A self-contained, in-line electrical plug encapsulates a number of miniature printed circuit boards (7, 9, Fig 3) assembled into the plug body. These circuit boards may contain power supplies, microcontrollers, voltage and current sensors, electronic switches such as relays, illuminated indicators and communications devices. The invention is able to read voltage and current at high frequency to store, analyse and communicate the performance of the said appliance. The invention may also be capable of turning the appliance on or off when instructed by the internal microcontrollers or external sources. As a result the plug is able to monitor the performance of the appliance over time detecting whether the appliance is operating efficiently and turn the appliance on or off depending on demand response capabilities imposed or suggested through various energy providers.
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