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Wireless socket with remote control. Remote controlled sockets

Most likely, you have had such moments more than once when you settled in your favorite armchair or cozy bed and remembered that you forgot to turn off the TV. At this moment, there is absolutely no desire to get out from under the blanket and turn it off. We offer you a socket with a control panel, which will help you forget about such an unpleasant trifle forever.

A wireless socket with a remote control is designed to control household appliances from a distance, such as a microwave, TV, iron, etc. It will save you time, energy and effort. In addition, it prevents fire by controlling the voltage that is supplied to the appliances.

The remote control socket really makes your life easier. Now you have to turn off the TV or turn on the air conditioner. All you have to do is press the button on the remote control from the comfort of your bed.

During night trips to the bathroom, turn on the light before getting out of bed and this will allow you to silently and without tripping over the furniture to get to the bathroom.

Reduces energy losses due to the timely inclusion of household appliances and helps to save. With an outlet on the remote control, you can reduce your electricity bills by 15%.

A fairly powerful signal allows you to control devices even through a wall or a closed one. Programmed for immediate use, the socket allows you to control appliances with a remote control. Simply plug the device into a power outlet.

Peculiarities

The socket connects anywhere, it can be turned on and off using the remote control;
Easy to install and use, save energy;
LED indicators on the socket and remote control;
Great for controlling home appliances.

Notes

Suitable for indoor use only;
Do not exceed the maximum permissible load of 2.5 kW.

Specifications

Voltage: 120V-230V 50Hz-60Hz;
Transmission frequency: 433.92 MHz;
Radius of action

New technologies have long stepped into our homes. The automation system for a residential and commercial building is not a whim, but the comfort that is created with the help of latest devices. Wireless sockets are devices that simplify human life, create the most convenient and modern space around. Now it is not difficult to open garage doors, windows, turn on an electric kettle and much more. To do this, you do not need to make physical efforts, just press a button on the remote control or open the application on your smartphone.

What's this?

A wireless socket is a modern device that has gained popularity recently. With its help, effective control of the operation of electrical appliances at a distance using a remote control or gadget is carried out. There are three types of sockets available:

wireless, which is controlled by radio;
WiFi.

GSM models work with a smartphone, so the control distance of the device is not limited. Works without a remote, but the device is expensive.

Wi-Fi sockets operate through a smartphone, laptop via the Internet.

Opportunities

Wireless sockets with remote control allow you to make a switch in any part of the house; where it is most convenient for the owner. So, what are the features of such outlets, their capabilities?

The user can control the outdoor lighting.
Open the garage door without getting out of the car. The socket is much cheaper than automated garage door systems.
Close and open the lock from the entrance gate and door.
Adjust the position of the windows to ventilate the room, for example, in a greenhouse.
Turn off electrical appliances without approaching them.

Wireless sockets are endowed with a lot of possibilities, they are easy to install and configure.

Principle of operation

Wireless sockets operate on the basis of technology that resembles the remote control circuit of an electrical appliance. The socket, which is controlled from a distance, includes two main elements: the remote control and the socket itself. Each component has its own power system. For example, a power outlet is powered by mains voltage, and the remote control is battery powered. The interaction scheme consists in the ability to transmit a signal from the remote control to the device. This signal contains certain information, but it depends on the type of receiving and transmitting device.

The socket is always installed as external. This allows for interoperability between the old and the new. The signal source is the radio frequency remote control. An impulse is generated inside the remote control. When a button is pressed, a combination of signals is transmitted. It has a wave structure, as well as a phase, modulation and amplitude information transmission system. The signal receiver is in the socket, it interprets the received signal, extracting the necessary data.

Models

Wireless sockets are a modern device that simplifies the life of a person. Manufacturers offer many remote control models. Most of all on the market are Chinese sockets, but this does not mean that they are of poor quality.

List of the most popular devices:

TW686. The set includes two sockets and a remote control that simultaneously controls four devices.
YKI-3. Three low power sockets with manual control buttons.
Jebao RC-400. You can control the operation of electrical appliances at a distance of up to 50 meters.
Prove. This company produces automated sockets that are installed in a regular one to turn on and off various equipment at a distance of up to 30 meters.
CoCo. Device with radio adapter and memory. There is a lighting function.
ExpressPower. A set of sockets that are controlled by remote key fobs and a smartphone. Connected to the security alarm.
Z wave. A company that manufactures products for modern home, including sockets connected to electrical network.

