Panamax’s BlueBolt system that allows remote monitoring and control of products plugged into IP-addressable power conditioners will expand to plug-level monitoring throughout the house with the addition of smart plug-in modules and a gateway.

The MD2-ZB plug-in module has two outlets and status lights so electronics not mounted in a central rack can be monitored via ZigBee wireless RF technology. The $100 module works with a BB-ZB1 gateway that transmits and receives signals from the modules and is connected to a home’s networked router.

A cloud-based web interface provides information such as power consumption in watts or amps, and allows custom electronics pros to reboot components when needed. Up to 30 smart plug modules can be used on one gateway. The products can be used with existing BlueBolt components or independently.

The products were initially shown last year and will be available in November, the company says. Panamax expects that eventually BlueBolt products will be used more for energy monitoring and management than just remote rebooting. The products will be available through custom electronics dealers and possibly retail.

Steven Castle - Contributing Writer

Steven Castle is Electronic House's managing editor. he has been writing about consumer electronics, homes and energy efficiency topics for two decades. He is also the co-founder of GreenTech Advocates.