Patent ID: 7864500

Claim:
A method for adding and connecting an AC current sensor assembly to an AC outlet for integrating an AC operated appliance into home automation network, said current sensor, selected from a coil with an insulated passage for an electric wire and a transformer having primary winding for serial connection with said electric wire and an insulated secondary winding, for outputting an AC signal level corresponding to a current drain through said electric wire, is included in a control and communication circuit of said AC current sensor assembly; wherein said control and communication circuit includes at least one network driver selected from a group comprising of wired network driver and power extractor, wired network driver, RF network driver, IR network driver and combinations thereof and wherein said AC current sensor assembly is similar to a shape and a size of an AC outlet fit for installation into standard electrical box, comprising the steps of: a. running said electric wire to said AC outlet through said current sensor, selected from running said electric wire through said passage and connecting said electric wire serially with said primary winding and a power terminal of said AC outlet; b. installing said AC current sensor assembly adjacent to said AC outlet into said electrical box; c. setting an address through one of digital switches and a recordable memory included in said control and communication circuit; d. connecting said control and communication circuit to said network; e. connecting said AC appliance to said AC outlet; and f. processing said AC signal outputted from said sensor for communicating data pertaining to the power statuses of said appliance to said network.