Development and Testing of Arduino Timer Socket
NAJEEM O. ADELAKUN, SAMUEL A. OMOLOLA
Works and Services Department
Federal College of Education Iwo, Osun State
NIGERIA
Abstract: - The rapid growth in semiconductor devices and the need for energy conservation has given rise to
the adoption of embedded systems and automation for easy operation of electrical appliances, this prompts
many consumers to embrace the technology to ease the usage of electrical appliances and to curb energy
wastage. This study deals with the development and testing of the Arduino microcontroller timer socket outlet
for electrical appliances. The system was developed for the users to predetermine the ON or OFF time of any
electrical appliances connected to it while the user attends to other things. Major components used are Arduino
UNO microcontroller, relay, RTC timer, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and the 13 Amps socket outlet which
powered any electrical appliances at a preset time. The design was implemented and tested with a mobile
phone, toasting machine, and an electric cooker respectively. The results show that the system makes the next
generation of homes safer and smarter. Consequently, it is cheaper, reliable, and easy to operate, which
contributed effectively to the usage of a microcontroller for automation and convenient operation of electrical
appliances whenever needed.
Key-Words: - Arduino, Electrical appliances, LCD, Microcontroller, Socket, Timer
Received: October 23, 2021. Revised: December 13, 2022. Accepted: January 15, 2023. Published: January 25, 2023.
1 Introduction
The Incessant rise in technology has changed the
ways society adapts to new trends, as it makes it
extremely convenient and snappy to achieve a task,
which makes most difficult tasks seamlessly easy
and more efficient [1, 2]. Presently, there are several
products/appliances in the market today that make
us control devices automatically, either by voice
command or remote control [3, 4]. Consequently,
the swift growth in semiconductor devices and the
need for energy conservation has given rise to the
adoption of embedded systems and automation for
easy operation of electrical appliances [5], this
prompts many consumers to embrace the technology
to ease the usage of electrical appliances and to curb
energy wastage. [6] stated that wireless
communication and automation remain key parts of
technological development. According to [3]
automation can be defined as the use of control
systems and information technologies to reduce the
need for human work when performing any task.
Appropriate quality should be maintained in any
electrical and electronic devices (socket outlets,
switches, electrical fitting, etc.) since they all pose
danger to the users when misused [7]. It is worthy of
note that the absence of a timer in modern electrical
appliances has led to a lot of accidents, which has
also reduced the lifespan of some equipment due to
overuse or overcharged. Similarly, many users have
lost an appreciable number of properties and lives
due to negligence or incessant power outages. This
Arduino timer socket is used to switch OFF/ON any
electrical appliances at a preset time through a relay
switch after the specified time set in minutes or
seconds, which helps to reduce the hazard rate.
Presently, many remote-controlled appliances these
days have electronics components/parts that are
never turned off unless you turn them off at the wall
socket [8]. It is worthy of note that automation is
introduced to eradicate the damage of electrical
/electronic devices which are continuously in
charging mode whenever we forget to switch off the
supply to the device. The use of automated devices
has helped to solve a lot of problems in our present
world and building a timing device will help to
prevent damage to devices, monitor device
operation, mobile phones, computing devices, etc.
The control timer provides controls to domestic
appliances based on present timing [9]. Which when
incorporated into household appliances or devices
will ease the operation of usage and also boost the
efficiency of the device [1].
Timers are an integral part of many real-time
embedded systems, similar to setting an alarm
clock. It is also applicable in consumer products,
transportation, security systems, etc.
The two major kinds of timers are electronics and
mechanical [10], the timers which can be configured
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to set a time interval are called programmable timers
[11]. The programmable timer is usually designed
with different capabilities that would be flexible to
customize by the users and it is regarded as an
integral part of the present-day embedded system
[12].
Arduino based countdown socket timer with digital
display system will prevent over usage of electrical
appliances and prevents hazard that can occur due to
the negligence of the users, it can be incorporated
into many electrical appliances or used to control
the working time of appliances such as washing
machine, televisions, cooker, toasting machine,
microwave ovens, etc.
