Remote control household power strip sockets via Wi-Fi

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hi Guys
I'm working on a project where I want to be able to control the sockets on a power strip via Wi-Fi, i.e. using an iPhone app I'll write myself.
The idea is that the board in the strip will create a secure WiFi network by default which the app can connect to and then switch the board to using the house WiFi network if one exists.
Then you could simply sned commands to the unit to switch relays connected to the sockets on and off.
I understand the dangers inherent in 240VAC development, I've seen the PowerSwitchTail 2, but it's too bulky for my needs (eventually I'd like the whole thing to sit inside a power strip).

  • Will the Arduino with a WiFly breakout board be suitable for such a project?
  • Assuming I power the board from the mains, is there a way to hold on to data (such as WiFi connection parameters) if the power is disconnected (i.e. some sort of battery backup)
  • Are there safe mini relays I can use for this sort of switching?

Any tips or links to similar projects would be greatly appreciated :slight_smile:

2

Relay boards that can be controlled via an arduino are fairly common.

http://www.electronics123.com/s.nl/it.A/id.446/.f

3

The Arduino board has a small amount of EPROM memory that can hold config parametres and survive a powercycle.

4

Are any of the items on here any use? they are pretty easy to control from an Arduino (and certified)
http://www.homeeasy.eu/Products/