Fareed Mohmed← All projects

Arduino project · Smart doors and home · Easy

Clap Switch Lamp

A loud sound switches the lamp relay on while the sound lasts.

What you will learn

  • How a sound sensor reacts to loud noises
  • How to set its level with the blue screw
  • How to chain sensor, relay and lamp

How it works

The sound module sets its output HIGH when the noise is louder than the level you set. The relay follows the output, so the lamp is on while the module hears a clap. A latching version would use a variable to remember the state.

Try this next

  • Make it switch on after two claps.
  • Add a small delay so it stays on for 3 seconds.
  • Use it to start a motor.

The simulator program and explanation on this page are original. The idea follows a classic Arduino project that students have built for years.

Caution: single-phase mains (230 V AC). The wall socket, relay contacts and load in this circuit carry mains voltage, which can kill. Work only with an adult, with the plug out of the wall, switch the LIVE wire only, fit a fuse or MCB, join Earth to metal bodies, use a closed insulated box, and have an electrician check it before you power it. In the simulator everything is safe. In real life, test with a low-voltage lamp first.

1Choose your Arduino board
2Build the circuit
Parts: sensors and actuators (tap to show or hide)

Try the inputs (virtual sensors)

Pins (you can change them)

PartArduino pin (change it here)How to wire it

Every wire, one by one

Red rail = 5 V from the Arduino 5V pin. Black rail = GND. The coloured wires carry signals. Match the wire colours on the drawing to this list.

#ColourFrom (part and leg)To
3Define the sequence

Steps run from top to bottom, then start again. While the simulation runs, the active step is highlighted in green.

4Arduino code

5Parts list and where to buy

Quantities come from the parts you added. The store links open a search for that item on Robu.in, Amazon.in and ThinkRobotics, so you always see what is in stock today. Check the model, voltage and price before you order.

#ItemQtySearch termBuy / compare
6Export

The PDF has the circuit sketch, pin table, every wire, sequence, full code, the parts list with store links, do’s and don’ts for each part, and the safety notes. The project file lets you come back and keep editing.

7Learn: do’s, don’ts, cautions and tips

In the real world

A lamp on the ceiling

The sound or touch sensor switches the relay and the lamp in the room.

Tip: use the gold tab at the bottom of the circuit drawing to pull the real-world view up over the Arduino board. Your parts stay visible above it, so you can press a button and watch the real scene react.