Built-in instrumentation integrating power measurement, distribution and management, power safety, and automation control

A communication device, comprising:

• a first contact configured for electrical connection to a downstream power line, wherein the downstream power line is a hot power line;
• a second contact configured for electrical connection to ground;
• a processor;
• a communication subsystem configured for wired communications over the downstream power line to the ground by sending an AC signal over the downstream power line;
• a switch connected in series relationship to the hot power line;
• at least one sensor configured to detect signals of the hot power line;
• and
• memory;
• the processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory for:
• i) active power distribution of the power line within each cycle of the detected signals by activating or deactivating the switch in response to the signals detected by at least one of the sensors, ii) control of the switch in response to receiving a communication over the communication subsystem, iii) processing raw information of the signals detected by the at least one sensor to arrive as processed information, and storing the raw information and the processed information to the memory, and iv) sending at least the processed information through the communication subsystem.