs that work via ZigBee, you can connect them to this hub and set up automation scenarios.

After that, you can connect the Air Conditioner Gateway to the air conditioner and other devices in the house. The application database has already added many parameters for most common household appliances.

Air conditioners, TVs, video players, set-top boxes and other devices with an IR remote control can be controlled via a power outlet. You just need to provide direct visibility between them.

If the technician or manufacturer is not in the list of the remote control application, you can train the Air Conditioner Gateway by giving commands to the socket one by one from the native remote control.

For regular control of equipment, a touch-screen smartphone is not as convenient as a push-button remote control, but it will do as a backup input method.

Special mention deserves work with air conditioning, it is not for nothing that this feature appears in the name of a smart outlet.

A special interface allows you to quickly switch the air conditioner parameters: adjust the fan speed, switch between modes, control curtains, enable or disable additional features.

Modern "kondei" have IR modules with feedback, so the wall unit transmits the current parameters for display on the screen of the remote control. The same data is read by the smart socket and transferred to the application.

If the air conditioner is controlled via the remote control, up-to-date information will be available in Mi Home.

In addition, the outlet stores data on the power consumption of the device connected to it. Interesting info.

How to install, configure and enable?

Radio controlled devices synchronize with the remote control,

How to connect Xiaomi device?

1. Before you start connecting a smart device, you need to download the Xiaomi MiHome application to your phone.
2. Then the socket is connected to the network and the yellow indicator lights up.
3. Through the MiHome application, you need to add a new device by turning on scanning with automatic search.
4. After detection, you need to connect it to your smartphone via wi-fi. If the indicator lights up blue, it means that it is connected and ready to work.

Attention
From a smartphone, you can control the device from anywhere in the world. The main thing is that the phone has access to the Internet.

Aligning walls with drywall is very popular, so the question often arises: how to properly install a regular outlet, including plasterboard? You can read about it on our website.

We also recommend that you read the articles on how to replace the outlet in the apartment yourself, how to properly position it in the kitchen, how to move it, how to install a new one, how to connect a USB outlet, what is grounding, how to connect 3 sockets with your own hands.

Principle of operation

The main difference between the models of "smart" sockets is the type of their operation and the set of built-in functions in them. At the moment, the main market share divides them into 3 types.

radio controlled

This device consists of a single socket or a set of sockets and a remote control. Often on the front or side panel of such devices there are buttons for control without a remote control.

Such models operate mainly at frequencies 315 to 433 MHz, so they do not overlap with the operating frequencies of other devices, which ensures an uninterrupted signal from the outlet to the remote control and vice versa. The operating range of the control panel lies within a radius of 30-40 meters from the outlet.

WiFi

Wi-Fi sockets are the most popular type of "smart" sockets. They work with the help of a Wi-Fi module.Connecting to a router, these devices operate on the Wi-Fi protocol - 802.11 b / g / n, with a frequency of 2.4 Hz. When a device connects to the router for the first time, it receives its own IP address, which is assigned to it. The only way to reset it is by doing a factory reset. To set up and fully use on your smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop, you need to install the program from the manufacturer of your outlet, then the device is synchronized and configured - it is ready for use.

The main advantage of a Wi-Fi socket is that it is controlled via the Internet, which allows you to have access to control from anywhere in the world. Leaving work, you can turn on the heating of your home, heat the boiler or boil the kettle for your arrival. This type of smart sockets can also be equipped with built-in sensors for temperature, humidity, motion sensors, light and, in some cases, a built-in video camera. Data from sensors and cameras are sent to the application and stored for a long time.

Such sockets are both single and multi-channel (extension cords). Each socket is configured separately, the control unit gives commands to the connected device you need, that is, you can control each electrical appliance separately, which is extremely convenient when used in the office or at home. For example, an electric kettle, a toaster and a coffee maker are connected to the smart socket at the same time, and you want to come and drink hot coffee, the device will turn on only the coffee maker, and the rest of the devices will remain disconnected from the mains.

GSM

In appearance, GSM sockets are similar to radio-controlled models.They have approximately the same arrangement of control buttons and elements, but there is also a slot for a SIM card on the case. For this type of smart socket, you will need a SIM card. It is installed in a special slot and provides control of the outlet from your mobile phone via SMS commands. Some models of such devices are also equipped with a Bluetooth module and make it possible to program and control the device using the technology of the same name.

