Smart Plug

Controlled by an app, a smart plug lets you turn on and off any appliance that plugs into a standard wall socket.

As part of the solution you can actively control it, or automate it so that it reacts to schedules and triggers from smart device.

Simply plug these compact devices into any wall socket, then plug your chosen appliance into it. You can use it with a lamp, a TV, a cable box, a coffee machine or whatever you like.

The majority of smart plugs work with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and don’t need a hub or gateway. That makes them easy to install and quick to connect.

Typically they come with a companion app where you will create an account and set preferences, schedules and names for the devices you are plugging into the outlet.

They are the versatile building block of any connected home and the easiest entry point for consumers to enter the smart home world.

Smart plugs are an easy-to-use introduction to the world of home automation because they can function independently. They can also easily integrate into home monitoring security systems, with an ability to support a number of Zigbee and Z-Wave smart outlets.

So what are smart plugs, anyway? Looking a lot like travel adapters, these small devices turn any regular light or appliance into a smart appliance that can be controlled by an app or voice assistant. They can also monitor energy usage and control other smart devices, the best part is how simple they are and all you do is plug any appliance into the smart plug and then plug the smart plug into the wall socket.

Once connected to an appliance, smart plugs allow users to create “scenes.” Scenes are small IFTTT (If This Then That) programs that can adjust your lighting, coffee maker, washing machine and other appliances based on the time of day, the temperature or anything else your smartphone measures. The best smart plugs won’t sacrifice any wall outlets by taking up too much space, and different plug designs are available to accommodate different space requirements.

The majority of smart plugs work with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and don’t need a hub or gateway. That makes them easy to install and quick to connect.

Typically they come with a companion app where you will create an account and set preferences, schedules and names for the devices you are plugging into the outlet.

What are smart plugs for, exactly? Since smart plugs can control almost any device that uses electricity, they offer hundreds of possible solutions to the inventive homeowner. In fact, there are so many creative ways to use smart plugs that we bet you can add to this list of best things to use smart plugs for. Here are some of the best smart plug uses:

1. LIGHTS

Try combining smart plugs with motion detectors to turn on lights when you enter a room, create scenes to adjust when outdoor or ornamental lights are in use, decrease the power consumption of your Christmas lights during the holidays. Pairing a smart plug with smart light bulbs saves you energy, conveniently allowing you to control lights remotely and adds security by turning on lights when you’re away.

2. THERMOSTATS

One of the benefits of a smart plug is that it can be used to control a compatible smart thermostat via its built-in hub. You can raise the temperature on a frosty morning without getting out of bed or you could schedule different temperatures when you’re out of the house to save energy.

3. TVs & COMPUTERS

One of the most common smart plug uses is to reduce energy consumption of power-hungry devices. Use scenes to monitor when computers and televisions receive power to create routines for children or to turn off devices at specific times.

4. GAMING SYSTEMS

Gaming consoles are notorious for consuming energy even when turned off. Cutting off power at the plug can save you money.

5. COFFEE MACHINES

Connect your coffee machine to a smart plug and set a time for it to turn on, and you’ll wake up to fresh coffee every morning. Program your smart plug to decrease the coffee maker wattage or turn the pot off after a set amount of time.

6. REFRIDGERATORS

Monitor your freezer or refrigerator energy consumption, however you need to be sure to check if the energy rating of your smart plug is safe to handle the energy needs of your refrigerator or freezer.

7. WASHING MACHINES

Receive notifications of when a cycle is finished and improve your washer’s energy usage by automating run times during off-peak hours.

8. SLOW COOKERS

A common use for smart plugs is to have dinner ready when you get home by scheduling your slow cooker to turn on at a specific time of day.

9. BATTERY CHARGERS

Older battery rechargers don’t always have the most effective automatic shut-off features. Use a smart plug to turn off power after a set amount of time.

10. PORTABLE AC / HEATERS

Smart plugs make a lot of sense for portable AC or heaters. Aside from the convenience of turning them on remotely to warm or cool a room before entering, you’ll also be able to monitor their energy use.

11. ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

Controlling the music around your home is a wonderful convenience. Being able to turn on and off your sound system from anywhere can also add an element of security. You can deter break-ins by creating the illusion that someone’s home even if they aren’t.

12. WATER LEAK DETECTORS

One of the top home insurance claims in homes is water damage from a leak, which can cost thousands of dollars to fix.

Among the best uses for a smart plug is pairing it with a smart water leak detector via its built-in hub. When the device detects standing water, you’ll receive an alert so you can take action right away.

A smart plug is a versatile building block of any connected home and the easiest entry point for consumers to enter the smart home world.