Devices with a remote control are cheaper than those controlled by a smartphone via Wi-Fi. A remote control and three radio adapters for a 1 kW APA 3 - 1500K CoCo/Trust 71066 3 outlet is an excellent choice for a large home. The device controls lighting and electrical appliances plugged into a standard 1500 watt outlet. Up to four additional transmitters are connected to one receiver. It works at a distance of up to thirty meters indoors, and on the street the signal reception zone is up to seventy meters. Power is supplied via an adapter, the remote control runs on batteries, the case is made of white plastic.

The Heliosa 205S-1 wireless remote control kit works with a single heating device. The kit includes a base for a plug and a wireless remote control. The range of the device is 25 meters, the device is connected to a regular outlet.

Advantages

With the help of a controlled outlet, it is really possible to make life more comfortable. The advantages of these modern devices include:

the possibility of programming, for example, you can set the opening time of windows at the same time if they are automated;
quickly connect to the electrical network;
instant signal reception;
universal sockets;
automatically reload if the program crashes.

Flaws

What are the disadvantages of sockets?

If the device is radio-controlled, it allows false operation.
Affects the operation of medical equipment, including pacemakers.
High price for Wi-Fi models.

Wi-Fi devices work on the principle of a computer wireless mouse. Outlet that is controlled remote control, ideal for modern spaces that support an automation system.

Socket with remote control

A wireless socket with a remote control is a necessary element of a modern home. With its help, the processes of turning on and off household appliances and appliances are automated. The outlet is controlled by a remote control. Some manufacturers produce several models of sockets for one remote control. The peculiarity is that the control over objects is carried out in a large office, workshop, house, apartment.

The standard kit includes a wireless electrical outlet, a remote control and batteries for it. Each of these sockets has a ground connection. She works on pressure. alternating current, but the device is compact in size. The range is forty meters, and devices connected to a wireless outlet should not exceed a power of 4 kW. The signal penetrates through walls. The device starts its work after connecting the wireless to a regular connector.

Wireless Wi-Fi outlet

With this connection, it is easy to manage any modern devices. The electrical outlet is no exception. The main advantage of Wi-Fi outlets is that the user can control its operation via the Internet using a tablet, laptop or smartphone. Such devices are equipped with a timer, which is set in mobile application. To connect the outlet, drivers are required. They are loaded from installation disk or downloaded from the web. Install on your smartphone or tablet special application, connect the socket to Wi-Fi, enter the menu via smartphone, establish a connection.

The main disadvantage of the device is its high cost and modest functionality. Almost all models of such devices cannot provide information about air temperature, transmit and receive information about voltage, load and other data. Some models have the ability to control the air temperature in the room, a timer, control sockets from several devices, an autonomous power source, informing about emergencies.

The plug connector for connecting various devices to the mains is known to everyone, but it is not always convenient to use it. Therefore, consider this interesting thing like remote control sockets. We will tell you how they differ from conventional connectors, and when you should make a choice in their favor.

Complex Appliances today almost always has its own remote control systems, but the simplest devices are not equipped with them. In addition, regular remotes are not always convenient. An outlet that can be turned on and off from a distance is useful in the following situations.

If access to the installation site of the outlet is complicated, this is very common today. For example, they put a wardrobe that closes it, but there is no other nearby. Of course, you can mount an additional connector, but this requires repairing the wall decoration after wiring. Also, in rented (leased) premises, any work to change communications must almost always be coordinated with the owner.

In addition, a hidden socket is sometimes a big plus - if you can see it, it may not fit into the interior. For example, in historical buildings (or you want your house to look old), which recreates the atmosphere of an era not familiar with electricity.

Therefore, it is easier to hide the outlet behind a cassone, chest of drawers, desk or wardrobe and control it remotely than to expose an object modern design on display in apartments built before Columbus discovered America (as in the photo below).

For connecting the simplest heating devices - air convectors, oil radiators. If the house gets too hot, then you can simply turn off the heating without getting up from the sofa.

If you use communication channels (more on this below), which can work over a long distance, it is possible to turn on a volumetric water heater and other devices at a great distance from home. We leave work, turn on the boiler and heating - a warm house and a shower are ready upon arrival.

