What You Need to Know About Smart Outlets
Smart devices are the very definition of ultimate convenience. Imagine the ability to remotely control all your home appliances from an app on your phone. You can switch your lights on and off, wash dishes and regulate your thermostat.
Smart outlets are the latest in a long list of new intelligent devices, allowing you to plug in any device with AI control. So what exactly are smart plugs, and how can they improve home convenience?
What is a Smart Outlet?
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly device to build a smart home, these utility plugs are the best place to start. Smart plugs are power repositories that fit into electrical outlets and integrate into your home Wi-Fi network.
These outlets allow you to plug in any wired device in your home and control it remotely. It can be anything from your fridge, air conditioner, or garden variety coffee maker. A smart-plug acts as an access point for your home appliances and is a safer, more energy-efficient home management tool.
How Smart Outlets Improve Home Management?
A smart plug works with unintelligent devices as well. Appliances such as curling irons can be switched off remotely from your phone if you forget to unplug them. More advanced outlets have voice assistance. Essentially, you can address instructions with no app.
For pressure or slow cookers, an intelligent outlet can set timers. This timer automatically switches off when you complete cooking.
Energy efficiency is a tremendous perk in these outlets. Many modern brands show energy use data. This feature allows them to minimize energy use in your home and reduce costs.
Smart plugs that operate lighting and heating also run on schedules. You can set a routine where they switch on and off when required. They can automatically switch on the lights on your porch when the motion sensors activate. They also switch the lights off when you leave the house.
Smart outlets switch off devices that inactively use power when switched off. This feature prevents any latent power use and saves power and energy costs.
With this technology, you also have various sensors that alert you when there is danger. Surge protectors switch off specific power supply areas when there is an unusual electrical surge. Fire detectors also alert you when there is an impending risk.
Smart outlets also fit into intelligent plumbing, where they identify leakages and cut off the supply immediately to prevent water damage.
Devices Incompatible With Smart Outlets
While this technology is handy in many places, there are exceptions. First, using multiple extension cords or devices in your home is a fire hazard, and it may cause this component to malfunction.
Smart-outlet features vary depending on brand technology. It is critical to read and understand how to use them. Some devices are more durable than others. Some brands can handle the extra pressure of an extension cord-it all depends on the item you choose.
Disclaimer:Â Multiple extension chords are a surge hazard in any situation.
Smart Outlets: Pitfalls
Despite all its perks, it is still crucial to consider this as an electrical component. As such, there are always risks involved. While they increase home safety, these plugs are still vulnerable to malfunction if not used correctly.
There is also the concern of cost. A garden variety smart plug may cost about $50, and specified equipment may cost you as much as $100 or more. The problem here is that you will need many of these outlets to automate your home. Depending on the size and number of electrical fittings, this technology is quite expensive.
Tech companies manufacture these outlets with the same safety protocols as standard electrical plugs, except for better functionality. Smart plugs are safer and more effective, although they cost more.
Appliances Suitable for Smart Outlets
This technology is not just limited to indoor use. You can use it to plug in an outdoor Christmas tree or holiday lights. You can also use it to light up your patio when you have guests outside. These lights can be controlled remotely and are switched on and off at will.
You can also integrate AI outlets into your video doorbell. This feature allows you to switch them on when you arrive home late.
Appliances such as heaters and air conditioners are programmed to switch on and off depending on the weather. These outlets are also great if you use slow cookers or electrical coffee makers.
Bottom Line
A smart plug is a handy addition to your home and is an effective energy-saving solution. As readily available and cost-effective technologies on the market, intelligent outlets form the basis of home automation.
