Powering Arduino from 120VAC mains

I am currently drawing plans for my new project which I call "The Renters Home Automation System". This is a home automation setup that can be installed in a house/apartment simply and easily without having to remove or replace any light switches or receptacles. It is for a friend who rents an apartment.

I want to make a plug-in multi-plug power strip (complete with GFCI outlet) that is controlled by relays which is controlled via Bluetooth module from a pc or home network (the network is a future project). The problem is that I don't want one of my outlets taken up by an ac adaptor to power the arduino.

I have found many different potential solutions online, from building an AC-DC converter to buying a converter module. What do you guys think would be the best solution? What would you do if you needed to power an Arduino straight from a 120VAC main power source?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

The problem is that I don't want one of my outlets taken up by an ac adaptor to power the arduino.

But how are those modules, which you found powered if not being plugged in a wall outlet?

From your description it is not clear:

  • Do you have one Arduino per room, or just one central Arduino doing the control work?

I don't see any real seriously safe solution to avoid either:

  • using a wall adapter per room (assuming, you need one Arduino or some control or switching unit per room)
  • or: installing a solid AC/DC solution built in a small wall compartment per room to avoid blocking the wall outlet

d_rhoades, please don't crosspost - putting the same question in multiple places. Post once, have a little patience.
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