An intelligent control system for security and home protection devices, or the concept of "Smart Home", has long been plaguing information technology geniuses. Dreams of automating all processes occurring inside the apartment are slowly but surely becoming a reality.
It is still too early to talk about a full-fledged artificial intelligence-butler, but the first steps in this direction have already been taken - smart sockets have been created. The unique home grid control systems were designed at the Frauhofer Institute in Germany. If household appliances are connected to these sockets, then they can be controlled from the comfort of the sofa or even from the other side of the world.
How did sockets become "smart"?
At this stage in the development of engineering, the concept of a “smart” home can only be realized using adapters, devices with built-in mechanismsremote control. It is these adapters that are "smart" sockets. Their design includes two elements - an electromagnetic relay and a controller.
The controller receives signals and transmits them to an electromagnetic relay, which, in turn, is responsible for closing and opening the electrical circuit, that is, for supplying the load. The controller can receive signals via the Internet, via SMS or GSM communication channels. Such adapters differ in the type of control signal, the power of the transmitted load, design, functional and technical features.
How useful is a smart plug?
"Smart" sockets will become an indispensable acquisition for absent-minded people or those who constantly doubt: "Did I turn off the iron?" Such people will be able to free themselves from their own doubts by simply accessing a special application on a mobile device or sending a short SMS message to an outlet. In addition to providing remote access to control household appliances, "smart" sockets allow you to solve a number of other tasks:
- Automate the work of office equipment (restarting routers, turning on the PC on schedule).
- Strengthen the protective functions of security systems (fixing sudden changes in temperature, the presence of smoke in the room, increasing the level of humidity).
- Protect appliances from short circuits or emergency blackouts.
Using "smart" sockets, you can increase the security of your home from unauthorized entry. Sending shortmessages or by pressing the buttons in the application, you can turn on music, lights, electrical appliances, thereby simulating the presence in the apartment. As a rule, thieves bypass "noisy" houses.
Who is the smart plug subordinate to?
The first such adapters were controlled exclusively by mobile communications. They had a built-in GSM module and a SIM card slot. They obeyed applications installed on smartphones or personal computers. SMS messages were used for communication.
Modern "smart" GSM sockets are able to connect to a router installed in the house. It monitors the signals coming from the owners of the apartment through a special Internet portal or application, and then transmits them to the hardware of the outlet, and those, in turn, to the connected device.
Each such adapter is assigned its own IP address, which is necessary for data encryption and protection from unauthorized access. Connection to the router is possible at a distance of up to 30 meters.
Features of "smart" sockets
We have already noted that remote control adapters for household appliances differ in functional and technical features. A common is the classification of devices by maximum power. A conventional "smart" socket with remote SMS control is capable of controlling devices with a power of up to 3 kW. For more progressive specimens, this figure is higher.
According toversion of the "smart" sockets can be divided into single and network subspecies. In the first case, there is only one connector for connecting devices. Network adapters consist of 3-5 outlets with a single or separate control system. The network of adapters can communicate with each other via radio.
Devices can also be classified by the presence or absence of an uninterruptible power supply. Sockets equipped with a UPS keep the equipment working, despite drops or lack of voltage in the network. In addition, this SMS-controlled smart plug sends power outage alerts to the landlord.
"Smart" sockets Senseit GS1
The ability to implement various functions in the adapter has significantly expanded the range of the information technology market. For the first time in Russia, such systems began to be promoted by Senseit. Currently, there are three models of devices that deserve attention - GS1, GS2M and GS2S.
The GS1 devices are simple and fairly inexpensive. In their design, they have a slot for a SIM card. You can manage it by sending SMS or making calls from any Russian operator. The GS1 smart socket remembers up to 5 numbers and responds only to them.
This is a good solution if you plan to install only one or two of these devices, but no more, because you have to remember the number from each adapter. A temperature sensor is built into the design of the socket, which increases the protection of the object from fire.
Sockets Senseit GS2M and GS2S
It does not make sense to consider GS2M and GS2S sockets separately, because they are absolutely identical, except for one detail - the first model is the so-called master socket, which has a host controller and controls other adapters, in particular GS2S.
Up to 10 GS2Ss can connect to the GS2M at the same time. Models communicate with each other in the radio frequency range. Moreover, the control signals are received by the "smart" socket Senseit GS2M, which then transmits instructions to the other adapters connected to it.
Commands can be sent via the website, a dedicated iOS and Android app, or via SMS. Each socket has a built-in temperature sensor and informs the user about changes taking place in the house - power outages, voltage drops and other events.
How much does a smart plug cost?
The cost of "smart" sockets starts from 800 rubles. It all depends on the manufacturer, design features, power and other parameters. In particular, the presence or absence of a temperature sensor has a significant impact on the price of a product.
Devices with built-in temperature sensors are bulkier. It is worth purchasing them if you want to maintain a microclimate in your home using a split system or an electric heater.
The control system is also important. Thus, a "smart" SMS socket will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than a similar one.devices with internet connectivity. However, the choice is always yours.
