Are you planning on creating a smart home but don’t want to purchase smart products? A smart plug is a great way to turn your ordinary devices smart. A smart plug is a convenient and inexpensive way to create a smart home.

Smart plugs are easy to install and give you a wide range of functionality with your ordinary appliances. With this device, you can have better control over other appliances. There are several great smart plugs on the market. Here is everything you need to know about smart plugs and what to look for when purchasing this device. 

What Is A Smart Plug?

Before you consider purchasing a smart plug, it is important to understand what a smart plug is and how it works. 

A smart plug or a smart socket transforms your standard electrical wall sockets into a fully customisable and controllable socket. A smart plug is also a great way to make ordinary appliances smart. 

A smart plug acts as a power receptacle that installs into a conventional electrical socket. This smart plug also integrates into a smart home network. Whenever you plug a regular appliance into a smart plug, the device now holds smart functionality. 

For example, if you plug an ordinary table lamp into a smart plug, you can do much more than just turn the appliance on/off. With a smart plug, you can set a timer for the lamp and control it remotely from anywhere in your home. 

To access this level of controllability, you must connect your smart plug to Wi-Fi or any other internet network. Almost anything that is plugged into a socket can be controlled by a smart plug. You can control your lights, fan, and other electronic household devices with a smart plug. Once an appliance is plugged in, you can control it from an app on your smartphone or tablet.  

You can also control the device through a virtual home assistant device. Home assistant compatible smart plugs can use voice commands to operate plugged devices.  Many homeowners use a smart plug to convert ordinary devices into smart devices. This feature gives you better control and a customisable option on ordinary appliances and fixtures. 

Some devices that work well with a smart plug include coffee makers, table lamps, fans, clothing iron, etc. For access to a large number of features and good reliability, it is recommended that you connect your smart plugs to Wi-Fi. You can connect a smart plug to Wi-Fi directly or use a bridge that plugs the device into your router. 

Want to learn more about What a Smart Plug is? Check out our blog here! 

Are Smart Plugs Safe To Use?

When it comes to plugged devices, you might be concerned about safety. If you are plugging multiple devices into a socket, there is a higher risk of electrical hazards. Many smart plug manufacturers take these issues into mind when creating these products. 

Smart plugs pass the same safety guidelines as other electronic devices you plug into a wall. However, you must still practice caution. It is best to avoid overloading the socket to reduce the danger of electrocution and other hazards. 

Some smart plug apps let users know when the plug is at risk of overloading. As for cybersecurity concerns, there are smart plugs on the market that encrypt your data to provide protection against hacking and other cyber crimes. 

What Are The Important Features Of A Smart Plug?

Most smart plugs share a universal set of features; however, some smart plugs come with their own set of unique features. Here are some important features of a smart plug.

• Smart plugs require a Wi-Fi connection to work. With this connection, you can control any plugged-in device through a smartphone, tablet, or even a handheld remote. Apart from Wi-Fi, you can also use other network protocols.
• Some smart plugs are compatible with home assistant devices, allowing you to control the smart plug without using your phone.
• Even without a home assistant, some smart plugs let you control the plugged-in devices through other voice control systems such as Siri or Google Assitant.
• You can use your smartphone to set timers. These timers will automatically turn appliances on or off at the scheduled time.
• With some smart plugs, you can track the energy consumption of your devices and fixtures. The data tells you how much the appliances are costing you in real-time. Learn more about how smart plugs save energy here.
• Many standard appliances go into standby mode instead of turning off completely. Devices on standby still consume latent energy that counts towards your energy costs.
• Smart plugs solve this problem by reducing latent energy consumption. Smart plugs turn the devices off completely instead of letting them go into standby mode.
• If you want to control multiple devices, opt for a smart strip. Smart plug strips plug in multiple devices and also send you an alert if the power strip is overloaded. If there is a safety hazard present, the smart strip will notify you immediately.
• Smart plugs provide several safety features. If you forget to turn your appliances off, you can use the schedule feature to set specific operational times for your devices. If you are away from home, you can schedule your lights to turn on at night to keep away any intruders.
• Specialised outdoor smart plugs allow you to operate and schedule outdoor lighting fixtures such as holiday lights. These plugs are manufactured to withstand several outdoor weather elements. Check outdoor smart plugs for an IP rating to ensure they are fit for outdoor use.