Such sockets are optionally equipped with smoke, light, temperature sensors, the position of the entrance lock, and the gas content in the air. When one of the sensors is triggered, the socket will immediately send you a message to your phone. These models can warn you of a power outage thanks to the built-in energy storage capacitor. After turning off the light, she will send a corresponding message to the smartphone.

There are the following main types of GSM sockets:

• single - with the ability to connect one device and constant control over it;
• with many sockets for connection - it resembles an extension cord or surge protector; each socket is programmed separately and has its own microcontroller, which makes it possible to control devices independently of each other.

How to connect

Consider how to connect a smart outlet to your home's electrical system.

Here is a small list that briefly and clearly describes each stage of installing a smart plug in a room:

1. The socket is connected to the network, a certain indicator of the device's readiness for use is expected to light up (for more details, see the instructions from the manufacturer).
2. A special application is installed on the smartphone, it is purely individual for each manufacturer.
3. In the application, you need to add a new device (socket) by enabling the function of scanning the room with automatic search and connection.
4. After detection and connection, you must wait for the device to be ready for use (in most cases, the LED indicator on the socket housing).
5. Now you can use the model from anywhere in the world (the main thing is the presence of the Internet).

What is a smart plug and how does it work?

A smart socket is an electrical device that can not only supply power to a particular electrical appliance, but also, at the command of the operator or by a timer, turn off this appliance from the mains. The use of smart sockets in a private house or apartment not only improves the quality of life, but also significantly reduces the cost of paying for electricity.

For remote control of such devices, a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone can be used, in other words, any gadgets that have free access to the Internet. It can be a fixed, mobile or Wi-Fi connection.

Life hacks: using devices with intelligence

A smart plug is not the most complex device, however, it has a lot of applications.

Here is a selection of several smart plug hacks that will make your life easier:

• Using a smart plug, you can cook your own breakfast. To do this, just turn off the smart socket in the evening and set the activation timer until the morning. Next, you need to connect a toaster, microwave or multicooker to this outlet and configure them accordingly.When you wake up in the morning, breakfast will be ready, as the smart plug will power the appliances.
• Constantly forgetting if you turned off the iron and getting nervous about it? A smart socket will be of great help in such cases. Iron clothes by connecting the iron to a smart socket, and even if you leave home, you can always check the power supply to the iron and turn it off if necessary. In addition, the iron can be remotely turned on so that it warms up in advance.
• Do you want to save electricity, but at the same time return to a warm home? Turn on heaters and air conditioners a couple of hours before the expected arrival home. So the air has time to warm up, but at the same time the appliances will not work in vain all day and wear out, and the electricity bills will not be so big.
• When on vacation, smart plugs can be used to remotely control lights in the home, such as table lamps. Thus, it is possible to create the appearance that someone is in the apartment or house. With the help of such actions, you can protect yourself from apartment thieves who are watching the house.

What is a Gsm socket with a remote sms control

SMS or GSM socket is used for remote control of electrical appliances connected to the network. Such devices provide comfortable living conditions for a person. You can set a timer so that the electrical outlet turns off by itself, give a command to the device when you are away from home. In addition to turning the electronics on and off, the socket can measure the temperature and give an audible signal when the set mode is reached.

Application:

• control of home appliances;
• rebooting modems;
• setting up watering the garden in the country;
• control of climatic conditions;
• security function.

Sockets can be used in other areas.

Advantages of smart sockets:

• high functionality;
• ease of use;
• reliability;
• additional options.

Of the shortcomings, only high cost can be distinguished.

How to connect a smart socket

Let's consider connecting a smart device to a home electrical network using the example of connecting a Xiaomi socket. The device is installed in the following sequence:

1. Before you start connecting a smart socket, you need to download the Xiaomi Mi Home mobile application.
2. After that, the device is connected to the mains and wait until the yellow indicator lights up.
3. Using the Mi Home app, you need to add a new device by turning on scanning with automatic search.
4. As soon as a new device is found, it is connected to a smartphone using wi-fi. As soon as the indicator lights up in blue, the socket can be used for its intended purpose.

Using a smartphone, the device can be controlled from anywhere in the world, the main thing is that the phone has access to the Internet.

What it is?