For especially suspicious natures, the remote control (also with a large range) is a huge plus - the alarms of whether the iron or kettle have been turned off can be eliminated by remotely turning off the outlet.

In addition, remote control increases the service life of both the devices themselves and the sockets. With a simple pull of the plug, the sockets loosen and the contacts burn, and the electronic control (especially if the remote socket is not a relay, but triacs) is almost eternal.

What is a socket with a remote control

If a conventional socket includes only the body, the contacts (usually three or four, depending on whether it is single-phase or three-phase connection devices, and is there a grounding or grounding wire), as well as additional parts for fasteners and, possibly, decorative elements, then the remote-controlled socket has two more additional blocks:

switching unit for supplying current to the connectors;
receiver unit - receives signals from the remote control and commands the switching.

How to control sockets with a remote control

There are several ways to communicate between the receiver and the remote control. We list them, describing the advantages and disadvantages.

Mechanical control

Something like - "Little Red Riding Hood, pull the rope and the door will open." Even a simple pulling of the plug by the cord can be attributed to it (I don’t recommend it, it’s dangerous).

Due to primitiveness, we will not even consider it. Although it should be noted that the first TV remote controls used this particular method.

Through a wired channel

One of the most reliable channels absolutely immune to interference. Many short-range missiles and torpedoes are controlled by wires, but for an outlet this is not a remote control (we get additional wires to control the wires). Therefore, we also do not consider.

Acoustic control

The method is not the best, as it is very afraid of interference, and speech and music can be a source of false positives. Even if you filter the sound, there may still be errors (on smartphones, the “OK, Google” command sometimes turns on by itself during a conversation).

Interesting. The first TV remotes also used this principle. The Zenith Commander remote control had a set of metal plates that, when a key was pressed (like in a piano), emitted infrasound of a certain frequency. The receiver responded to it. The remote itself was eternal, without batteries.

We will not develop this topic in detail either, so as not to move away from the sockets, but perhaps it is worth turning to it seriously for two reasons.

To control staircase lighting is the best option because acoustic control saves energy. That is, even if the sensor does not respond to the sound of the door being opened and steps, you can turn on the lighting by voice or by clapping your hands.
Why did we turn to the design of this channel in more detail - the fact is that stair lighting is a common communication, and the ZhES or another similar structure is engaged in their operation. An ordinary tenant does not have the right to make changes. But if it is dark, then no one bothers to install an adapter with a remote control in the socket, which reacts to sounds and connect an additional lamp to it. In this case, you do not touch the wiring.

IR channel

The socket is controlled by invisible infrared radiation. Most of the remote control systems for household appliances (TVs, music centers, air conditioners). The control system via the IR channel is simple, it has a rich element base.

In some cases, assembling such an outlet on your own, you can not even make a remote control, but adapt a purchased universal or remote control from other electrical equipment.

But there are also disadvantages:

Control is possible only with direct visibility (in some cases, it is possible to achieve the sensor triggering by radiation reflected from the walls). It is impossible to turn on the outlet at a great distance or from the next room with the doors closed.
False alarms are possible from light sources whose spectrum also captures the IR region (for example, a socket with remote control via the infrared channel can be triggered by a lightning flash) or from a command from an external remote control.

radio channel

One of the oldest (not counting wired) remote control methods. Allows you to turn on the device (with sufficient sensitivity of the receiver and transmitter power) not only at a distance, but also, being several kilometers away.

However, the range is still limited. Most simple schemes such devices may be susceptible to interference, so it is desirable to implement a signal encryption system.

Note that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth receivers and transmitters are often used. This approach allows you to control the outlet not only with a separate remote control, but also give commands to a mobile phone or tablet.

GSM channel

In principle, the same as the radio channel, but such control is more convenient, since you can control the outlet from anywhere in the world where there is coverage cellular network. To simplify assembly, either special modules or cheap (old) mobile phones are used as receivers.

For example, being in another city, with the help of such an outlet you can turn on the heating in the house or the aerator for the aquarium. There is only one drawback - you need to pay the telecom operator for using the SIM card.

Several schemes for self-assembly

Now consider several schemes for assembling a socket with a remote control with your own hands, which are found on the network. We will not hide, these schemes are generally suitable for many other remote control devices for electrical equipment, so we will try to select the most interesting ones that require different levels of skill.

