Understanding the benefits of and the differences between various WiFi outlets
Creating a smart home doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when it comes to controlling electrical devices. That’s a good thing, because not everyone wants a system that requires a voice assistant or a hub. Fortunately, smart plugs and outlets are easy to install and use and can work independently of a smart hub. That’s because they run off of a home’s WiFi system and a downloadable app. This makes them very straightforward.
Additionally, many of them also happen to be voice-assistant and IFTTT (If This Then That) applet compatible. This versatility provides more ways they can be controlled should the user want to move beyond the basic app to create a more interconnected system.
What is a smart plug?
A smart plug is a smart outlet adapter that works with a home’s WiFi system and an app. It plugs into one of the 3-prong receptacles of a standard duplex wall outlet. Then an electrical device or a power strip is plugged into it. All smart WiFi plugs need to be placed where there is a strong WiFi signal.
Smart plugs come in single- or dual-outlet configurations. They may or may not include a manual on/off button that overrides the app’s control. And they come in different sizes. Although designed to plug into a single wall outlet, some are large enough to block both.
Apps control the basic on/off function, can set multiple schedules, create groups of devices plugged into like adapters, and generate random on/off cycles to confuse would-be burglars. And since the app resides on a smartphone or tablet, it can be used to control connected devices when the user is away from home.
Some WiFi outlets even have energy monitors built in. The app keeps track of power draw, so the user knows which electrical device is active and how much energy it is using.
If the ability to dim lights is important, be aware that not all smart plugs and their apps support dimming.
Smart plugs in an ecosystem
Many smart plugs are a part of a manufacturer’s own smart ecosystem. That system might include smart bulbs, video doorbells, sensors, light strips, and even surveillance cameras. For example, Energizer Connect, Xodo, Globe Electric, and EZVIZ each have a manufacturer’s app that syncs and controls multiple products.
App-based smart plugs may also be voice-assistant compatible. If a home already has an Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit system in place, there are WiFi smart plugs compatible with one or more of those systems. Apple HomeKit can also support Bluetooth smart plugs, but they are not as common.
Smart plug uses
A smart plug, at its most basic, does one thing—controls the power feed to whatever is plugged into it. So most smart outlet adapters are marketed as being able to turn on or off any device.
However, that’s not exactly true. The plugged-in device must have a mechanical on/off switch that can be left in the “on” position. Devices that revert to a standby mode or remain turned off when power is cut then restored have an electronic switch. They should not be used with a smart plug because an extra, manual step or two is required by the user to turn it back on. If there is uncertainty as to the kind of switch, howtogeek.com suggests this simple test using a standard outlet: “…a quick way to find out is by turning it on, unplugging it while it’s still on, and then plugging it back in. If it doesn’t automatically turn back on, then it won’t work with a smart outlet.”
11 great uses for smart plugs
- Start the coffeepot so the coffee is already made by the time everyone is up or turn on the slow cooker, so dinner is ready at the right time
- Turn one or more lights on and off either per schedule or randomly for that lived-in look
- Turn TVs, radios, gaming systems, WiFi routers, or stereos on/off per schedule or randomly. Among other things, this can help keep kids stay focused on homework instead of gaming or indulging in social media. Plus, of course, it can shut things off when not in use.
- As there are both indoor and outdoor smart plugs, it’s easy to set schedules for holiday and garden lighting. By the way, don’t use an indoor smart plug outside. Use one designed for outdoor use.
- Use with a battery charger for a tool or smart device to ensure the batteries get charged but not overcharged
- Schedule times for fans, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and electric blankets to operate
- Make a hard-to-reach outlet more accessible by attaching a smart plug and an extension cord
- If the plug is one that analyzes power, it’s easy to see if the dryer has finished its cycle
- Regulate artificial lighting in a fish tank to help simulate day and night
- Use on appliances regularly left on by accident such as curling irons, irons, toasters, etc.
- For households on an energy-saving program from a local utility, smart plugs can be programmed to run only in the designated off-hours
Are smart plugs safe?
They are safe—as long as you don’t overload them. The same can be said for smart power strips and smart electrical outlets.
According to smarthomestarter.com, “The average home outlet has an output of 1800 watts. Most smart plugs are at that rating or above. As long as the device plugged into the outlet doesn’t draw more power than that, the smart plug will function properly and not be a fire hazard at all.”
