The smart home market is rapidly expanding, and many homeowners are opting for smart products over regular products. Smart devices are becoming increasingly popular due to the convenience and accessibility provided by such appliances. Such benefits are also found in smart home switches and sockets.

Smart switches and sockets are highly reliable and provide better control over your appliances than an ordinary circuit system. The home automation process can seem a little complicated; however, with a smart switch/socket, you can start converting regular appliances into smart appliances. With this process, you won’t need to purchase smart products to create a connected home. 

Before installing these convenient sockets, you must consider some important factors. Here is everything you need to know about smart switches and sockets. 

How Does A Smart Switch Work? 

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 use other connections as well. 

A smart switch provides you with additional functionality with your regular lights and ceiling fans. Some smart switches also work with fireplaces as well. You can use a smart switch like a regular plug by simply pressing the switch 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 control your lighting and ceiling with a few taps on your phone screens. This ability sets smart switches apart from regular switches. 

So how does a smart switch work? With this device, you can automate switchable appliances' on/off function and program their settings according to your needs. Once you turn the switch on/off, a signal is sent via the Wi-Fi or mesh network. This signal allows you to program all the connected devices in your household. 

If you have a home assistant device, you can use voice commands to switch on the appliances. Apart from ease of control, there are several other functions of smart switches. Once you pair the smart switch to your phone, you can schedule to turn on/off the switch at specific times. 

You can also use these schedules to operate your appliances while you are 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 switches can also help you save energy in some cases. With better control, you have the ability to 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 from 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. 

There are many smart switches on the market, and specific features may vary product by product; however, almost all smart switches provide homeowners ease of control and comfort.

What Are Smart Sockets?

Smart sockets are a great way to turn ordinary devices into smart products. With a smart socket, you can take your first steps toward creating a smart home. 

This connected socket gives you better control and customisable options for regular devices, and you can start using these features by simply plugging in your appliances. You can plug in appliances such as table lamps, clothing iron, Christmas lights, coffee makers, etc. 

These sockets work by connecting to your Wi-Fi network; however, just like smart switches, you can also connect a smart socket to other networks. You can start using smart sockets with your smartphone once you download its app.

 If you have a home assistant hub, you can use voice control to command your applications instead of using your phone. Even without a home assistant, you can use voice commands on your phone to operate the smart sockets. Just like a smart switch, you can also create timers and schedules for your appliances. 

While a smart switch only works with lighting and ceiling fans, you can do so much more with smart sockets. Some smart socket apps also provide energy consumption data. All the information the app provides is in real-time, which means you can accurately assess your energy consumption. You can track this data and make many more energy-efficient choices to cut down your household’s energy bills.

Special smart sockets for outdoor use allow you to schedule and control items plugged outdoors, including holiday lighting and decorations. These sockets come with an IP rating which guarantees they can withstand outdoor weather elements. If you don’t want to use your smartphone to control the sockets, some models provide a handheld remote for alternative control methods. 

Smart sockets are an efficient way of reducing your latent energy consumption. Some appliances go into standby mode when they are turned off, and while in standby mode, they keep consuming energy. 

With a smart socket, any device you plug in will completely switch off without going into standby mode, helping you save hidden energy costs. You can also find a smart plug strip on the market which acts just like a regular socket strip. 

However, these strips have several protective benefits. If the smart strip is overloaded or if there are too many devices plugged in that may prove a safety hazard, the smart strip will alert you to make necessary changes. 

Why Do You Need A Smart Socket Or A Switch?

If you want to raise the IQ of a traditional home, you can start with a device-by-device approach in which you start replacing larger, ordinary devices with smart devices, or you can install smart switches and sockets. 

With these smart devices, you can start converting all the small appliances and technologies in your house into smart devices. This is a great way to foray into a home automation system without making major changes to your household. 

Apart from smart switches and sockets, you can also start replacing your old conventional light bulbs with smart light bulbs. With these three smart devices, you can slowly start raising the IQ of a traditional household. 

