Smart Power Cord with Time-Based Color Indication and Usage Monitoring System

– This paper presents the design and development of a smart power cord capable of monitoring usage duration and providing real-time visual feedback through color-changing LEDs. Conventional power cords do not provide any indication of how long a device has been plugged in, which can lead to energy wastage and potential safety hazards such as overheating. The proposed system integrates a microcontroller with a current sensing module to detect active power flow and initiate time tracking. Based on predefined time intervals, an RGB LED changes color to indicate the duration of usage, while an optional display module shows the exact time elapsed. The system enhances user awareness, promotes efficient energy usage, and improves electrical safety. The design is cost-effective and suitable for both household and industrial applications.