So much of our lives are connected to a network of some sort. Most of it can be traced back to the smartphones in our pocket, so why not add your home to that list? Smart homes feature all manner of different devices that put control in the palm of your hand.
If you’re looking to add some intelligence to your abode, this ESP8266-based WiFi Smart Socket kit is a great place to start. It controls a wall-mounted power socket of your choosing using a power relay. With the ability to charge loads up to 3500W, you can turn the socket on or off with the touch of a button on your smartphone.
The small form factor makes it easy to incorporate it into your socket without any major modifications. It also disconnects the socket when internal temperatures exceed 60 degrees Celsius to avoid a fire hazard.
There are a couple of things to note here. For starters, you’ll need to look into your country’s electrical lines and regulations to ensure this device fits into them. You will also need to work with mains wireing to install this, which does require experience and special knowledge. As always, in the pursuit of new and exciting technology, stay safe and don’t be afraid to bring in some help if you know an experienced electrician!
