SMART PLUGS & SWITCHES BUYING GUIDE
SMART PLUGS & SWITCHES BUYING GUIDE
Introduction
Investing in smart plugs and switches is an easy and cost-effective way to turn electrical devices into smart home devices. But, before you buy, it’s essential to understand all the options.
This smart plugs and switches buying guide explains what they are and how they work. We’ll also cover the types available, set-up, features, costs, advantages, and disadvantages.
What is a Smart Plug?
A smart plug is a plug with built-in technology that allows it to be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi. The plug’s power supply, and therefore the power supply of any electrical item plugged into it, can then be controlled remotely through a smartphone or tablet or with a smart speaker using voice commands.
What does a smart plug do?
Smart plugs allow users to turn electrical items on and off at any time, automate them with schedules or set timers. They can also be connected to other smart home devices as part of a larger smart home system.
Smart plugs are helpful all around the home. For example, they can be used with lamps to turn lights on when no one’s home. They can provide peace of mind that products such as hair straighteners are switched off. They can turn the radio and a coffee machine on with a voice command in the morning. And they’re ideal for use in hard-to-access plug sockets. Some smart plugs can also monitor energy usage to help control electricity bills.
How do Smart Plugs Work?
Smart plugs work by plugging them into a wall socket, downloading the relevant app on a smartphone or tablet, and following the on-screen instructions to connect them.
Some smart plugs also require a smart hub, which acts as a go-between for the plug and the internet router. Most smart plugs connect to their app through Wi-Fi, while others use Bluetooth.
Once a smart plug is set up, any electrical device can be plugged into it, allowing the user to control the device through the app or a smart speaker. And when they’re connected through Wi-Fi, they can be controlled from anywhere in the world as long as there’s an internet connection.
Instead of a smart plug, you can install a smart power socket. It works in the same way but must be wired into the electrics. Smart plugs and sockets do the same thing, so always use one or the other, never both.
Types of Smart Plugs
There are many different types of smart plugs and sockets available from a wide range of brands. They include:
Wi-Fi smart plugs
Wi-Fi smart plugs are plugs that connect to the internet through Wi-Fi so they can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the world. They can also be controlled by voice commands through a smart speaker when the user is at home. Some smart plugs also come with smart remote controls, or these can be purchased separately.
Smart plugs are ideal for renters, in particular, because they simply plug into a wall socket – no installation is required.
Bluetooth smart plugs
A Bluetooth smart plug is a wireless electric plug that connects to the internet and is controlled through smartphones, tablets, or smart speakers. Instead of using a Wi-Fi connection, it connects to the smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. This means Bluetooth smart plugs can only be controlled when at home.
What are Smart Sockets?
Wi-Fi smart sockets are plug sockets that connect to the internet through Wi-Fi so they can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the world. They can also be controlled by voice commands through a smart speaker when the user is at home. Smart sockets must be wired into the electrics, which is best carried out by an electrician.
Smart sockets are hardwired in place of a “regular” socket, and they come in a variety of different finishes. The features available for smart sockets vary but can include built-in energy monitoring, setting timers and schedules, automation, and a countdown function.
Smart Extension Leads
As with a standard extension lead, a smart extension lead allows a single socket to be turned into multiple sockets, with the added benefit of being automated or controlled remotely. Some smart extension leads also come with remote controls. Ports are often surge-protected and can be controlled individually.
What are Smart Switches?
Smart switches are wall switches with built-in technology that allows them to be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi. Once set up, the switch can then be controlled remotely through a smartphone or tablet or with a smart speaker using voice commands.
What does a smart switch do?
Smart switches allow users to turn electrical appliances or lights on and off at any time, from anywhere, and to automate them with schedules or set timers. They can also be connected to other smart home devices as part of a larger smart home system.
Smart switches are ideal for controlling a home’s primary lights or for use with wired-in kitchen appliances controlled with a switch.
Smart switches replace standard switches, so they must be wired into the electrics. They work through an app on a smartphone or tablet. Simply download the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect them.
Types of Smart Switches
Smart switches come in many different types, brands, sizes and features. Here’s a run-down of what’s available:
Brands
Popular brands include Energenie, Lightwave, Philips Hue, and TCP, but many more are available. If you’re buying more than one smart switch, it’s best to stick to a single brand. And always check their compatibility with any existing smart technology in the home.