Several works on literature related to the study on
the advancement of technology have been reviewed
and [13] developed a dual socket-outlet timer that
automatically switches off a piece of equipment or
electric appliances connected to one or both of the
two sockets automatically after a selected time
ranging from 1 to 100 minutes. Thus, preventing
and reducing the danger of electric fire outbreak,
also [14] presents an intelligent power outlet system
that can be controlled wirelessly and that has been
specifically designed to monitor electrical events in
low-current loads. Similarly, [15] introduced a
hybrid distribution board that can supply both the
DC and AC concurrently, which when encouraged
will minimise power consumption. [16] worked on
time delay and load current delay protective device
for controlling the air-conditioner unit. [17] created
a system that allows users to control the devices for
each socket, which reduces excessive use of
electricity in a situation the user forgets to shut
down the device.
2 Materials and Methods
It is ethical when developing or constructing any
devices or appliances to find a durable and high-
quality product that costs a little and works for a
period of a long time.
The main part of the development includes Arduino
UNO, relay, DS 1307, transistor, LCD screen,
resistor, socket outlet, etc. However, this circuit can
be used for time applications such as irons, heaters,
geysers, ovens, toasters, blowers, dryers, fans, hot
air guns, etc.
The block diagram of the Hybrid Distribution Board
is shown in Figure 1.
Fig. 1. Block Diagram of the System Operation
The design criteria are to count down a preset time
to zero and trigger ON or OFF the output load. The
programmable feature allows it to work with
different time inputs and for this development, the
time format is HH:MM: SS.
Figure 2. Circuit Diagram of the System
2.1 Development Procedure
The following materials are selected for the
implementation of the design.
Selection of Material
The following are the main components of the
design:
i. Arduino UNO Microcontroller
ii. Resistors (Fixed and Variable)
iii. 30A, 5V Relay
iv. Ds 1307 RTC Timer
v. Push Button Module
vi. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
vii. NPN Transistors BC 547
viii. Main Switch
ix. Socket Outlet Output (13A)
x. Project Casing
Arduino UNO
It is a form of printed circuit board that incorporates
an integrated circuit on it, which accepts written
input and provides a desirable output based on the
commands or functions send to it. Arduino has 6
Analog Input/output pin and 14 Digital Input/output
pins making a total of 20 input/output pins [18].
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Figure 3. Arduino UNO Microcontroller
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
It is an electronic display module used in various
applications and devices such as calculators,
signage, watches, computer monitors, televisions
among others. with two major registers; the
command and data. It consumes less electrical
power which makes it more popular in battery-
powered electronic equipment.
Figure 4. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Resistors
It is known as a two-terminal passive electrical
component used to limit the flow of current flow. It
can also be used to adjust signals levels, divide
voltages, bias active elements, and terminate
transmission lines, among other uses.
Figure 5. Resistor
DS1307 Real Time Clock
It is in a form of an Integrated Circuit (IC) that
keeps track of the current time even when the
equipment is not powered. Its features include
automatic switching, accurate timekeeping, and also
consumes less power.
Figure 6. DS1307 Real Time Clock
Relay
it is known as an electrically operated switch that
opens or closes an electrical switch at a preset time.
Mostly used where it is necessary to control a circuit
by a separate low-power signal, or where several
circuits must be controlled by one signal.
Figure 7. Relay
NPN Transistors BC547
It is a solid-state electronic semiconductor device
with three terminals used for regulating, controlling,
amplifying, and generating a signal in an electronic
component.
Figure 8. NPN Transistors
Push-Button Module
The push-button module allows detection in states
of high or low from the onboard momentary push
button. 100% Arduino Compatible. Features:
Operating voltage output: 3.3 to 5V max. Digital
input.
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Figure 9. Main Switch
Main Switch
It is an electromechanical operated switch used for
opening or closing a circuit.
Figure 10. Main Switch
Socket Outlet
A socket outlet is a device, provided with female
contacts, which is intended to be installed with the
fixed wiring, and intended to receive a male plug
attached to its end [19]. The general arrangement of
socket outlets is similar to that of switches in
accordance with the BS 1363 sockets, most of the
sockets used for domestic and commercial use are
designed to accept 5A, 13A, 15A plugs. The output
socket used in this project is a 13A socket outlet that
gives out a 230V ac supply that can power any
devices and appliances such as Vacuum cleaner,
Air-conditioning system, Blender, Cooker, Pressing
iron, etc.