Moreover, we chose the first two radio-controlled schemes, since IR-controlled sockets, despite the fact that they are much cheaper, will not save you from the problem of a “burning iron” - you left the house and forgot whether you turned off the electrical appliance.

On ready-made modules

The easiest way is to assemble a remote-controlled socket in just a couple of hours on a set of ready-made modules from the Master Kit company, which are easy to purchase on the Internet. The device has quite good characteristics - switched load up to 2 kW and 10A, range up to 50 meters. Although we say that the cost is low (about 2 thousand rubles will have to be paid for all the blocks), but you can assemble it yourself cheaper.

We will need:

receiver module with switching device MP912;
power supply for it(you can also assemble it yourself, but it is better to buy in pairs, especially for a discount on a set) WP1245;
remote control MP910.

The price for everything, if you purchase a receiver and a power supply, is about the same as for ready-made sockets with remote control over the radio, but, nevertheless, it will be done by hand.

Assembly does not require special knowledge in radio engineering, the main thing is to be able to read diagrams and hold a soldering iron and wire cutters in your hands. I give the connection diagram of the receiver and power supply.

The socket can be assembled in several versions:

as a regular invoice (you will have to find additional volume in the case, for example, by removing the switch in the socket with the switch);
as built into the wall (in this case, additional volume for electronics can be found in the volume of the wall, not forgetting about the cooling of the elements);
as an adapter to an outlet;
as an extension cord or splitter.

On the receiver board, with a drop of solder, we bridge two "patch" to select the signal encoding option (as in the photo below, shown by a red circle).

Having disassembled the transmitter, we also close the patches on its board in the same way, then we assemble the case again.
We connect the receiver to the power supply.
We connect the power supply and the receiver relay to the 220 volt network (if the socket is built-in, then directly or through a switch, if it is made as an adapter or extension cord, then to a cord or plug).
We are testing the design - when you press the transmitter buttons, clicks of the receiver relay should be heard.
We install the receiver with the power supply in the case.

Scheme without the use of ready-made modules

The following circuit is assembled from scratch, and is intended for more experienced radio amateurs. A huge plus - operates at a distance of up to five kilometers.

If you live near your place of work (for example, in a small village), then having a remote control with you, you can turn on and off any device in the house. In addition, by making small changes, you can increase the number of channels and control more than one outlet, but several.

Note that it is also interesting because it is done without ready-made modules (except for microcircuits), and this is interesting to many masters. The cost of all components is about a thousand rubles. However, all parts are very common and can be soldered from old appliances.

In order to make it easier to assemble devices, we present not only schematic diagrams, but also drawings of printed circuit boards.

Attention. Drawing printed circuit board designed for small parts - resistors and capacitors (except for microcircuits, of course). Therefore, if some element does not fit, it can be corrected, it is not difficult, but the size may increase

The receiver circuit works as follows:

On the coil L1 and capacitors C1 and C2, a receiving circuit is assembled tuned to the operating frequency (27.12 MHz is the allowed range for such devices). Diode VD 1 extinguishes an excessive signal if the transmitter is nearby.
An amplifier is assembled on the transistor VT 1 high frequency. Selected field-effect transistor due to its high sensitivity.
A local oscillator is made on the DA 1 chip, the signal of which is mixed with the signal of the high-frequency amplifier. For stable operation of the local oscillator, its frequency of 26.655 MHz is set by a quartz resonator Q 1.
The 465 kHz IF signal is filtered through a Q 2 resonator. Installing a resonator instead of a conventional LC filter ensures high receiver selectivity.
Then the intermediate frequency signal is fed to an amplifier, which is assembled on a part of the DA 2 chip. The microcircuit also includes an automatic signal level regulator, a detector and a low frequency amplifier (ULF). To adjust the signal at the ULF input, a trim resistor is installed between pins 9 and 8.
From the output of the low-frequency amplifier, a signal is sent to the amplifier, assembled on the transistor VT 2 and the reflex cascade on the coil L2 and capacitor C 19.
The reflex stage is tuned to a frequency of 1.25 kHz. The appearance of a low frequency of just such a value leads to resonance and the cathode of the diode VD 2 appears constant pressure. It opens the transistor VT 2, in the collector circuit of which the XC relay is connected, which controls the supply of current to the socket connectors.