Dimmer
Some smart switches have a dimmer function, so the lights can be dimmed via a smart device or voice command. This is an excellent feature to avoid harsh bright lights in the evening.
Number of ways
Smart switches can be 1, 2, 3 or 4-way. A 1-way switch is turned on or off from a single switch. 2-way switches are also turned on or off, but they can be controlled by two different switches. For example, lights above stairs are controlled by one switch at the bottom and one at the top.
Number of gangs
The number of gangs on a smart switch refers to the number of switches on a single plate. Each switch operates a different light or appliance.
Finishes and colours
Smart switches come in a range of finishes and colours so homeowners can match them with their décor. Some examples are white, stainless steel, black nickel, and chrome.
Screwed or screwless
The front plate of a screwed smart plug must be screwed on, which means the screws are visible. A screwless smart plug has a clip-on front plate which means there are no visible screws.
How to set up Smart Plugs, Switches and Sockets
Setting up smart plugs and switches is a relatively simple process. However, smart switches and sockets need to be wired into the electrics. Most require a neutral wire connection to operate, but not all standard switches and sockets have them. So, we recommend that a qualified electrician does the wiring part of the process.
Once smart plugs are plugged into the wall socket, or smart sockets and switches have been wired in, the process is simple. It includes downloading the relevant smart plug or switch’s app onto a smartphone or tablet, creating an account, or logging in and following the steps to pair the app with the smart item, connecting it to the Wi-fi or Bluetooth, and then setting up schedules or relevant connections with a smart speaker for example.
Smart plugs and switches can also be set up to work with other smart home gadgets, such as smart lighting, smart heating, smart security and other smart home products.
Find out how to integrate smart home devices and the other types of smart home technology available in our Smart homes guide.
Advantages of Smart Plugs, Switches & Sockets
Convenience
Turn lights and appliances on and off remotely. Group devices in rooms or zones and control them with one command.
Works with voice commands
Link the smart plug or switch to a smart speaker. Always check compatibility before buying. For example, the product information should say ‘works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit or SmartThings’.
Increases home security
Check to see if lights or appliances have been left on when not at home or turn lights on when away to deter burglars.
Helps lower electricity bills
A smart plug with the energy monitoring feature lets you see how much energy is used. So, users can reduce usage or switch energy-guzzling appliances for energy-efficient ones.
Links with other types of smart devices
Automate multiple everyday tasks to make life easier. For example, link a smart switch that controls a hall light to a smart motion sensor, so lights turn on if someone activates the sensor at night. Not all smart home devices work together, so check compatibility before buying. Or use an app called IFTTT (If this, then that), which allows users to connect and integrate multiple smart home devices that would otherwise not be compatible.
Easy to use
Set everything up in an app and use the app or voice commands to control all devices.
Makes hard to reach sockets accessible
Use smart plugs and sockets behind furniture and control them through an app or voice commands. If you’re using a smart plug, check the size fits before buying (see disadvantages).
Disadvantages of Smart Plugs, Switches & Sockets
Smart plug sizes
Smart plugs are generally larger than standard plugs, so they may be too bulky to fit behind furniture. If that’s the case, use a smart socket instead.
Digital data security risks
As with all things connected to the internet, smart plugs and sockets could be subject to hacking, and personal data could be shared with unwanted third parties. However, they can be made safer by taking precautions. For example, use a strong password, set up two-factor authentication and keep the software up to date. Also, check the manufacturer’s privacy policies and choose what data can be collected and shared.
Bluetooth connections limit usage
Wi-Fi smart plugs and sockets can be controlled from anywhere in the world, as long as there’s an internet connection. However, with a Bluetooth connection, users have to be in the vicinity of the plug or socket, so they can only be controlled while at home. If remote control is important to the user, choose a Wi-Fi connected device
Smart Plugs, Switches and Sockets Costs to Consider?
Installing smart plugs and switches is one of the most low-cost ways to set up a smart home system. However, their costs will vary depending on the type, brand, functionality, and the technology they’re compatible with (i.e., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit or Samsung SmartThings).
The number of smart plugs and switches needed is also a factor when considering costs. But a lot of brands sell multipacks which usually offer good cost savings. Browse our range of smart plugs, smart switches and smart sockets to get an idea of current costs to suit your budget.