A smart plug is a power receptacle that plugs into a traditional electrical outlet and integrates it into your smart home network, allowing you to control whatever you plug into it from an app on your smartphone or with your voice through a virtual assistant.
What Can a Smart Plug Do?
A smart plug transforms even “dumb” devices into a part of your smart home network, giving you greater control and customizable options just by plugging the device in. Table lamps, the clothes iron, and even the coffee maker get an IQ upgrade with smart plugs. For the most features and best reliability, stick with smart plugs that connect to Wi-Fi either directly or using a bridge or dongle that plugs into your router.
Let’s get plugged into the latest smart plug features:
Common Concerns About Smart Plugs
Anytime electricity is involved, it’s wise to be cautious. Let’s review some common questions and concerns people have about smart plugs.
Do smart plugs increase the risk of fire or electric shock?
Smart plugs are designed to meet the same codes and standards of installed plug receptacles (outlets). Several models of smart plug actually exceed the minimum required safety standards. Smart plugs include automatic shut-off features in the event of power surges or other electrical incidents that could damage items using that plug. In many ways, smart plugs increase the safety of traditional plugs for many homes.
How much do smart plugs cost?
The average Wi-Fi compatible single unit (one plug) smart plug sells for $25 to $50. Specialty smart plugs such as those made for outdoor use or multi-plug strips will be more expensive.
Are there devices that should not be used with a smart plug?
Most smart plug manufacturers recommend plugging devices directly into the smart plug unit and to avoid using a standard power strip and additional extensions with your smart plug. For example, using a standard power strip with multiple extension cords plugged into it with your smart plug will likely trigger the smart plug to shut off to prevent a fire hazard. By the way, using multiple extension devices such as plug splitters, power strips, and extension cords together is a safety hazard in any situation — smart plug involved or not.
Specific features vary by brand and model. This article is an overview of options from a range of smart plug brands and models.
- What is the wattage limit of a smart plug?
- Most smart plugs support a few hundred watts of power consumption. That works fine for small appliances and lamps, but a hairdryer or larger appliance may not be supported. The maximum wattage ratings are usually listed in the smart plug documentation.
- Does an outdoor smart plug differ from a regular smart plug?
- Smart plugs designated for outdoor use are more rugged than regular smart plugs, although they work similarly. Outdoor smart plugs are tested to withstand most weather conditions, and they receive an official IP rating to prove it.
Most smart plugs support a few hundred watts of power consumption. That works fine for small appliances and lamps, but a hairdryer or larger appliance may not be supported. The maximum wattage ratings are usually listed in the smart plug documentation.
Smart plugs designated for outdoor use are more rugged than regular smart plugs, although they work similarly. Outdoor smart plugs are tested to withstand most weather conditions, and they receive an official IP rating to prove it.
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