So you want to join the club and plunge into the 21st century by turning your home into a smart home. However, you’re a little lost because of all the smart home devices and gadgets available in the market. Where should you start? Worry no more because there is only one answer: smart plugs. But what exactly is a smart plug, and how does it work?
For starters, a smart plug is a small adaptor that you can plug into an electrical wall outlet, and you can connect it to a Wi-Fi network. Once you connect it, you can remotely control the smart plug using an application on your smartphone. Any appliance or device that you plug into the smart plug can be controlled by using a smartphone.
Smart plugs can help you automate and control small devices and appliances in your home. Not only that, but smart plugs are also cheap, which is why they are an affordable option if you want to turn your home into a smart home.
What Else Can a Smart Plug Do?
As we mentioned, a smart plug can turn your ordinary home appliances and devices into a smart home network. From clothes, iron, table lamps, air-conditioning units, washing machines to coffee makers and toasters, all of these can be easily controlled with just a tap with the help of a smart plug. Today, smart plugs can do so much, such as:
- Some smart plugs have a voice control feature that allows you to use Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant to help you control the appliances or devices plugged into the smart plug.
- Smart plugs allow you to set timers that turn your appliances and devices on and off at scheduled times. You can also monitor if you left your appliance open, which means you will no longer have to wonder if you left your clothes iron-on or your coffee pot.
- Some smart plugs come with a separate remote that allows you to operate an appliance or unit even without your smartphone.
- A smart plug can help you track information about your appliance’s energy use in real-time.
- A smart plug can also be used to turn the lights in your house on and off. This means that you will no longer have to worry about walking into your dark house when you come home.
- Smart plugs allow you to prevent and restrict latent energy consumption by devices while they are turned off.
- Smart plugs also act as a multi-plug surge protector. It can send you notifications if there’s a power surge and alert you if the devices connected pose a safety hazard.
Do Smart Plugs Increase the Risk of Electric Shock or Fire?
Most smart plugs are designed to have the same standards and codes of installed power outlets. In fact, most smart plug models even exceed the minimum required safety standards. Smart plugs often have an automatic shut-off feature when it detects power surges or other electrical problems that could damage the device or appliance that are plugged in. In short, smart plugs make your home smarter and increase the safety of traditional plugs in your home.
What are the Devices That Should not be used with a Smart Plug?
Almost all smart plug manufacturers recommend plugging your devices directly into the smart plug unit so you can avoid using a standard power strip or any extensions. This is because a standard power strip with multiple extension cords plugged into it can be a fire hazard and can cause the smart plug to shut off.