Best Smart Wall Sockets UK
Best Smart Wall Sockets UK
If you want to create a smart home, you don’t need to replace all your regular appliances with a smart model.
Instead, you can simply plug these ordinary devices into smart wall sockets to automate them. These highly convenient devices come with excellent benefits that improve the functionality of your appliances.
With the help of an app, you can do so much more than just switch an electronic on/off. If you plan to invest in these highly innovative, here’s how to find the best smart wall sockets UK.
What Are The Best Smart Wall Sockets UK?
With so many options, narrowing down the right wall socket can be challenging. If you want to find all the best smart wall sockets UK in one place, visit Meteor Electrical.
You can browse several great options at Meteor that elevate your appliances’ performance. These devices add functionality to your home and blend seamlessly into the walls. Here are some of the best options available at Meteor.
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Knightsbridge 13A Smart Switch Wall Socket
Start upgrading your regular wall outlets with the Knightsbridge smart switched wall socket. This all-in-one device lets you control your devices from anywhere with the help of your smartphone.
The Knightsbridge switched socket can withstand 13 amps of electrical devices. This switch/socket can be connected to Wi-Fi and is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
You can also find this wall socket in a curved shape to fit seamlessly into your walls. The smooth white surface fits perfectly with any interior aesthetic and is easy to clean.
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Knightsbridge 16A Smart Plug
Invest in a smart plug if you want a single wall outlet to turn ordinary products smart. This 16A smart plug is conveniently shaped and sized, so you can fit it anywhere in your home.
The Knightsbridge 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.
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Knightsbridge 13A Smart Outdoor Socket
The Knightsbridge 13A smart outdoor socket lets you enjoy smart socket capabilities outside your home. With this device, you can control outdoor lighting with your smartphone, such as Christmas lights.
You can also set schedules and timers through the SmartKnight app to control your plugged-in appliances better. This outdoor socket has an IP66 rating which means this socket can withstand various outdoor elements such as dust and water.
The outdoor socket is also in an enclosure box that can be shut to prevent further environmental damage.
How Does A Smart Wall Socket Work?
Before you consider purchasing a smart socket, it is important to understand how it works.
A smart socket transforms your standard electrical wall sockets into fully customisable and controllable sockets. A smart plug is also a great way to make ordinary appliances smart. This smart plug also integrates into a smart home network.
For example, if you plug an ordinary table lamp into a smart socket, you can do much more than just turn the appliance on/off. With a smart wall socket, 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 socket to Wi-Fi or any other internet network. Almost anything that is plugged into a socket can be controlled by a smart wall socket. You can manage your lights, fan, and other electronic household devices with a smart socket.
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.
Using Smart Switched Wall Sockets
If you want to start building the perfect smart home, it is crucial to understand how every connected device will operate in a home automation system.
Generally, smart light switches are connected to your home network system. The most common network connection for smart switches is Wi-Fi; however, you can also use other connections.
A smart switched socket provides additional functionality with regular lights and ceiling fans. Some smart switches also work with fireplaces as well. You can use a smart switch like a standard plug by pressing it to turn it on/off.
To use the smart technology of these switches, you can control their operation through your smartphone. With a smart switch, you can manage your lighting and ceiling with a few taps on your phone screens. This ability sets smart switches apart from regular switches.
You can also use these schedules to operate your appliances while away from home. For example, if you can control your fireplace with a smart switch, you can schedule the fireplace to start heating your home while you are away.
Since you have more precise control over how your appliances work, smart wall sockets can also help you save energy in some cases. With better management, you can use your devices more efficiently. If you forget to turn off your lights or fans, you can use your smartphone to turn off these appliances anywhere inside or outside your home.
You can also find dimmer switches with smart capabilities for even more precise control of your lighting systems. You can install smart switches anywhere in the house, including the living room, kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms.
Many smart switches are on the market, and specific features may vary product by product; however, almost all smart switches provide homeowners ease of control and comfort.
Wiring And Smart Switches
When it comes to installing a smart switch properly, wiring is crucial. In most cases, smart switches must be connected to a neutral wire. However, regular switches do not need this connection.
In some residential properties, especially older homes, the light switch circuits do not feature neutral wiring. To remain on the safe side, it is recommended that you check your wiring setup before purchasing a smart switch.
Are Smart Wall Sockets 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 socket manufacturers take these issues into mind when creating these products.
Smart wall 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 socket apps let users know when the plug is at risk of overloading. As for cybersecurity concerns, smart plugs on the market encrypt your data to protect against hacking and other cyber crimes.
What Things To Consider When Purchasing A Smart Wall Socket?
Buying an excellent smart plug is not too complicated; however, since there is a wide choice on the market, you must look for specific features to narrow your search.
Here are some essential things you must consider when purchasing a smart plug.
Compatibility With Other Appliances
As mentioned, your smart socket must be compatible with the device you wish to plug in. Without compatibility, your smart plug purchase will go to waste.
Make sure to check the specifications and other relevant information before purchasing. To determine which appliances work with a smart wall plug, look at how the devices are switched on.
Most devices come with a mechanical switch or an electronic switch. All smart outlets work the same - you must plug the device into an existing socket and connect it to 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, this device must always remain on for the smart socket to control it. This feature is unavailable in all appliances as many have different switching methods.
To be compatible with a smart wall socket, 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 it's 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 unplug the appliance and plug it back in. Therefore, a smart socket works best with appliances that have a mechanical switch.
Compatibility With Home Assistants
While compatibility with a home assistant is unnecessary, it can be extremely beneficial. If you want to use smart wall sockets as the first step to building a smart home, you need to purchase one 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 sockets. Some virtual home assistants are compatible with a limited number.
Home assistants such as Google Home and Alexa work with a wide range of smart sockets; however, newer home assistants such as the Apple HomeKit have a limited number of smart socket connections.
Energy Monitoring
As mentioned before, some smart wall sockets have energy monitoring features. If energy savings are your number one priority, you will benefit from purchasing a smart socket with this feature.
Most energy-monitoring smart wall outlet 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 control latent energy consumption. You can also use this data to switch out old appliances with more energy efficient models.
Schedule And Scene Settings
Scheduling and scene settings are extremely important functions every smart socket should have. With a schedule, you can automatically 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 wall sockets let you repeat schedules for each day or week. With this feature, you won’t have to manually turn your appliances on/off. You can also create specific scenes with a smart wall 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 use these features with voice commands alongside your home assistant.
Away Mode
Away mode is a great safety feature available in some smart wall sockets. This mode will allow you to turn your lights and other appliances on while you are away for a limited time. With away mode, you can keep intruders away.
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