What is it?
NETIO PowerBOX 4Kx is a LAN-enabled smart power strip with 4 outputs. Each output socket can be switched on or off individually over the web interface. Integration with third-party systems using various protocols (JSON, Modbus/TCP, SNMP, MQTT-flex, Telnet, …) is easy thanks to the Open API. Electrical parameters (A, W, kWh, TPF) are measured with high accuracy at each output. With the secure NETIO Cloud service, the outputs can be controlled from anywhere.
NETIO PowerBOX 4Kx can be configured with a web browser (output control, measurements, timer settings, …). Individual outputs can be also controlled using the NETIO Cloud service, the mobile app or the Open API (http JSON/XML, SNMP, Modbus/TCP, Telnet, MQTT and more).
PowerBOX 4Kx is a smart LAN power socket in the form of a power extension cable. A RJ45 Ethernet cable is used to connect to the LAN.
The last letter of the model number indicates one of the three European socket types (4KF – most of EU (German Schuko), 4KE – French type, 4KG – British type).
Electrical parameters (A, W, kWh, TPF, V, Hz) are measured with high accuracy at each output.
Each output can be switched on and off according to the current time and day of week. The time schedule can be different for each output.
PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT
PowerBOX 4Kx can be used for light industrial applications. The product works in a wide temperature range, supports firmware upgrades over the web, remembers the last socket states before being powered off, allows defining a power-up delay for the outputs, and its relays switch at zero current (ZCS).
OPEN API: SUPPORTED M2M PROTOCOLS
One Open API protocol can be used at a time, chosen from among the supported M2M protocols:
- Modbus/TCP AN27, AN22, AN37
- MQTT-flex AN40
- Telnet AN10
- http URL API AN19, AN29
- http Push JSON
- http Push XML
- JSON over HTTP AN21, AN30, AN42
- XML over HTTP AN20, AN31
- SNMP v1 AN11, AN41
- SNMP v3
- The SNMP protocol can be always used in parallel to other protocols.
Regardless of the Open API used, the PowerBOX 4Kx can be always controlled from its web interface and from the NETIO Cloud service.
Customers can use the following ways to communicate with the device:
- WEB
- NETIO Cloud
- One chosen Open API protocol
- Mobile app over the LAN (via NETIO Cloud).
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
- Each electrical socket can be separately switched on or off from the product’s web interface.
- In addition to the other methods of control, each output can be controlled remotely with NETIO Cloud. For each output, NETIO Cloud displays the current consumption in kWh.
- The outputs can be metered and controlled with the Open API (JSON, Modbus/TCP, SNMP, MQTT-flex, Telnet, , ..)
- The NETIO power sockets device can work with various third-party programs and applications (Integration partners & NETIO Drivers).
- The power sockets can be controlled using the NETIO Mobile 2 (Android) as long as the app is connected to the same network, or with NETIO Cloud.
- Measurements of electrical parameters can be monitored in the web interface or with the Open APII.
ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENTS
NETIO PowerBOX 4Kx measures electrical parameters separately for each output. Measured values are displayed in the web administration interface and at the same time are accessible via Open API protocols. NETIO PowerBOX 4Kx measures with an accuracy better than 1%.
- 4x Current [A]
- 4x Output power [W]
- 4x Energy [Wh]
- 4x TPF (True Power Factor)
- 4x Phase [°]
- 4x Reverse Energy [Wh]
- Voltage [V]
- Grid frequency [Hz]
NETIO Cloud
The PowerBOX 4Kx smart power strip can be connected to NETIO Cloud. Control a hundred outputs from a single web screen! NETIO Cloud is an ideal solution for remote control and restarting. The NETIO Cloud service is provided for a fee and supports NETIO products.
- All devices produced by the NETIO products company can be connected to NETIO Cloud.
- Thanks to the included “Welcome credit”, the service can be used at no cost for the first 3 years.
- Devices connected to the service can be controlled securely from anywhere over the Web (HTTPs).
- NETIO Cloud can be used in parallel with another Open API protocol.
- Communication with the Cloud service is secured (port 8883 – MQTTs – TLS).
- NETIO Cloud uses a separate Open API (MQTTS protocol) to control all devices linked to a given user account).
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT QUALITY
NETIO sockets are made with quality in mind. Each unit includes a set of supporting functions to ensure reliability and long service life of the product in real-life conditions.
- Open M2M API
- Accurate measurements of electrical parameters
- Wide operating temperature range (-20 °C to +65 °C)
- PowerUp state – defined output state after power-up
- PowerUp delay (outputs can be switched after delay)
- Firmware upgradeable over the web, backwards compatibility
- IOC – Independent output control
- ZCS – Zero Current Switching
- Outputs can be switched on/off for a short (configurable) time
ZCS (ZERO CURRENT SWITCHING)
An important feature of NETIO PowerBOX 4Kx is ZCS (Zero Current Switching). ZCS controls the exact time when the mechanical relay contacts close and open. The relay contacts switch the output on or off when the current crosses the zero level.