Should You Buy A Smart Switch Or A Smart Socket? 

If you have decided that a smart switch or a socket is what you really need, you must consider which out of the two you need the most. 

In-wall smart switches because they are easy to use and they work just like regular switches. Additionally, you get the benefits of smart technology with these switches giving you access to features such as scheduling, automation, and remote controlling. Therefore, if you want to automate your lights and ceiling fans but still want to keep the in-wall circuit panel, you can add an in-wall smart switch. 

Smart sockets offer many of the same features as a smart switch, but they also give you added flexibility as you can use these sockets with any device you want. Smart sockets also come with power monitoring features that are not available in smart switches. 

However, these sockets don’t have an easy toggle which means they are better suited for scheduling and small automatic appliances in your home. You must consider your smart home needs before purchasing either a smart socket or a smart switch. Alternatively, you can opt for both smart switches and sockets if you want multiple smart capabilities in your home.

A Smart Switch vs. A Regular Switch

To understand how efficient smart switches are, it is important to compare and contrast them with regular switches. 

A smart switch is similar to a regular switch in terms of installation. These devices go into your wall and control the lighting, fan, or socket. Both smart switches and regular switches have a similar mechanism, and you must interact with them to toggle the device on/off. 

The main distinction between these two switches is the added functionality through an app. When you equip your home with a smart switch, you find better ways of using your energy more efficiently as you can control your appliances according to your needs. 

Another important distinction is that many smart switches use a network connection to operate. While most connected switches use Wi-Fi, some also work with Z-Wave or Zigbee technology. The type of network depends on the product, as some smart switches require a specific network connection. 

For Wi-Fi connected switches, you can simply pair these devices to your home network and smartphone. For switches that work with Zigbee and other networks require a hub unit or a control device. 

In addition, when compared to regular switches, smart switches give you much more precise control of your energy consumption. With all these features in mind, a smart switch is a much more appealing mechanism that will greatly benefit any homeowner. 

These switches sometimes include dimming functions, a full-screen display with a touchscreen, and a built-in microphone. If you prefer a more traditional look with your switches, you can purchase a smart switch that includes traditional toggles. The level of detail and specialised features depends on your budget and requirements. 

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 any neutral wiring. To remain on the safe side, it is recommended that you check your wiring setup before purchasing a smart switch. 

What Networks Connect With Smart Switches And Sockets?

All smart home devices are equipped with a wireless communication mechanism as this is the primary way through which they send information to your smartphone and back. Therefore, every smart switch socket or switch will connect with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. 

These are the main network connections through which all the smart switches and sockets are interconnected with other smart devices in your household. Each device is directly connected to the central hub in a star network. However, In some instances, a device isn’t linked to the central hub. This means that it’s no longer a part of the network. 

Zigbee and Z-Wave

Zigbee and Z-wave have unique connectivity features; therefore, if you have a smart switch that uses these networks, it is important that you understand how these network protocols work. 

Both Zigbee and Z-Wave are called mesh networks, and in this type of network, the signal is transmitted from a central unit or hub similar to a star network connection. It is crucial that devices with such a connection communicate directly with the central hub. This functionality is important because a mesh network allows each device in the network to act as a repeater. 

In some cases, a mesh network can be much stronger than a regular Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection as they are more versatile and cover significant distances. These networks also work around certain obstacles to provide uninterrupted high-speed connections to your smart devices. 

For instance, in a mesh network, devices can communicate directly without the need for another connected device. If two appliances are out of reach of the network, they will use a third appliance located between them to carry out their communication. They can do without giving the third appliance access to what is being communicated. 

Wi-Fi

If you are starting out with smart switches, you can connect your device to your Wi-Fi without worrying about other networks. The smart switch functions by using the Wi-Fi signal and a router as a form of communication. This system is important for the function of your smart switches and sockets. 