Figure 11. Socket Outlet
3 Results and Discussion
The construction of an Arduino timer socket was
technical and involved great care to avoid the
damage of components used. The results are
displayed in the plates below.
Figure 12. Inner view of the developed system
Figure 13. Constructed Arduino Timer Socket
Unpowered.
Figure 13 shows a well labelled Arduino Timer
Socket, where the LCD is known as the Liquid
Crystal Display and SSO after the 13 Amps means
Single Socket Outlet.
Figure 14. LCD Screen when the System is
Powered.
Figure 14 displayed the output on the LCD screen
when the system developed is powered, the
00:00:00 means that the current time must be set
before timing the device, which is explained as
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follows, from the left-hand side, the first two zero is
for the hour in 24-hour time format, the second two
zero at the middle is for the minute and the last two
zero by the right is for seconds.
(a) (b)
(c)
Figure 15. Device A under test (Mobile Phone)
Figure 15 comprises a, b, c. Figure “a” shows a
present time when the device is powered ON to
charge a mobile phone, Figure “b” shows when both
the mobile phone and the device are under working
conditions, while Figure “c” displays when the
device is OFF. Hence, the timer system runs a
countdown with a “Dev is ON” message, while the
device plugged is operational while a “Dev is OFF”
message to signify the end of the set period and
automatically switches off the phone charger.
(a) (b)
Figure 16. Device B under test (Toaster)
Figure 16 comprises a & b. Figure “a” shows a
present time when the device is powered ON to
power a toaster for even toasting when used for
toasting a bread, the red indicator light on the
toaster shows that the toaster is operational.
Similarly, Figure “b” displays when the device
is OFF.
(a) (b)
Figure 17. Device C under test (Electric Cooker)
Figure 17 comprises a & b. Figure a shows a present
time when the device is powered ON to power an
electric cooker, the red ring light on the electric
cooker shows that the cooker is operational.
Similarly, Figure b displays when the device is OFF.
With the aid of a proper simulation in accordance
with the above-stated circuit diagram, a functioning
timer system is designed and constructed following
the project aim to control and monitor the usage of
the electrical appliances to minimize energy
consumption and unnecessary accidents.
4 Conclusion
An Arduino timer socket has been developed and
constructed. The prototype of the developed system
worked according to the specification and quite
satisfactorily. Its adoption or implementation in our
domestic appliances will reduce human stress in
operating electrical appliances and help to automate
our household appliances at a present time. For
Instance, if a mobile phone is preset to charge for a
preset time, it will switch off the supply
accordingly, which prevents overcharging and
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Najeem O. Adelakun, Samuel A. Omolola
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Volume 20, 2023
makes the battery life of the mobile phone more
durable. The developed system will boost the
reliability, durability, and efficiency of any
appliances or devices it is connected to.
Consequently, it contributed positively to the usage
of the Arduino microcontroller for automation and
embedded system for convenient operation of
electrical appliances whenever needed.
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Contribution of individual authors to
the creation of a scientific article
(ghostwriting policy)
Najeem O. Adelakun carried out the simulation and
wrote the research article.
Samuel A. Omolola worked on the methodology.
Najeem O. Adelakun has organized and worked on
results and discussion section.
Najeem O. Adelakun & Samuel A. Omolola was
responsible for the proofreading of the manuscript.
Sources of Funding for Research Presented in a
Scientific Article or Scientific Article Itself
The authors received no financial support for the
research, authorship, and/or publication of this
article. Furthermore, on behalf of all authors, the
corresponding author states that there is no conflict
of interest.
Creative Commons Attribution
License 4.0 (Attribution 4.0
International , CC BY 4.0)
This article is published under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en
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DOI: 10.37394/232010.2023.20.2
Najeem O. Adelakun, Samuel A. Omolola
E-ISSN: 2224-3410
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Volume 20, 2023
Conflict of Interest
The author has no conflict of interest to declare that
is relevant to the content of this article.