- In the long run, ZCS support reduces the product failure rate due to internal relay damage.
- Since the relay switches when the current waveform crosses the zero level, negative effects of inrush current are significantly reduced.
- The ZCS and PowerUp delay functions reduce the chance of circuit breakers tripping when power is restored after an outage.
- ZCS extends the lifetime of connected equipment; especially in case of frequent on/off switching of devices that are not designed for that (such as switching power supplies).
POWERUP STATE
For some applications, it is important to set the correct state of a power output immediately after power is turned on (or restored). The “PowerUp state” parameter defines the behavior of the 110/230V outlets just after power is restored, before the standard communication with the master system is established.
• On
• Off
• LAST state restores the last state before the power was disconnected
PowerUp sequence (delay)
The PowerUp sequence function (delay) ensures that the 230V power output is switched on with a configurable delay (several seconds) after the power is restored. This can avoid circuit breaker tripping when power is restored after an outage.
The idea is to switch the outputs on one by one with a delay of a few seconds in between in order to avoid tripping the circuit breakers (see Inrush Current). We particularly recommend this function if there are two UPS or several LED lights in parallel in the same circuit.
MOBILE APP: NETIO MOBILE2
PowerBox 4Kx can be controlled over the local network using the NETIO Mobile 2 app (for Android mobile devices).
- The mobile app can be used to control several devices and all their outputs.
- The mobile device must be connected to the same LAN (via WiFi).
- NETIO Mobile2 can scan the LAN and discover connected devices. WiFi connection to the LAN is required.
SCHEDULER (TIMED SWITCHING OF INDIVIDUAL OUTLETS)
The switching of outlets can be time-controlled by the Scheduler with a graphical interface. Switching on/off at specific times can be easily configured.
• Each output can have its own schedule, according which the output is switched
• While Scheduler (calendar) is running, the output can be controlled from NETIO Cloud, web interface or Open API
• The Scheduler does not require an internet connection (requires a time source – NTP server – for example a local ADSL / WiFi router)
GENERAL PROPERTIES
| Switched Power Outputs |
Output Switching |
Metered channels |
LAN | WiFi | IQRF | Web | NETIO Cloud | Scheduler | Mobile App | Open API | Max. current per socket |
|
| PowerBOX 4KF | 4 x DE (Type F) |
ZCS | 4 | 1 | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Android | 10 protocols | 230V / 16A |
| PowerBOX 4KE | 4 x FR (Type E) |
ZCS | 4 | 1 | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Android | 10 protocols | 230V / 16A |
| PowerBOX 4KG | 4 x UK (Type G) |
ZCS | 4 | 1 | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Android | 10 protocols | 230V / 13A |
| PowerBOX 3PF | 3 x DE (Type F) |
ZVS | – | 1 | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Android | 10 protocols | 230V / 16A |
| PowerBOX 3PE | 3 x FR (Type E) |
ZVS | – | 1 | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Android | 10 protocols | 230V / 16A |
| PowerBOX 3PG | 3 x UK (Type G) |
ZVS | – | 1 | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Android | 10 protocols | 230V / 13A |
| PowerCable REST 101x | 1 (5 types) |
ZCS | 1 | – | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Android | 10 protocols | 230V / 10-16A |
Power
• 110/230V power input
• 4x IEC-320 C13 output
• Individual metering at each output
• Zero current switching (ZCS) at each output
• Push-button control of each output
• Defined power-up output state
Open API interface
• WEB interface for configuring the product, HTTPs capable
• Fully-documented M2M API (10 protocols)
• Online demo for testing
Product Comparison
| Connection | Switched Outputs |
Metered Channels |
Smart Switching |
Inputs | NFC | Web Interface |
NETIO Cloud |
Lua scripts |
WatchDog function |
Scheduler function |
Mobile App | HTTPs | Open APIs | |
| 2xLAN | 4xC13 | 4 | ZCS | RS-232 | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | iOS + Android |
Yes | 15 protocols | |
| LAN | 4xC13 | – | ZVS | – | – | Yes | Yes | – | – | Yes | Android | – | 10 protocols | |
| PowerPDU 8QS | LAN | 8xC13 | 1+1 | ZVS | 1xDI | – | Yes | Yes | – | – | Yes | Android | – | 10 protocols |
| PowerDIN 4PZ | LAN WiFi |
2+2 | 2 | ZCS / – | 2xDI (S0) |
Yes | Yes | Yes | – | – | Yes | Android | – | 10 protocols |
| PowerBOX 3Px | LAN | 3x | – | ZVS | – | – | Yes | Yes | – | – | Yes | Android | – | 10 protocols |
| PowerBOX 4Kx | LAN | 4x | 4 | ZCS | – | – | Yes | Yes | – | – | Yes | Android | – | 10 protocols |
| PowerCable REST | WiFi | 1x | 1 | ZCS | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | – | Yes | Android | – | 10 protocols |
