This question doesn't fit into the topic choices, so feel free to move it later if needed.
I was intrigued by an article I read by Daniel, where he used a current sensor to monitor his clothes washer and dryer.
I want to do the same thing and am looking at options for the best way to handle the current sensor part.
One (expensive) option is to use a breakout cord like this one on amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011SLMUBQ/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I17LNWUK4860K9&colid=2A4MMZ9BUNL0S
The upside of this approach is that it doesn't involve any modification to the built in power cords, and wouldn't look 'hacked', plus it's easy to take with us when we move.
The downside is that each cord is $24USD and I need 2 of them, plus a project box for all the electronics.
This had me wondering if I could squeeze all the parts needed into the outlet box itself.
In the US our plugs are small, and outlet boxes are typically 4"x4" squares.
This would mean that I could locate the outlet in one half of the box with the other half dedicated to the electronics:
This has led to some interesting design problems I've not had to solve yet:
How to fit the following into a 2"x4"x1.5" area:
- ESP8266 module of some sort
- 120VAC to 3.3V DC power supply
- qty 2 current sensors, must be able to work from 3.3v, which excludes the popular ACS712 based parts
- <or> some way to provide both 5 and 3.3 volts in such a small space.
I'd be curious how others have handled Miniaturization of projects, and if there are any suggested components or approaches.