Here are the winding data of the coils and the marking of elements that are not indicated in the diagram:

Coil L 1 is wound on a ferrite rod with a diameter of 2.8 millimeters and a length of 1.2 centimeters. Wire for winding with a cross section of 0.31 mm. The number of turns is 14. The coil is wound in such a way that it can be moved along the core for adjustment.
The L 2 coil is wound on a 400NN ferrite ring with dimensions K7-4-2. It contains 350 turns of wire with a cross section of 0.06 millimeters.
Piezoceramic filter FGLP 061-02, although any other can be used, the main thing is that the frequency matches.
Relay type RES-55, but you can use RES-43 or 44 or any other. If it is necessary to switch a load of more than 0.25 amperes, then we additionally install a contactor, the winding of which will control the relay, and he, in turn, will control the load.

Interesting to know. The diagram shows a battery as the power source. For a socket receiver, this approach is nonsense, therefore it is better to use a power supply from the network (there are many circuits, including transformerless, as in the image below). However, today it is much easier and cheaper to buy a ready-made power supply (for example, the same as for the previous device) or use the stuffing of a damaged (worn out cable) charger for electronic devices.

He is a little easier receiver, like all transmitters designed to work with one receiver and on one frequency.

It operates as follows:

Transistor VT 1 works in a carrier frequency generator- it is stabilized by a quartz resonator Q 1 at 27.12 MHz. The signal is isolated on the inductor L 1, after which it is fed through the capacitor C8 (to eliminate the influence of the following circuits and additional filtering of the signal) to the power amplifier.
A high-frequency amplifier (UHF) is assembled on the VT 2 transistor raising the signal of the generator to the required level of supply to the antenna.
To match with the antenna and remove unwanted harmonics, a multi-stage adjustable filter is used on coils L 4, L 5, L 6 and capacitors C 13, C 14, C 15. After it, a simple whip antenna is connected through the capacitor C 17. For maximum sensitivity of the system, its length should be more than half a meter, that is, all telescopic options from any radio receivers are suitable.
Transistor VT 3, whose emitter-collector junction is included in the VT 2 collector circuit, on which the UHF is assembled, is intended for amplitude modulation. The more open it is, the higher the carrier frequency signal level.
To operate the receiver relay, it is necessary that after the detection of the radio signal, a low frequency signal of 1.25 kHz is selected, it is generated by a multivibrator on logical elements“or - not” D1.1, D1.2 of the simplest digital microcircuit of the LE 5 type. The frequency is set by the values of the resistors R1 and R2, as well as the capacitor C3.
The signal is fed to the modulator through the chain D1.3, D1.4 which is controlled by switch S 1. If it is open, then the radio signal is modulated with the desired frequency and the receiver relay is turned on, the socket feeds the consumer, if it is closed, then there is no power.

Now we give the names and denominations of elements that are not indicated on circuit diagram, as well as possible replacements with analogues:

Quartz resonator Q 1 - any, designed for a frequency of 27.12 MHz.
Coils L 1, L 2, L 3 are wound using MLT 0.5 resistors with a nominal value of at least 100 kOhm as a core. Contain 40 turns of wire, with a cross section of 0.16 millimeters.
Coil L 4 and L 5 without core. Their diameter is 7 millimeters, length is ten. The first contains 15 turns of wire with a cross section of 0.61 mm, the second 20 with a cross section of 0.56.
Coil L 6 is wound in the same way as on the input circuit of the receiver, on a ferrite rod with a diameter of 2.8 millimeters and a length of 12. It contains 18 turns of wire with a cross section of 0.2 millimeters and must move freely along the core.
The microcircuit of the 176th series can be replaced with exactly the same (LA7) 561th series or even with the 564th (but in the latter case, you will need to slightly change the layout of the board). Moreover, if the letter “K” does not appear on the marking before the series number, it will be even better, due to the fact that the batch from which this microcircuit is not general use, and special - for military products, which means more reliable.
The KT 608 transistor can be with any letter index (this also applies to other transistors),
Analogs applicable in our circuit to replace the transistor KT 608 - KT 606 and KT 907.
Transistor VT 3 can be not only KT 814, but also KT 816 and even the old germanium GT 403.

