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The most common type of sockets with remote control
The plug connector for connecting various devices to the electrical network is known to everyone, but it is not always convenient to use. Therefore, let's consider such an interesting thing as sockets controlled by remote control. We'll tell you how they differ from conventional connectors, and when you should choose them. Additionally, we recommend the video at the link, which tells in detail about these devices:
- What are remote sockets for?
- What is a socket with a remote control?
- How to control sockets with a remote control Mechanical control
- Via wired channel
- Acoustic control
- IR channel
- Radio channel
- GSM channel
- On ready-made modules
Smart plug features
To fully understand, you need to understand what functions such a device performs and what properties it has. In general, the main function of such an outlet is to turn on electrical appliances using a remote control.
In the photographs of the smart socket you can see that this device does an excellent job of remotely turning on a kettle or boiler.
Agree that you don’t always want to get up and go warm up the kettle or start the boiler, especially in the morning. With this device you will have time to fully wake up and still have hot water.
This device can also help with time management, since the remote control allows you to turn on appliances from anywhere, which will allow you to turn on multicookers, boilers and other electrical appliances on the way home.
Advantages
The main advantages of this type of sockets include:
- the cost of production compared to GSM and Wi-Fi is quite low;
- there are buttons on the case that allow mechanical control of the sockets;
- high noise immunity;
- there is no need to redo the electrical wiring;
- the connection process does not take much time;
- many modern sockets have several operating modes;
- Thanks to the socket you will be able to save energy.
Types of smart sockets
The choice of this product on the market is very wide, so consumers do not always understand what these sockets are. Each type differs from the other in design, installation method, control method, and others.
According to the installation method, smart sockets are divided into:
- Overhead smart socket. This type is something like an adapter, since it connects to a regular outlet. They have gained their popularity due to the fact that the process of connecting them is very simple, and everyone can understand the instructions for these smart sockets.
- Sockets that are mounted into walls. This option is suitable for those people who are doing a full renovation of the room, because the process of installing such an outlet involves connecting the device to the general electrical wiring.
According to management methods, it is customary to distinguish:
- Using radio control. A smart socket with a remote control is designed to control devices at a certain distance (usually up to thirty meters).
- Via SMS messages. These devices can turn on the devices as soon as a message is received from the owner.
- Using the Internet. This type is the most popular, as you can control such a device from anywhere on Earth.
By design features we can distinguish:
- Single, independent models.
- Sockets that have outputs for remote control of several devices.
- Groups of devices in which one device acts as the main link, and the main ones are dependent on it.
- Extension sockets. This type of device can control both all outputs and each one separately.
Specifications
Just like a regular electrical outlet, the most important characteristic of these devices is the current rating. However, when choosing such products, the maximum power of the connected load is often used. As a rule, it is 1 - 1.5 kW.
A wireless socket can be placed in rooms with high humidity or outdoors, but in this case it requires reliable protection from dust and moisture getting inside the housing. Like other electrical products, such devices are classified by IP, which allows you to select a model with the necessary characteristics. For example, an IP44 rated socket is protected against solid particles with a diameter greater than 1 mm, as well as water droplets flying from any direction. Such qualities allow you to place sockets even in bathrooms (without direct contact with water).
Features of radio controlled sockets
The set of this device consists of the socket itself and a device that sends commands to the device. Most often, this device is a remote control.
Of course, manufacturers include instructions for the device in the kit, which describe in detail the control features and all the functions of the socket.
- The process of installing such an outlet is very simple; you just need to insert it into a regular outlet, like an adapter.
- It is this easy connection method that makes this type of smart plug so popular in the market.
- The design itself is provided with special indicators that show the state of the device and reactions to sent commands.
It is worth noting that such devices operate at certain frequencies, so it will not spoil the signal to other devices. The disadvantage of such a device is the limited signal; manufacturers can offer sockets with coverage of an area of 100 meters.
Connection
Before starting work, the wireless socket is combined with the remote control, for which you need to press the corresponding buttons on its body and on the remote control itself. At this moment, both devices are paired with each other via one of the radio channels available to the remote control; the successful completion of this process is signaled by a light indicator on the socket body.
It should be noted that a theoretically unlimited number of devices can be controlled via the same radio channel; the only limiting factor in this regard is the functionality and ease of use of such a system.
Features of sockets with SIM cards
This device assumes the presence of a SIM card in the design, because control occurs using mobile phones. These sockets are provided with special indicators that indicate the presence of power, response to control and a special slot for a SIM card.
The advantage of this type is a large coverage area. You can control such a device within the coverage area of your mobile operator.
Some appliances may be equipped with blackout notification capabilities, which can help prevent short circuits and fires.
Also, these sockets may contain some additional devices, such as:
- Door opening and closing sensors.
- Temperature indicators.
- Indicators that inform about the humidity levels in the room.
- Timers.
- External microphones.
- Additional batteries that can operate without electricity.
The main disadvantage is the relatively high cost of such sockets.
Features of sockets with Wi-Fi modules
Recently, this type of smart plugs has been in high demand in the market. This popularity is due to the fact that they can be equipped with additional means, such as:
- Various indicators.
- Timers.
- Microphones.
- Video cameras.
- A spare control method in the form of a SIM card.
This outlet can be controlled by any gadgets that have the function of connecting to a Wi-Fi network. This device is configured through special applications developed by the manufacturer.
The main advantage is that this outlet can be controlled from anywhere in the world. With the help of such devices, you can monitor the condition of the house, which significantly increases the safety of the premises.
Photo of a smart socket with remote control
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