So, it’s important to know the watt and amp specifications of the smart plug. Then compare that against how much draw the planned plugged-in device might have. For example, space heaters, air conditioner window units, and hair dryers may draw too much power. If you plug a power strip into a smart plug, make sure the total of all the things plugged into the strip don’t exceed what the smart plug, and strip, and wall outlet can handle.
Just like an extension cord, a smart plug does protrude a bit from the wall outlet. Make sure there’s some distance between objects and the plug. It’s never a good idea to have fabric close to an active outlet in case there’s sparking or a fire.
There have also been some concerns over hacking. The best advice is to ensure the home’s WiFi system is encrypted, any default passwords are changed, and all software updates are installed.
What is a smart power strip?
Once upon a time, the term “smart power strip” meant it had special internal circuitry that assessed electrical usage and would turn off things not being used. There was no app involved.
The smart power strips we are referencing, however, are like smart plugs, but with a long cord and multiple outlets. One or more of the outlets may be “always on,” while the rest are controllable—sometimes individually and sometimes altogether as a group.
Smart power strips are also available with surge protection, making them ideal for computer stations and home theater use.
What is a smart wall outlet?
Instead of a smart plug, a smart electrical outlet may prove to be more useful. If being able to snug furniture closer to the wall is important, or having both wall outlets as smart, replacing a standard wall outlet with a smart receptacle is the way to go. Some even include a USB charging port!
Plus, for those desiring a cleaner look because the outlet is more exposed, a smart wall outlet eliminates the cluttered look of individual smart plugs.
There are some downsides:
- They are pricier
- Because they are deeper in size than traditional outlets, they may not fit well into an older home’s existing outlet cavity
- There are not as many brands from which to choose
- They tend to be a more permanent installation as they are not easy to move
- They are more complicated to install and to deactivate if problems arise
Benefits of smart outlets
Beyond the convenience, safety, and remote-control factors, there are two other major benefits to all Wifi smart outlets:
- Power consumption reduction for a greener home
- Reduced energy bills, saving money
Scheduling and remote control of plugged-in devices mean those devices only receive power when they are in use. Nothing is left “accidentally” on.
It also reduces the continuous vampire load of many electronic products. Turn off the lights in a room and see what glows. Those are the appliances that still consume power when not functioning. Examples of these power-sucking vampires can include stereos, DVD players, microwaves, computers, coffee machines, TVs, and gaming consoles. Those with clock displays you may choose to leave alone so there are no flashing numbers when they are turned back on, but the rest really don’t need the constant supply of power.
A smart plug generally draws an amp. Vampire draw is considerably more. So, use of smart plugs, power strips, and wall outlets to kill power to those vampire appliances can reduce energy consumption between 1% and 4.58%. Other sources estimate savings up to 10% or even $200 a year!
The Smart Home industry
A 2020 survey conducted on behalf of security.org revealed just how far along the adoption of smart home technology has come.
- 32% of US households have smart home technology with an expected growth to 57% by 2025
- 64% indicated they were going to buy a new type of smart home technology in the next year—that’s about 80 million US households
Here’s a breakdown by age group of what is currently owned. All charts are courtesy of security.org.
Here’s a breakdown of planned purchases in the next 12 months:
As you can see, smart plugs are universally liked across all age groups and are on the radar for future purchases. Interestingly, smart TVs and their plug-ins are reaching saturation point.
The smart home adoption scale
Today’s smart technology is being adopted in a checkerboard manner as few are in a position to build a truly smart home from the ground up. So, consumers may choose to focus their dollars on upgrading the kitchen with matching smart appliances. For them, spending less at the outlet level to control other parts of the house makes perfect sense.
Those in rentals or older homes may like the idea of starting small with smart plugs that may or may not also be compatible with their smart speaker hub and its voice assistant.
And those who love IFTTT applets will delight in creating unique combinations that make smart plugs work within a larger, interconnected ecosphere.
No matter where a consumer is on the smart home technology scale, smart plugs, smart power strips, and in wall smart outlets certainly have great appeal. They offer benefits far beyond the basic mechanical action of “off and on.”
To check out all our smart home offerings when it comes to switches, outlets, and dimmers, visit order.petra.com.
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