Tools, APP Software Used etc.

arduino IDE

Description

IOT smart AC plug

A smart plug is a home automation device and is a hot new thing. Several types of smart plugs are available on the market but they are quite expensive.

Generally, smart plugs are compact devices and plug into traditional wall sockets, upgrading them with remote control, scheduling, and power usage monitoring via smartphone apps. In this tutorial I will show you how I build my smart plug using the ESP8266 wifi module which has the following features:

Local and Remote Control - The device is made based on Blynk and you can easily on/off the plug using a Blynk smartphone app.

Voice Control - You can turn on or off the plug by using Alexa voice assistant.

Power Scheduling – Easily create on/off schedules for your devices and you can easily set the timer from the Blynk app.

Remote Monitoring - Using the Blynk app you can easily monitor the state of the plug (either it is on or off).

Energy Usage Statistics(TODO) – You can monitor the power consumption of connected devices and get notified.

Parts list

AC male plugs
5V charger
AC female socket
Small switch Box
Relay module
Esp8266
Perf board
3.3 regulator
BC547 transistor
Nut and bolts
Connecting wires
1K resistor

What Can Smart Plugs Do?

Imagine that you want to turn a regular lamp on and off by using an app or a voice command. Obviously, the lamp itself can’t do that – it’s not smart. However, what if the plug socket the lamp was attached to was smart?

How Much Do They Sell For?

These smart DIY smart plugs are exceptionally cheap. A typical smart plug goes for around $10 each. More advanced models may push into $15 to $20, and that’s about it.

Step 1 - Make a cutout for the socket and pins

watch the video from 0:44

You can control its power via an app or voice command. This works best with lighting, heaters, coolers, and televisions.

If you get a model that uses an Internet connection, you can activate them no matter where you are. Fancy having the heater on for when you get home from work? Turn it on during the trip home and enjoy a pleasant bath!

Step 2 - Make the connections for the smart plug

watch the video from 1:10

Step 3 - making a 3.3 v regulator

Follow this guide to see how to make a custom 3.3Volt regulator for ESP8266 - https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/MAKE_A_3_3_VOLT_REGULATOR_FOR_ESP8266_36c37872.html

With the help of the video from 2;00 make the voltage regulator.

Step 3 - Making a relay operation circuit and completing the circuit

make the relay operation circuit following the video from 2:49

The final circuit

Step 4 - Program ESP8266

Follow this guide to see how to program ESP8266 - https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/HOW_TO_PROGRAM_ESP8266_01_fe96ad57.html

Code

C/C++

#define BLYNK_PRINT Serial    // Comment this out to disable prints and save space
#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>
#include <BlynkSimpleEsp8266.h>

// You should get Auth Token in the Blynk App.
// Go to the Project Settings (nut icon).
char auth[] = "PASTE_YOUR_KEY_HERE";

// Your WiFi credentials.
// Set password to "" for open networks.
char ssid[] = "SSID";
char pass[] = "PASSWORD";

BLYNK_CONNECTED() {

  Blynk.syncAll();
}

void setup()
{
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Blynk.begin(auth, ssid, pass);
}

void loop()
{
  Blynk.run();
}

Schematic and Layout

Circuit diagram

CRCUIT DIAGRAM.jpg