How Do Smart Plugs Work?

The main component that keeps a smart plug working is the network connection. Almost every smart plug on the market works by plugging into an existing electrical socket and then connecting to your household’s Wi-Fi network. 

Once the smart plug is installed into a socket, you must link it with your Wi-Fi system. After the smart plug becomes linked with the Wi-Fi, you can plug in a standard appliance and start controlling it from your smartphone or tablet along with the accompanying app. To carry out a command, the smart plug app sends a signal to the plug. This signal lets the plug know when to turn the device on or off. 

Most smart plugs do not need a smart hub to be used. However, smart home hubs can add even more functionality to any device linked with the smart plug. If you are building a smart home, these two devices can help turn many regular household products smart. 

So how does a smart plug carry out tasks? An ordinary table lamp requires manual operation with a physical switch. With a smart plug, there is no other way of controlling this lamp. However, once you plug the lamp into a smart plug, you can use your smartphone or remote control to operate the lamp. 

Apart from the simple on/off function, a smart plug will let you do much more with the lamp. Some smart plugs will let you set a timer for the lamp. This means you can set the lamp to turn on at night or set it to turn off during the daytime. If you use a bedside table lamp, you can configure this appliance to shut down when you are about to go to bed. 

Most smart plugs allow you to create custom settings, adding even more functionality to standard appliances. Some smart plugs allow you to use the away mode on your ordinary devices. You should use this mode when you are away from home for a long time. The away mode will also turn the lights on/off at random intervals to show intruders that you are home. 

Aside from better functionality, many smart plugs can also help with energy savings. Some smart plug apps track and control the energy consumption of plugged-in appliances. This data tells you how much energy the appliances consume in real-time and how much it will cost. 

Homeowners and other consumers looking to reduce their energy consumption can use this data to become more energy conscious. This data is also helpful in cutting down energy waste. If the plugged-in table lamp consumes too much energy, you can purchase a more energy-efficient model. 

However, it is important to note that not all devices work with a smart plug. Some smart plugs have restrictions when it comes to device integration. Make sure to check all the necessary specifications before using it with another product. 

What Things To Consider When Purchasing A Smart Plug?

Buying a good smart plug is not too complicated; however, since there is a wide choice on the market, you must look for specific features to narrow down your search. Here are some important things you must consider when purchasing a smart plug. 

Compatibility With Other Appliances

As mentioned, it is crucial that your smart plug is compatible with the device you wish to plug in. If there is no compatibility, your smart plug purchase will go to waste. 

Make sure to check the specifications and other relevant information before you make a purchase. To determine which appliances work with a smart plug, look at how the appliances are switched on. 

Most devices come with a mechanical switch or an electronic switch. All smart outlets work the same - you need to plug the device into an existing socket and connect it with your home’s Wi-Fi. Once the connection is set up, you can plug in an ordinary appliance and control it with your phone. 

However, when plugging in an appliance, it is important that this device remains on at all times in order for the smart plug to control it. This feature is not available in all appliances as many have different ways of switching on. 

To be compatible with a smart plug, you must plug an appliance with a mechanical switch. An appliance with a mechanical switch has a physical component that lets you manually control the appliance. This can be in the form of a toggle switch or a rocker switch. 

On the other hand, an electronic switch is a button that toggles between on/off states. When you press the button, the appliance will go into the opposite state its currently in. This does not happen with a mechanical switch as there are distinct on and off positions. 

When you operate a device with a smart plug, you basically unplug the appliance and plug it back in. Therefore, a smart plug works best with appliances that have a mechanical switch. Make sure to consider this component when purchasing a smart plug.

Compatibility With Home Assistants

While compatibility with a home assistant is not necessary, it can be extremely beneficial. If you want to use a smart plug as the first step to building a smart home, you need to purchase a smart plug that is compatible with smart home assistants. Not all smart plugs are designed to work in a manner; therefore, it is important to make the distinction before you make a purchase. 

