Want to turn your dream home into a smart home and enjoy all the comforts of connectivity that it brings with it then smart plugs are the apt solution. So what are smart plugs and benefits of using smart plugs
Simply put, smart plugs are wifi devices which can be plugged into a wall socket and turn everyday devices into smart devices. Your home would get connected to the wifi network and enable residents to remotely control everything through a phone app, voice commands, or by automation.
How do smart plugs work?
It is easy, just plug the smart plug into one of the regular electrical switchboards in your home the way you would do with any other device. You can then turn any of those commonplace wired appliances that you use with an on / off switch mechanism into a fully automated one either by touching your smartphone or giving a voice command.
Smart plugs have one or more electrical sockets into which other devices such as lamps, chargers, electronics devices, etc. can be plugged simultaneously. Apart from wifi, smart plugs also have other connectivity options such as Zigbee or Z-Wave. This enables you to control all the connected devices, set schedules, monitor energy usage, etc.
What are the benefits of using smart plugs for home?
Smart plugs are good for home automation and provide good convenience for residents, as there are some key advantages:
Control Remotely: You can control smart plugs with your smartphone app, turn on or off devices from anywhere when connected to wifi. For example, you forgot to switch off any electronic device at home while going out then you can put it off remotely.
Automation and Task Scheduling: You can create automation routines and schedules for your smart plugs. For example, you can set lights to turn on and off at specific times and integrate smart plugs with other smart devices to trigger actions based on specific events or conditions.
Voice Control: Most smart plugs are voice compatible with software applications like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and various others. You can control all the devices that you have plugged in with voice commands.
Home Security: Smart plugs give you an extra layer of security as with it you can control all electronic devices to make it appear like someone is at home even when the person would be away.
Device Compatibility: Usually, smart plugs are compatible with a large range of electrical and electronic devices including fans, heaters, televisions, refrigerators, and so on which make smart plugs a valuable asset in your quest to build a smart home.
Save Energy: Smart plugs can help save energy and cut down the monthly current bills as it enables users to schedule devices to turn and off automatically at specified times besides monitoring the energy usage. Moreover, you can switch off devices which are in standby mode and thus eliminate additional power consumption.
Energy Monitoring: There are many smart plugs that have in-built energy monitoring applications enabling you to track energy consumption of connected devices and this data would help you to identify appliances that tend to consume more power, and act accordingly.
Install Easily: It is easy to install and not complicated as you don’t need to have any complex wiring or hire people with technical knowhow and expertise.
Less Investment: Smart plugs are usually affordable, no need of any big investments that would create holes in your pocket.
Customization: Smart plug apps are customizable; you can tailor them as per your individual preferences and requirements.
As smart plugs are convenient to be deployed, save electricity bills, and give house owners control over their home devices, the increasing benefits of using smart plugs for home is making them increasingly popular amongst masses.
FAQ
1. What is a smart plug?
A smart plug is a smart home device which can be plugged into any regular electrical aperture and turn almost any wired appliance with an on/off feature into an automated one that can be controlled through your phone app or voice command.
2. How does a smart plug work?
You can connect smart plugs with electronic devices used in your home through the Wi-Fi network and control via your smartphone app.
3. What can I control with a smart plug?
You can control various types of electrical and electronic devices including fans, coffee makers, heaters, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, etc. Any devices that can be plugged into a standard electrical aperture can be controlled through a smart plug.
4. How do I set up a smart plug?
Plug the smart plug into the outlet, install the manufacturers’ app, and follow the instructions to connect to your wifi network. The setup process may vary depending upon the brand and model of smart plug which is being used.
6. Do smart plugs save energy?
Smart plugs are crucial in saving energy as they enable you to turn off devices when not in use besides setting schedules to reduce electricity consumption, as well as monitor energy usage in all connected devices.
7. Are smart plugs safe to use?
More often than not smart plugs are safe to use if they are properly installed and used as per manufacturer’s instructions. All smart plugs are designed specifically to meet safety standards and come with overload protection.
8. Do I need a hub or bridge to use smart plugs?
Usually, smart plugs wouldn’t need a standalone hub or bridge as they can be connected directly with your home network. Some of the smart plugs would use wireless protocols such as Zigbee or Z-Wave and perhaps these may require a compatible hub.
9. Can I control my smart plug remotely?
Smart plugs can be controlled remotely, all devices can be controlled with a stable internet connection and smartphone app.
10. Are smart plugs compatible with voice assistants?
Yes they are compatible with popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, etc.
11. Can I set schedules with a smart plug?
Yes you can schedule according to your needs to turn devices on and off at specific times.
12. Can I use multiple smart plugs in my home?
Yes, multiple smart plugs can be used for different rooms and areas in your home.
13. What is the price range for smart plugs?
Smart plug prices vary based on the brand, features, and compatibilities. Usually the price ranges from $10 to $30 per plug.
Refer to the user manual and manufacturers’ guidelines for your specific smart plug model for detailed information and setup instructions.