Last Updated on December 15, 2022 by admin
The world of home automation keeps on introducing newer and exciting innovations. From virtual assistants that give you the ability to control smart devices to connected appliances, you’ll be surprised to know just how amazing home automation can be.
Today, we’ll be talking about smart plugs, specifically. With the use of smart plugs, you can upgrade regular appliances to smart ones, and include them in your smart home system. Doesn’t this sound intriguing?
Smart Plugs bring your wired home to an entirely new and advanced level. These smart plugs are plugged into power outlets, giving you the ability to run small home appliances via Alexa, Google Assistant, or any other AI home device, or through voice command.
In other words, a smart plug converts “dumb” devices, such as a room fan or coffee maker, into a smart device. You can control and manage these devices through the smart plug’s app on your smartphone.
If you’re looking to be more energy-efficient and add more convenience to your life, then here’s all you need to know about smart plugs.
How Do Smart Plugs Work?
Using smart plugs is rather simple. You start by plugging a smart plug into a power outlet. Then you’ll need to plug small appliances into it.
Once done, you can then connect the plug to a home assistant, synch as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, or the smart plug’s app itself. From there on, the smart plug turns the power supply to the appliance you plugged into it.
This allows you to control the appliance through your smartphone, as it can only be controlled through your Wi-Fi network.
What are The Uses of a Smart Plug?
There are many uses for smart plugs. Here are some to get your imagination started on all the possibilities a smart plug brings about:
- Turn your coffee pot on while you’re still in bed.
- Control your air conditioner without you needing to move.
- Turn your lamps on to deter potential intruders.
- Turn your oven off to prevent your food from burning.
- Turn your holiday lights on through voice command.
Things to Look Out for When Buying a Smart Plug?
Here are a few things you should consider when buying a smart plug:
Voice Assistant Compatibility
First and foremost, you need to ensure that the smart plug incorporates your choice of command system. For instance, there’s no point in getting a plug that only uses its app if you’re using Alexa or Google Assistant strictly.
Not every smart plug is compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa. Thus, you must make sure that the specific smart plug supports your preferred voice command.
Energy Monitoring
Plugging an appliance into a smart plug is a good way to learn how much electricity the appliance consumes. This is particularly useful if you’re thinking of upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.
Smart plugs can monitor the amount of electricity being routed through them to other appliances. It then sends a report to its app. These reports differ from app to app. Moreover, some smart plugs, such as Wemo wifi smart plug, gives you the option to automate the appliance, so it turns on/off on its own, based on a set schedule.
Scheduling
Many smart plugs have the option that allows you to set schedules to turn on or off the device at a specific time. It’s a common feature, but it’s always good to confirm that the smart plug you’re planning on purchasing, indeed has this feature.
Additional Outlets
If the number of outlets around your house is not fulfilling your needs, then you should buy a smart plus that can expand the total number of ports your outlet already has.
Surge Protection
A smart power strip that has surge protection, might be a better option for an entertainment system or your work desk.
What Are The Benefits of a Smart Plug?
Other than the fact that conversing with your house and responding with actions is cool in itself, smart plugs are a great addition to your home if you want to save on your energy bills. By making use of the scheduling feature available in the smart plug’s app, you can create schedules for when you want the lights to turn on and off.
Smart plugs can also be used to keep your house safe from fire hazards. For instance, if you left your curling iron on while rushing out, you can always switch it off through your smart plug’s app.
Conclusion
Well, there you go! Smart plugs are a great way to start building a smart home. Moreover, there are one too many benefits to buying one. We hope you now know what a smart plug is and how it works!