Another thing to note is that not all smart home assistants are compatible with smart plugs. Some virtual home assistants are compatible with a limited number of smart plugs. 

Home assistants such as Google Home and Alexa work with a wide range of smart plugs; however, newer home assistants such as the Apple HomeKit have a limited number of smart plugs connections. 

Energy Monitoring

As mentioned before, some smart plugs have energy monitoring features. If energy savings are your number one priority, you will benefit from purchasing a smart plug with this feature. 

Most energy monitoring smart plugs measure electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and this consumption is tracked per day, week or month. You can find this data in the smart plug’s corresponding. 

All the data is presented in a clear and concise manner, so you don’t have to decode complicated information. With an energy monitoring feature, you can keep your electricity bill low and take care of latent energy consumption. You can also use this data to switch out your old appliances with more energy efficient models. Our blog on how smart plugs save energy will explain energy efficiency of smart plugs! We stock some of the best energy monitoring smart plug uk at Meteor Electrical; shop here!

Schedule And Scene Settings

Scheduling and scene settings are extremely important functions that every smart plug should have. With a schedule, you can turn your plugged-in devices on and off automatically based on pre-set timings. This function is important for turning on appliances in the morning or shutting them down as a part of your nighttime routine. 

Some smart plugs let you repeat schedules for each day or week. With this feature, you won’t have to worry about manually turning your appliances on/off. You can also create specific scenes with a smart plug. 

For example, if you have plugged-in floor lamps with smart sockets, you can create a scene for watching movies in your living. This function will make the light’s setting fit the “scene” in your home. You can also use voice commands alongside your home assistant to use these features. 

Away Mode

Away mode is a great safety feature available in some smart plugs. This mode will allow you to turn your lights and other appliances on while you are away for a limited period of time. With away mode, you can keep intruders away. 

The Size And Design 

You should also consider the smart plug’s size and design. The size of a smart plug is important as this will allow the plug to fit in seamlessly with other sockets in your home. The smart plug should not be too big that it obstructs other appliances in your home. 

What Are The Best Smart Plugs UK?

To browse through some of the best smart plugs in the UK, visit Meteor Electrical. At Meteor, you can find a wide range of smart plugs in various configurations. From single, smart plugs to smart strips and outdoor smart plugs, there is something for every consumer. Here are some of the best smart plugs Meteor has to offer. 

1. Knightsbridge 16A Smart Plug

The Knightbridge 16A plug can be controlled via an app on your smartphone and is also compatible with a home assistant for added functionality. This device has an IP rating of 20 which means it is dustproof. This smart socket will help you remotely control all your appliances. 

This 16A smart plug is conveniently shaped and sized, which means you can fit it anywhere in your home. The round shape can fit in any location without any restrictions. These smart plugs come in a white finish that matches almost every switch and household socket. 

2. Knightsbridge Smart 3G Smart Strip

If you want to plug in multiple devices, you will prefer the Knightbridge 3G smart strip. With this device, you can set multiple schedules for each plugged-in appliance. This smart strip can be controlled with a smartphone, tablet, and app. 

The Knightbridge smart strip comes with a USD charged port for added functionality.  You can connect this smart strip with Wi-Fi, and it is also compatible with Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa. 

3. Knightbridge 13A Smart Outdoor Socket

The Knightsbridge 13A smart outdoor socket lets you turn ordinary appliances smart outside your home. With this device, you can control outdoor lightings such as string lights and Christmas lights with your smartphone. 

You can also set schedules and timers through the SmartKnight app for better control of your plugged-in appliances. This outdoor socket has an IP66 rating which means this socket can withstand various outdoor elements such as dust and water. 

Check out our guide on Smart Home Switches and Sockets for more advice. 

Smart plugs are the most popular range alongside Lighting and Heating. Want to find out more about Smart Lighting and Smart Heating? Check out our blogs! 

Final Takeaway

Smart plugs are a great way to turn ordinary appliances smart and add more functionality to everyday devices. Make sure to carefully consider features according to your needs before purchasing a smart plug.