Remote control of electrical apparatus via telephone network, central controller periodically polls remote locations to determine status of electrical apparatus

摘要

.A remote control system for controlling electrical apparatus in a customers premises includes a home control interface 15 which is connected to a communications network such as the public telephone system. The control interface receives signals from a central home control platform through the communications network. The signals are used to switch on and off electrical apparatus by way of module interfaces 16. A customer forwards remote control requests by telephone to the central control platform, which then forwards the requests to the home control interface. This interface transmits information about the on/off status of the electrical apparatus back to the central control platform when periodically polled by the central control platform. This status data is stored by the central control platform, and can be used to inform the customer, or to cause an update the on/off status of the electrical apparatus if required by the customer.