A smart socket is a device that is an advanced electrical socket that monitors the status of the electrical equipment connected to it. It allows you to remotely control your electrical appliances from a distance thanks to a smartphone and special software, set the time to turn on and off the device, control voltage, monitor the duration of the socket and many other functionalities. Smart sockets provide a huge range of various functions and tasks for their application.

If you live in an apartment, it can be used for any electrical appliances, the main thing is to take into account the maximum allowed power of your outlet.

You can connect household appliances to it, starting from an iron (which you don’t need to worry about now if you forgot to turn it off) and ending with an air conditioner (it’s so nice to go into a chilled apartment in the summer heat, the air conditioner will turn on automatically using a smart socket), turn on the ventilation remotely , lighting, heating or heat water using a boiler.

You will be able to control the operation of appliances, for example, keep dangerous electrical appliances turned off (electric stove, washing machine, heaters, iron, etc.) while you are away from home, thereby ensuring the safety of your children and the general safety of your home.

"Smart" sockets can perform exactly the same functions in your country house or in a private house, where their functionality is even more extensive - controlling outdoor lighting, watering, turning on video surveillance. If your smart plug model is equipped with temperature control functions (they are equipped with a thermal sensor), you can separately connect air control sensors for smoke (increase fire safety), humidity.

You can control the watering of your garden or garden from the comfort of your own home, simply turn on the smart plug and it will turn on the irrigation system. Some use them as indicators for opening automatic doors or to set off an alarm.

And also this is the optimal device for monitoring the state of the power grid, electricity consumption, a reliable assistant for those who save electricity. As you can see, the possibilities of using "smart" sockets are extensive.Every day they are only expanding, in various models you can find the necessary set of functions for your requirements.

What are they?

What smart socket is installed in your house?

Internal External

There are two common smart plug designs:

These are external modules that are inserted into a regular outlet. Unlike internal smart sockets, external ones can be installed anywhere (but at the same time they look somewhat cumbersome and unaesthetic).

These are devices that are mounted in a socket and are part of the electrical wiring.

Smart sockets of the internal type are most often installed together with other parts of a smart home. These sockets are made to order. install them yourself not so easy, however, as well as setting them up. They are needed by those who are seriously thinking about the smart home system.

External modules are more practical than internal ones. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and can be installed without any skills. Such sockets are most often used without other smart home systems. The only drawback of external modules is their unusual appearance.

The principle of operation of an intelligent device

In set WiFi switch There are two devices: a receiver and a transmitter. The first device is a miniature relay that can be controlled using a smartphone or remote control. Having fixed the given signal, the relay closes the wiring circuit.

The device, which has a compact size, is usually installed near the lighting fixture, for example, under a stretch ceiling. The relay can also be mounted in a switchboard or inside a luminaire.

Scheme of operation of an intelligent device operating on a smartphone signal. The command sent from the control device is transmitted directly to the light source, due to which the lamp lights up

The functions of the transmitter are performed by a switch, the design of which is equipped with a small electric generator. When a key is pressed or a certain command is sent from a smartphone, an electric current is generated in the device, which is transformed into a radio signal.

In addition to issuing a command, the device also captures information confirming the execution of the order. Information can be transmitted to the controller responsible for the operation of the system, or directly to the smartphone.

Wiring diagram for a radio transmitter, which is an important part of a smart device controlled by a smartphone or radio remote control

The smart switch can replace or complement the traditional switching device. This allows you to save the usual functions of the device, namely turning on / off the light using a button or key. At the same time, he acquires "smart" options, which will be discussed later.

Comparative table of presented models

In order to compare the presented models, we suggest taking a look at the table with their characteristics in the table below.

Model	Country of Origin	Weight (g)	Production material	Control type	Price, rub)
TP Link TP Link	China	131,8	polycarbonate	the Internet	from 2370 to 3400
Xiaomi Mi Smart Power Plug	China	63,5	durable thermoplastic	the Internet	from 1090 to 2000
Redmond SkyPort 100S	USA	60	heat resistant plastic	radio control	from 1695 to 2000
GEOS SOKOL-GS1	Ukraine	350	heat resistant plastic	telephone	from 2389 to 3300
Rubetek RE-3301	Russia	80	heat resistant plastic	WiFi	from 2990 to 3200
Telemetry T40	China	87	heat resistant plastic	telephone	from 6499 to 6699
FIBARO Wall Plug	Poland	67	plastic	telephone	from 5399 to 5799

6 HIPER

An English company, one of the directions of which is the production of smart home elements. The company manufactures water leakage sensors, detectors, burglar alarm systems, electrics. Smart sockets from Hiper are distinguished by a stable connection with the smart home system, they listen to Alice and quickly connect to the Yandex smart home.

