The intelligent control system for security devices and home protection, or the concept of “Smart Home”, has long kept the geniuses of information technology awake. Dreams of automating all the processes taking place inside the apartment slowly but surely become a reality.
It’s still too early to talk about full-fledged artificial intelligence, butler, but the first steps in this direction have already been taken - “smart” outlets have been created. Unique home energy management systems were designed at the Frauhofer Institute in Germany. If household appliances are connected to these outlets, then they can be controlled without getting up from the couch or even being on the other side of the world.
How did sockets become smart?
At this stage of engineering development, the concept of a “smart home” can only be realized using adapters, devices with built-in remote control mechanisms. It is these adapters that are smart sockets. Their design includes two elements - an electromagnetic relay and a controller.
The controller receives the signals and transmits them to the 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 through 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.
Why is a smart socket useful?
Smart sockets will become an indispensable acquisition for scattered people or those who constantly doubt: “Have I turned off the iron?” Such people will be able to get rid of their own doubts by simply going into a special application on a mobile device or sending a short SMS message to an outlet. In addition to providing remote access to the management of household appliances, smart sockets allow solving a number of other tasks:
- Automate the work of office equipment (rebooting routers, turning on the PC on a schedule).
- Strengthen the protective functions of security systems (fixing sharp temperature changes, the presence of smoke in the room, increasing the level of humidity).
- Protect devices from short circuits or from blackouts.
Using "smart" sockets, you can increase the security of your home from unauthorized entry. By sending short messages or clicking on the buttons in the application, you can turn on the music, lights, electrical appliances, thereby simulating the presence in the apartment. As a rule, thieves bypass "noisy" houses.
To whom does a smart socket obey?
The first such adapters were controlled exclusively through mobile communications. They had a built-in GSM-module and a slot for a SIM card. They obeyed the applications installed on smartphones or personal computers. For communication, SMS messages were used.
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 transfers 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 against 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 the adapters for remote control of household appliances differ in functional and technical features. Common is the classification of devices by maximum power. The usual "smart" socket with remote SMS-control is able to control devices up to 3 kW. In more progressive instances, this figure is higher.
According to an embodiment, 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 adapter network can communicate with each other via radio.
Devices can be classified by the presence or absence of an uninterruptible power supply. Sockets equipped with UPSs maintain the operability of equipment, despite differences or lack of voltage in the network. In addition, such a “smart” socket with remote SMS control sends out a power outage notification to the landlord.
Senseit GS1 Smart Sockets
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, Senseit began to promote such systems. Currently, three models of devices deserve attention - GS1, GS2M and GS2S.
Simple and fairly inexpensive are the GS1 devices. In their design, they have a SIM card slot. You can manage it by sending SMS or making calls from any Russian operator. The GS1 smart socket stores up to 5 numbers and only responds to them.
This is a good solution if you plan to install only one or two of these devices, but no more, because you will have to remember the number from each adapter. A temperature sensor is built into the outlet design, which increases the object's protection against fire.
Senseit GS2M and GS2S Sockets
It does not make sense to consider the GS2M and GS2S sockets separately, because they are absolutely identical, with the exception of 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 GS2S instances can be connected 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" Senseit GS2M socket, which then passes the instructions to the other adapters connected to it.
Commands can be sent via the website, a special iOS and Android application, or via SMS. Each outlet has a built-in temperature sensor and informs the user about changes occurring in the house - a power outage, voltage drop and other events.
How much does a smart socket cost?
The cost of smart sockets starts at 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 effect on the price of a product.
Devices with integrated temperature sensors are more bulky. It is worth acquiring them if you want to maintain a microclimate in your home with the help of a split system or an electric heater.
Equally important is the control system. So, a “smart” SMS socket will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than a similar device with the ability to connect to the Internet. However, the choice is always yours.