Now about setting up the receiver and transmitter sockets. First of all, we are engaged in the transmitter:

With the help of a high-frequency oscilloscope with the modulation turned off, we achieve the maximum signal at the output to the antenna. We do this by compressing and expanding the turns of the coils L 4 and L 5 and adjusting the building capacitor C 13.

Then, by connecting the antenna, we achieve the same at 1 meter from the transmitter, changing the position of the L 6 coil on the core.

Attention. When setting up, the main thing is to mistakenly not measure one of the signal harmonics, its level is less.

Now switch S 1 turn on the modulation. The sinusoidal signal will vary in level. By changing the sweep time of the oscilloscope, we should see a square wave.

Having set up the transmitter, we fix the positions of the turns of the coils L 4 and L 5, as well as the position of the L 6 coil on the core with epoxy or glue.

Then we take the receiver:

We turn on our transmitter.
By moving the coil L 1 along the core, we achieve the maximum signal level at the output of the high-frequency amplifier on the transistor VT 1.
After that, using the construction resistor R 8, we achieve a clear operation of the relay when the transmitter modulation is turned on at a distance. Additionally, you can adjust the frequency of the low-frequency generator on the transmitter with a trim resistor R 2 in its circuit.

After we have assembled and adjusted the electronic part, it remains to mount it in any convenient cases, like the previous version of the design. You can also upgrade this circuit and use the receiver and transmitter to control multiple outlets (channels).

To do this, you need to make the following changes:

Connect to point "A" in the receiver (after the capacitor C 18) several more nodes completely similar to the node on the transistor VT 3, except for the capacitance of the capacitor C 19, the relay of each such node will control its channel. We select capacitors, for example, with capacities of 0.15 μF, 0.1 μF and 0.68 μF.
In the transmitter, you need to use several parallel construction resistors R2 (each on its own channel) switched by a switch.
When setting up, we set additional frequency trimmed resistors to trigger each channel in accordance with the position of the switch.

Management via GSM channel

Let's also give a diagram of a remotely controlled socket with GSM control. In this case, we will use any phone as a receiver (an old one with a broken case, etc.), the main thing is that it receives a signal.

The transmitter is also, of course, cellular telephone. We liked it because it does not require disassembly of the mobile phone, like most other options with connection to the phone's vibration motor, and can support several channels.

The operation of this device is simple. This scheme we will not analyze in great detail, because if you have enough experience to assemble the previous one, then you can handle this one without any problems.

The control of such an outlet is carried out from a mobile phone instead of a remote control. Everything is very simple:

Dial our receiver's phone number.
After the connection has been made with the telephone keys "1" - "7" we change the state of the sockets connected to the corresponding relay (channel). You can turn off all sockets by pressing "0".

The principle is based on the fact that after the connection the phone switches to tone - DTFM dialing. It is recognized by an additional block, which is connected to the phone's headphone jack by the X 1 connector (usually a 3.5 mm mini jack). Having received the command, it turns on / off the relay, and it is the load on the outlet. Here is the block diagram.

The main part of the circuit is a large integrated circuit KR1008VZH18, which is a DTFM decoder and was developed for digital exchanges back in the days of Soviet Union costs a little over a hundred rubles.

The block works like this:

The signal from the output of the phone capacitor C 1 (for decoupling the circuit of the device and the phone) and the voltage divider on the resistors R 2, R 3 is fed to the input of the decoder. The gain depends on the ratio of the resistances of the resistors R 2 and R 3.
For stable operation of the decoder clock generator, a quartz resonator Q 1 is installed.
Having recognized the signal at the outputs 11, 12, 13 of the decoder, its three-digit binary code is set. Moreover, it is saved even in the absence of a signal (when the button on the transmitter phone has already been released).
This code is decoded into decimal by the D 1 chip, and voltage appears at its corresponding outputs (in principle, the number of channels can be increased to nine).
The signal from the outputs D 1 opens the corresponding transistor switches, which supply voltage to the relay windings K1 - K7, and those, in turn, supply voltage to the sockets.

To facilitate assembly, I will give a drawing of the printed circuit board.

Attention. There is one wire jumper on the board, and the outputs of the D 1 chip with transient keys are connected with a wire harness.

We will be glad if our article helped you understand what a remotely controlled socket is for and how it works. If you were still able to assemble several designs with the help of our descriptions, then the time spent on writing it was not in vain. Let your home be beautiful and comfortable, including thanks to remote control sockets.