There is a proprietary smartphone app. The reviews note that when linked to the Yandex ecosystem through the native Hiper IOT server, the socket is unstable, but when connected directly to the Yandex server, everything is fine. There are no delays, all commands are executed instantly and correctly. Smart sockets from Hiper are endowed with a shutter, grounding, and everything works with Alice. Quietly fit into the ecosystem from other manufacturers. This is the best option when you need a quality Wi-Fi connected smart plug.

Smart socket - how to choose the right one?

In order for a smart socket to actually turn out to be “smart”, and not to give errors or failures when connecting electrical appliances, it is important to know by what parameters it is selected. The main parameter when choosing is, of course, the power of smart sockets

As a rule, this is no more than 3 kW, but perhaps at the time of this writing, more powerful instances have appeared.

The main parameter when choosing is, of course, the power of smart sockets. As a rule, this is not more than 3 kW, but perhaps at the time of this writing, more powerful instances have appeared.

The number of numbers from which the smart plug can be controlled is also limited, usually no more than 5 mobile numbers.It is much more important to have a stable connection with GSM for the smart plug to work, since the stability of the smart plug in operation depends on this.

When choosing a smart socket, you should also look at the presence of certain connectors that can expand the functionality of a smart socket many times over. For example, for connecting household electrical appliances, this is not a very important parameter, but if you need to control and manage various office equipment and servers, the presence of additional connectors is simply necessary.

The principle of operation of sockets with remote control

Sockets with remote control

The remote control socket is powered by command pulses from a remote device. By itself, the product cannot be considered a full-fledged electrical outlet. According to the principle of operation and design, this is a smart adapter with a relay switch, a plug and a plug.

The main purpose of the device is to open and close the power circuit. A receiving unit is built inside, which allows you to remotely control the turning on and off of the equipment with a remote control or using a mobile computer without making additional settings in the design of the electrical outlet.

Telemetry socket with remote control

Without power supply, the product will not function. To do this, you need to plug the plug into the network, and connect home equipment through the plug. The device works according to the following principle:

• a signal is sent from a remote source to the receiver unit;
• the transmitter receives a pulse;
• the command is encoded and then sent to the execution node;
• the control trigger, depending on the instructions received from the decoder, closes or opens the electrical circuit by switching the relay.

radio controlled socket

Remote controlled outlet device

The receiving-actuating unit is located in the radio adapter housing. A number of models are equipped with electronic timers, the programming of which is carried out using the remote control, button or touch panel located on the case.

There are also indicator lights, a plug for connecting the device to the network and a plug connector for connecting electrical equipment.

The main part of the remote control is a radio transmitter that generates a noise-resistant command signal. Management is carried out by supplying a command radio signal. In the receiving-executive unit, a signal is generated to close or open the electrical circuit of the plug connector into which the electrical appliance is connected.

The principle of operation of radio adapters for electrical outlets of this type is in many ways similar to the principle of operation of a remote-controlled switch.

Sockets are more convenient, they can be moved to suitable places, their connection does not require rewiring.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video review of the most popular GSM sockets:

p> The video in a visual form will introduce you to remote-controlled sockets:

p> Video presentation will help you better understand the specifics of smart sockets:

p> A detailed review for potential buyers of WI-FI sockets from Orvibo:

p> The use of smart sockets to improve the comfort of your home or apartment has been proven by a good example of more than one satisfied user. The high cost of smart devices is fully justified - after all, they are able to perform a lot of additional useful functions.

By installing remotely controlled sockets, you can control the situation in the house, even while on a long business trip.To do this, you do not have to ask a friend to water the flowers and check if the faucet is leaking, if the electrical wiring is in order. It is enough to go to the application installed on your smartphone and see everything in real time.

Have you decided to test the possibilities of a smart socket by buying one model “for trial”? Or do you have questions about the choice that we did not cover in this article? Ask your questions in the block below - we will try to help you.

Or maybe you already use a set of smart sockets controlled from a distance? Please share your experience with our readers.