When you ask your smartphone to turn off the ceiling fan, it sends a signal to your home’s wireless connection to carry out the task. There are several benefits of using a Wi-Fi network. Most household Wi-Fis provide strong coverage, which means you will suffer fewer connectivity issues with your light controls. 

Household Wi-Fis are also equipped to handle several devices, so you don’t need to purchase an extra hub. However, some Wi-Fi networks are unreliable, and this can become a significant limitation. If your Wi-Fi is down, you will be unable to control your switches. 

Some W-Fi-connected switches also consume high amounts of energy, and this can contribute to your energy bill. When using a Wi-Fi network for switches, it is important to keep these factors in mind. 

Bluetooth

Many smart switches and sockets often use Bluetooth technology instead of Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is another network that does not need a hub, as your smartphone directly connects with the devices to provide control. However, there are certain limitations to using a Bluetooth network. 

This type of connectivity offers a very low bandwidth range which means your switch or socket can communicate with very few objects at the same time. For example, you might run into some connectivity issues if you want to control your ceiling fan and lighting with a smart switch. 

Zigbee And Z-Wave Vs. Wi-Fi And Bluetooth?

As previously mentioned, any smart home device, including a smart socket and switches, need a wireless network connection. However, the type of connection can greatly influence your smart switch. 

In terms of smart switches, a Zigbee or Z-Wave connection might prove much more beneficial than a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. If energy efficiency and consumption is your main concern, you might not experience significant power savings with Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi connectivity can take up a lot of power when connected with a smart switch. 

Since a smart switch is always operating, you will accrue more charges toward your energy bill. Therefore, a Wi-Fi connection is not a very convenient option. However, Zigbee and Z-Wave consume very little power. In fact, Zigbee consumes 6 to 7 times less power than a Wi-Fi network with a similar setup. These qualities make Zigbee and Z-wave much better options for smart switches. 

When compared with Bluetooth, Zigbee and Z-wave still perform much better. Even though a Bluetooth network also consumes less energy than WiFi, it has very limited capabilities and range. You experience major connectivity issues with a Bluetooth network when using multiple devices with a smart switch. 

On the other hand, Z-Wave and Zigbee use a decentralised mesh network that fosters increased connectivity with other devices. Even if two of your devices are at a considerable distance, these networks will transmit their signals through an intermediate device to reach your appliances. 

A Wi-Fi is a centralised network which means it relies on the router to maintain network connections. Therefore, the more devices you connect with the Wi-Fi, the slower the connectivity rate. 

If safety is a major concern, Zigbee and Z-wave offer high levels of security from cyberattacks. Wi-Fi networks are more susceptible to a wide range of cyberattacks on your smartphone. 

Z-wave allows you to create unique encrypted IDs that protect all your important data. This feature also stops outside sources from connecting with your devices. Ultimately, Z-Wave and Zigbee are much safer than the standard W-Fi network connection. 

Important Features To Look For In Smart Switches And Sockets

Now that you understand how to use smart sockets and switches best, here are some important features you must look for when making a purchase. 

Smart Switches

There is a wide range of smart switches on the market, and it can be complicated to figure out which switch works best for your household. Here are some factors to help you make your purchase. 

The Operating System

You must choose a smart switch with your preferred software. While hardware is an important component to consider, the software is just as important as it will determine how you control the smart switch. 

Smart switches work on both iOS and Android devices, and you should make sure to get a switch that has the software you use. If you own a home assistant device, look for smart switches that are compatible with your home assistant. This information is often provided on the packaging; if it isn’t, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for more information. 

Wireless Connection

As mentioned before, the wireless connection is crucial for smart switches. Each network protocol has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate which network connections will work best in your household and purchase your smart switches accordingly. 

Not all smart switches work with a wide range of networks; therefore, make sure that you find a smart switch that works with your preferred network connection. 