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 5 minutes

One of the simplest and at the same time effective ways controlling the operation of electrical appliances at a distance is the use of a device such as a remote control (RC) socket.

Classification

To date, the choice of a particular model of a remote-controlled outlet should be dictated by its compliance with specifications operating conditions. First of all, we are talking about the power of the device and the maximum range at which its operation can be controlled.

The most popular types of such devices are:

Wireless socket controlled by radio. The cheapest and most practical type. To ensure its operation, a remote control is required that allows you to turn on and off individual consumers or their groups from a distance of up to 30 meters.
GSM socket. Managed with mobile phone, so that the distance from which commands can be given to turn it on or off is practically unlimited. This device does not require a special remote control, however, it cannot be used in areas where the mobile signal is weak or muffled. In addition, such products are quite expensive today, which is perhaps their main drawback.
WiFi sockets. These devices are controlled using a smartphone or laptop via the Internet. The socket is connected to the control device using WiFi router. The disadvantages of these models include a rather high price with a not too wide list of additional functions.

The design of remotely controlled devices

It should be noted right away that the devices in question cannot be fully considered classic power outlets that are equipped with an additional remote control unit.

The remote controlled models currently on the market are products that appearance most of all resemble an adapter or an outlet with a timer. That is, they are equipped with a standard electrical "plug", which is designed to plug the remote-controlled module into an ordinary power outlet.

The main purpose of this device is to open or close the power circuit to which the electrical appliance is connected. This allows you to control the operation of the consumer at a distance, without making any changes to its design or to the power supply network. In fact, the same function is performed by remote control switches, of which there are enough on the market. a large number of. The main difference between these devices is that the connection of the outlet is much simpler and does not require intervention in the wiring design. This makes it easy to move it from place to place, which is extremely convenient when working with some consumers.

Thus, a remotely controlled socket is essentially a switching device that, on command from the control panel, opens or closes the electrical circuit.

Radio controlled device

The most common variant of remotely controlled devices that are part of home electrical network, today is a socket with a remote control.

In order to ensure reliable transmission of control signals, it uses radio wave transmitters that allow you to broadcast a signal over a distance of 30-40 meters and are insensitive to interference. Unlike infrared remote controls, their radio wave counterparts provide reliable reception of the control signal within the declared range even if there are concrete walls between the source and the receiver.

The remote control is usually powered by 9 or 12 V batteries. One such power source lasts about a year.

Most models of radio-controlled sockets come in a kit, which includes from 3 to 5 separate devices controlled from one remote control. Accordingly, such a remote control is equipped with buttons, the number of which depends on the maximum possible number of devices connected to it.

Thus, a radio-controlled socket is the cheapest and at the same time quite effective device designed to turn on and off consumers of electricity at a distance.

Connection

Before starting work, the wireless socket is combined with the remote control, for which you need to press the corresponding buttons on its case 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 housing.

It should be noted that a theoretically unlimited number of devices can be controlled over the same radio channel, the only limiting factor in this regard is the functionality and ease of use of such a system.

Since the purpose of these devices is to provide remote start and turning off any consumers of electricity, the scope of such sockets seems to be extremely extensive. An example of their use is:

Management of lighting systems of apartments, houses, as well as extensive outdoor areas.
Switching pumps and fans on and off.
Management of garage doors and electric locks of entrance doors.
Opening and closing windows or shutters in ventilation systems.
Remote control of telecommunication systems.

This socket allows you to send a command to reboot the equipment in case of software failures.

Benefits of using remote controlled outlets:

Significantly increase the convenience of managing remote consumers of electrical energy. This quality is especially valuable for people with disabilities.
Easy to connect and operate the device. The ability to move it to any place where a standard electrical outlet is installed.
No need to make changes to the electrical wiring structure when installing such a device.

Flaws:

The use of radio waves may in some cases interfere with devices such as pacemakers or hearing aids. Therefore, before installing remote control sockets, check them for electromagnetic compatibility with the above devices.
Additional elements in the design of any electrical network inevitably reduce its reliability. The connection of such switching devices can cause unintended operation and unexpected switching on of consumers. It is mandatory to provide for such a possibility and take measures to prevent the negative consequences of spontaneous operation.
It is not recommended to control most models of sockets with remote control from a distance of less than 1 meter.
Installing radio-controlled sockets in walls that are covered with sheet metal significantly reduces the range of these devices.

