Abstract: An example embodiment is a voice appliance including: a plurality of user interface devices comprising at least a microphone and a speaker; a plug for receiving power to the appliance or load; and a communication subsystem configured for wired communication with an electrical receptacle through the plug when plugged into the electrical receptacle. An electrical receptacle for connection to power lines comprises: at least one plug outlet configured to provide DC output, wherein the at least one plug outlet is configured to provide access to a wired communication network defined by at least one of the power lines. The plug outlet can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug outlet to connect to a mobile device or are movable USB memory device. An intelligent junction box at the circuit breaker panel is configured to perform dynamic power allocation and power line communication.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains contacts, at least one contact for electrical connection to a hot power line and at least one contact for a neutral power line. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the contact and the hot power line. One or more sensors are provided which detect signals of the hot power line and/or the neutral power line. The processor provides activation or deactivation control to the controlled switch in response to the detected signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle contains a plug outlet that has a pair of contacts for electrical connection to respective hot and neutral power lines. A controlled switch, such as a TRIAC, is connected in series relationship between the outlet contact and the hot power line. Sensors in the receptacle outputs signals to a processor having an output coupled to the control terminal of the controlled switch. The processor outputs an activation signal or a deactivation signal to the controlled switch in response to received sensor signals that are indicative of conditions relative to the first and second contacts.