Useful accessories to the outlet

How to increase the function of the outlet?

The socket is familiar to everyone and simple, the power cords from electrical appliances are plugged into it. But sometimes it is necessary to increase the number of its functions, organize the automatic switching on and off of devices, their protection, etc. To do this, you do not need to connect the outlet to the electrical panel with certain relays and timers, but you can just insert some functional element into it. In this article, we will consider additional devices that will help expand the functionality of outlets without reworking wiring.

Top optional devices

There are a number of additional devices in stores, such as timers or relays for protection against power surges, which are inserted into an outlet, and another device is located on their case, into which the device itself is inserted. This is a kind of intermediate functional links. Let's look at some options.

Socket timer

A timer is needed to turn devices on and off at the set time. There are mechanical and electronic timers. On the first type there is a rotating disk, which sets the time, and on the second, a display and a set of buttons. Depending on the model, they can be programmed for a day or a week.

The mechanical timer is easy to configure. Around or above the outlet there is a ring for setting the time combined with the time scale (2). The ring (3) consists of levers, when the lever is pressed, the socket turns on during this period of time.

To correctly report the time when you turn on this timer, you need to turn the ring so that the time scale is set in front of the mark (1), corresponding to the real clock. In the operation of this timer, the scale with flags rotates around its axis, and when the pressed flags reach the current hour, voltage is applied to the contacts of the outlet.

Usually 1 clicked checkbox is 15 minutes. So you can configure the inclusion of any number of times within 24 hours with a frequency of 15 minutes on / off state. It can also be used to simulate the presence of people at home when you are away.

On most timers at the end there is a switch of the operating mode - by time or forced switching on. This is convenient, you do not need to pull out a timer to turn on the device when you need it.

Inside there is a limit switch, which is pressed by a ring rotating in the operating mode.

Power Relay

Designed to protect connected devices from under or over voltage or zero break and phase imbalance. When the voltage returns to normal, the relay will turn on again.

It is recommended to connect all expensive equipment to such devices. There is a definite advantage over voltage relay for din rail. You can set valid values ​​for each powered device. Models for din rail protect whole groups of consumers or the entire apartment at once.

Usually on the case of the voltage relay there is an indicator that shows the voltage value, controls (buttons or rotary knobs), with the help of which the minimum voltage is set, the maximum time for automatic restart. This is the cheapest option to protect expensive equipment.

Socket with counter

To account for the energy consumption of a particular device, there is no need to buy and install an additional electric meter. There is a power socket. It is convenient to use for accounting for electricity consumption by heaters, pumps, and today mining farms.

The list of functions of most models:

1. Display power consumption.

2. Display of voltage value.

3. Frequencies of voltage in the network.

4. The amount of current consumed.

5. Power factor.

6. Metered power (kW / h)

7. Setting the time, hours.

8. Calculation of the amount for electricity consumed at a given tariff (some have a two-tariff mode).

An example of one such device for an outlet: Household power meter Robiton PM

Smart sockets

Smart socket needed to control it either according to a given algorithm, or for remote wireless on / off. For example, you can turn off all sockets before going to bed without getting out of bed, from a mobile phone via a Wi-Fi network. They can be made in the form of full-fledged sockets or as devices inserted into a socket, like those described above.

As an example, consider Broadcom SP3 (CC) sockets.

She supports:

• Connection via WiFi;

• Management via 2G / 3G;

• Automatic and manual inclusion.

• The ability to control from a smartphone running Android or iOS.

• Possibility of programming.

• Night light mode.

• Different types of timers and other features.

One touch of the sensor turns on the socket, double-click the LED night light mode.

It can control a load of up to 3.5 kW (current 16A).

Good sockets of this class are produced by Xiaomi.

Such sockets can be used for wall mounting, but I believe that while the technology is new, it is better to use them as an addition, as shown above.

Conclusion

Thanks to such additions to a conventional outlet, you can easily and quickly automate your life without interfering with wiring and at minimal cost. This is the most budgetary step to a smart home.