When choosing sockets with remote control, you should pay attention to their characteristics, which determine the permissible operating conditions and the power of the connected load. So, most models of such devices allow you to connect electrical appliances with a power of 1 to 1.5 kW, in some cases this is not enough, so you should pay attention to more expensive sockets designed for power up to 5 kW.

With regard to operating conditions, remote control sockets are classified according to IP (degree of protection of the shell) in the same way as other electrical appliances of this type. For example, the RCS 1044 N socket, which has an IP44 rating, is protected against objects larger than 1 mm inside its housing, as well as splashes falling in any direction. Such characteristics make it possible to use this device on the street.

These devices are an extremely convenient variety of remotely controlled sockets. As their name suggests, these devices can be controlled using a mobile phone. To do this, a slot for installing a SIM card is provided in the GSM socket housing.

A card provided by any of the mobile operators is suitable. Management can be carried out by calling or sending a message (empty or with a specific text). It should be noted that the transmission of control commands to such an outlet is not possible from any mobile phone, but only from the one whose SIM card number was previously registered in the device’s memory. Maximum amount such numbers, as a rule, do not exceed 5 units.

The main advantage that a wireless outlet has is the ability to control its operation from anywhere where it is present. mobile connection. Another positive point is that there is no need to use the remote control, which requires power from a separate battery and, moreover, can be easily lost.

Special modules are used to manage the power supply of computers. GSM sockets with up to 6 separate connectors. Each of them is assigned a serial number, which allows using the phone to control any device individually or all at the same time.

The disadvantages of GSM sockets include their relatively high price and the need to purchase a SIM card. In addition, it is often impossible to determine by phone Current state, that is, it is not clear whether the device is on or off at the moment.

WiFi sockets

By the work of many modern devices can be controlled with wireless communication WiFi. The electrical outlet is no exception in this regard.

The main advantage that WiFi sockets have is the ability to control their work using a computer or tablet via the Internet. In addition, such devices are often equipped with timer functions, which are very convenient to set up in a special mobile application.

To connect and configure this product, you must use a package of drivers, which can be downloaded completely freely from the Internet or downloaded from the installation disk included in the delivery. After installing the application on a smartphone or tablet and connecting the socket to home wifi network socket must be found in the menu of the smartphone. After that, a connection is established between these devices.

You can control the operation of such an outlet both via the Internet and directly via WiFi connection. However, for this, the smartphone and the socket must be within the range of the router.

The main disadvantage, which significantly limits the popularity of sockets of this type, is their high price with rather modest functionality.

Despite the ability to connect to a computer, such a device cannot be considered an element of the system " smart House”, because it does not provide for full integration into an intelligent control system. In addition, almost all models of WiFi sockets produced today are not able to receive and transmit information about the connected load, current and voltage, as well as ambient temperature and other data that affect the operation of the power supply system. Respectively, installed program cannot make any decisions if these parameters deviate from the norm.

Room temperature control. When a certain value is reached, it is possible to independently turn on or turn off the outlet.
Timer functions.
Possibility to control the outlet from several separate devices (usually at least 5 users).
The presence of an autonomous power supply that allows you to save the settings of the device in the event of a power failure in the network.
Informing the user about the occurrence of emergencies, such as a sharp increase in temperature or a power failure (switching on) in the network. Thus, additional redundancy of the fire alarm can be carried out.

Manufacturers of devices with remote control

As in many areas modern market, the main manufacturers of such devices are Chinese companies. Since the use of remotely controlled sockets is not yet widespread, such eminent European manufacturers as Legrand or Scneider-electric, although they have in their model range similar devices, but still rely on more traditional and popular technical solutions.

At the same time, technologies for the manufacture of household electrical devices are developing very quickly, so that in the near future we should expect the appearance on the market of reliable, functional and inexpensive devices that allow not only remote, but also centralized control of the operation of all elements of electrical wiring.

Thus, the use of remotely controlled sockets can greatly simplify the operation of individual electricity consumers, as well as their groups. However, the installation of such devices should be approached with caution, their use is justified only in cases where manual switching on of electrical appliances is very difficult for any reason or there is a need to control their operation over considerable distances.