Low Voltage Smart Socket Power Supply
🧩 The Problem :
Smart sockets are now a common IoT upgrade in Indian homes. But powering them safely from 230V AC to a low DC voltage (like 3.3V or 5V) is a challenge. Using poor power conversion methods can cause overheating, low efficiency, or even damage to your circuit.
🛠️ The Solution :
To avoid this, use a buck converter or a high-efficiency SMPS circuit instead of linear regulators. These deliver stable voltage with minimal heat loss. For ultra-low power devices, a capacitive dropper can be used—but with caution.
🔍 Practical Example :
Say you’re building a Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug using an ESP8266 which requires 3.3V at 250mA. If you drop voltage from 12V using a linear regulator like 7805, most of the energy is lost as heat.
📐 Sample Calculation :
Power needed:
P = V × I = 3.3V × 0.25A = 0.825W
With 80% efficient buck converter:
Input power = 0.825 / 0.8 ≈ 1.03W
That’s much cooler and safer for continuous use.
🛒 Product Suggestion :
Use Made in India components for better reliability. We recommend:
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