Connectivity With Home Assistants

Most smart switches use a smartphone or tablet to function; however, there are many switches that can also be paired with smart home assistants. With a home assistant hub, you can use voice control options to operate your switches with a phone. Not all smart switches include these capabilities; therefore, you must make sure your preferred device includes these options. 

Dimming Functions

If you are looking to purchase smart switches for energy saving purposes, you might benefit from investing in a switch with a dimmer function. Not only do you need a dimmable light bulb, but you also need a smart switch with a dimmer toggle. 

Generally, most high-grade LED bulbs are compatible with smart dimmer switches; however, you should double-check the devices’ packing to make sure you purchase the correct bulb. Check out our blog on energy efficient lights here! 

Functionality

Standard light switches sometimes come with a three-way or four-way configuration, which means there are multiple switches controlling one appliance. If you want this type of configuration in your smart switch, make sure to check the switch for such features as not many smart switches include three-way or four-way models. 

Style And Design

Since the smart switch is installed into your home’s wall, it is important to make sure that its’ style aesthetically fits the rest of your home. This will help the switch blend seamlessly with your wall and other sockets. Smart switches come in multiple colours and finishes; you can go through the selections to make the right selection. 

Smart Sockets

Just like switches, there are various models of smart sockets on the market. Here are a few things you must consider before getting one for your home. 

Energy Monitoring

Many smart sockets include energy monitoring features that inform you how much energy (kWh) your devices use per day, week or month. You can find this information in the sockets app. 

With this data, you can keep your eye on how much energy every plugged-in appliance takes and cut back on vampire energy consumption. You can also use this data to make necessary energy-efficient choices in your household. Looking for ways to reduce energy savings at home? Check out our blog! 

Power Load

Most smart sockets come with an advisory label that lets consumers know how much power load a socket can take. Make sure to keep this in mind when making a purchase, as an overloaded socket can lead to dangerous electrical hazards. Choose a socket according to your required amperage, or check the packaging for the number of devices that can be plugged into the socket. 

Scheduling Features

Many smart sockets allow you to set schedules for your plugged in devices. You can set a timer for your lamp, fan, or a coffee maker to turn on/off automatically. This feature is helpful for your morning routines or to help shut every appliance down during the evening. Some smart sockets also allow you to repeat a set schedule daily or at certain periods in a day. 

Number Of Outlets

Some smart socket models offer two or more sockets, which can help you plug in multiple appliances. Some sockets can help you independently control the various appliances, while some don’t. 

If you require a socket with multiple, outlet check the model to make it offers these capabilities. Also, remember to check the maximum power output in the model with multiple outlets. 

What Are The Best Smart Switches And Sockets On The Market? 

There are several types of smart sockets and switches, and you can find them at Meteor Electrical. Meteor Electrical has one of the best selections of smart switches and sockets for every household’s needs. These devices provide ease and comfort to every consumer. Here are some of the best smart sockets and switches Meteor has to offer. 

1. Knightsbridge 13A Smart Switched Socket

If you are not sure whether you want a smart switch or a socket, you should go for Knightbridge 13A smart switched socket as this provides both capabilities. This all-in-one device lets you control your devices from anywhere with the help of your smartphone. 

The Knightbridge switched socket can withstand 13 amps of electrical devices. This switch/socket can be connected to the Wi-Fi and is also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. 

2. Knightsbridge 16A Smart Plug

This 16A smart plug is conveniently shaped and sized, which means you can fit it anywhere in your home. 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. 

3. Knightbridge 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 such as 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. 

Final Takeaway

Smart switches and sockets are a great way to introduce smart capabilities in your household. With these devices, you don’t need to buy smart products as you can turn your ordinary pre-owned appliances smart. With this guide, you will know what to look for when purchasing smart switches and sockets. 

Want to reduce your lighting energy savings too? Check out our blog on Smart Home Lights and Energy Saving Lights!  

What about your Heating? Check out our blog on Smart Home Heating and 10 Ways of saving Heat Energy!