Wifi Socket
Wifi Socket
The best way to boost the functionality of your ordinary appliances is by investing in wifi sockets. These highly efficient devices are designed to provide additional functionality to everyday appliances, helping you create a smart home.
With a wifi socket, you are one step closer to building a connected home. If you want to install these devices in your home, here are some essential things about wifi sockets.
What Is A Wifi Socket?
If you want to start building the perfect smart home, it is crucial to understand how a wifi socket works. This will act as a building block to help you create a connected home.
In most cases, wifi sockets act as a power receptacle that turns your ordinary product smart. This means you give it smart functionality when you plug in a regular appliance. Most wifi sockets also have a switch component that gives wifi connectivity to manually operated devices.
Smart sockets are connected to your home network system. While using other networks is possible, Wi-Fi is often the most reliable option.
How Do They Work?
A wifi socket provides additional functionality with your regular lights and ceiling fans. Some wifi switches work with fireplaces as well. You can use a wifi socket like a standard plug by pressing it to turn it on/off.
Almost every wifi socket on the market works by plugging into an existing electrical socket and then connecting to your household’s Wi-Fi network. Once the wifi socket is installed into a socket, you must link it to your Wi-Fi system.
After the wifi socket 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. The wifi socket app sends a signal to the plug to perform a command. This signal lets the plug know when to turn the device on or off.
To use the smart technology of these switches, you can control their operation through your smartphone. With a switched wifi socket, you can manage your lighting and ceiling with a few taps on your phone screens. This ability sets wifi sockets apart from regular switches.
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.
Plugging Ordinary Appliances
With some wifi sockets, you may need to download an app to control plugged devices. 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 wifi sockets. The app will let you create timers and schedules for your appliances.
Some wifi socket apps also provide energy consumption data. All the information the app provides is in real-time, so you can accurately assess your energy consumption. You can track this data and make many more energy-efficient choices to reduce your household’s energy bills.
Special wifi sockets allow you to schedule and control outdoor items, including holiday lighting and decorations. These sockets have an IP rating that guarantees they can withstand outdoor weather.
Some models provide a handheld remote for alternative control methods if you don’t want to use your smartphone to control the sockets.
What Are The Important Features Of Smart Wifi Sockets?
If you want to choose the best wifi plug, there are certain specifications you must look for. Not all wifi sockets are designed the same way; therefore, you must look at the features to choose the best option for your household. Here are some essential features of wifi sockets.
Manual On/Off Switch
Many wifi sockets often come with a mechanical on/off switch that gives you an additional method of control. This manual feature ensures that your wifi socket is completely switched off when not in operation.
With a mechanical switch, you can avoid wasting unnecessary energy. Some wifi sockets also have an indicator light for more convenience.
Network Compatibility
All wifi sockets are designed to work alongside a Wi-Fi network connection. However, there are wifi sockets that work well with other network connections. These include Bluetooth, Z-wave, and Zigbee.
Wifi sockets are a better option since this network is readily available everywhere and easily set up.
Home Assistant Compatibility
For even more control over your wifi socket, look for a device that can connect with a virtual home assistant hub. This will allow you better functionality over the wifi socket and its connected appliances.
Voice Control Activation
Alongside hands-free control, many wifi sockets also have voice control activation, so you never have to use your appliance manually. You can use voice control with your smartphone or a smart home assistant device to carry out this task.
Schedule And Timer Setting
Look for one with a schedule and timer setting to add even more functionality to your wifi sockets. This will allow you to create specialised settings where the appliances turn on/off automatically.
For example, you can control a coffee machine with a wifi socket timer setting. With this feature, you have a fresh pot of coffee before you wake up. This feature allows you to add more comfort and convenience to your lifestyle.
Energy Consumption Information
Since these devices are called smart wifi sockets, they are designed to help you conserve energy in every way possible. One of the best ways these plugs exercise this quality is by giving you energy consumption information.
With most wifi sockets, you can check the app for information regarding how much energy your device consumes. You can also use this information to use your appliances more strategically.
Voltage Surge Protection
Many wifi sockets are manufactured to ensure your appliance and electrical socket's longevity. Therefore, you must look for plugs that contain several safety features.
One of the wifi sockets' most important safety features is voltage surge protection. This quality protects your device from overcurrent, high temperature, and overvoltage. In case of such hazards, the wifi socket will automatically de-energise to protect the socket.
How Much Energy Do Wifi Sockets Consume?
If you want to use wifi sockets to conserve energy, you must know how much power this device consumes.
The wifi socket unit itself is designed to consume very little energy. These devices consume approximately 1 watts of power when in standby mode. This wattage also depends on the type of connection it uses.
Since a wifi socket is connected to something else in your household, it is permanently active. However, if you connect your wifi socket to Wi-Fi, your plug will only use about 1 to 2 Watts maximum daily.
How To Choose The Best Wifi Socket?
Now that you understand how to best use wifi sockets and switches, here are some important features you must look for when purchasing.
The Operating System
You must choose a wifi socket with your preferred software. While hardware is a critical component, the software is just as important as it will determine how you control the wifi socket.
If you own a home assistant device, look for wifi sockets 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 wifi sockets. Each network protocol has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate which network connections work best in your household and purchase your wifi sockets accordingly.
Not all wifi sockets work with a wide range of networks; therefore, ensure that you find a socket that works with your preferred network connection.
Connectivity With Home Assistants
Most wifi sockets 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 wifi sockets include these capabilities; therefore, you must ensure your preferred device contains these options.
Dimming Functions
If you want to purchase wifi sockets 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 wifi socket 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 ensure you purchase the correct bulb.
Functionality
Standard light switches sometimes come with a three-way or four-way configuration, meaning multiple switches control one appliance. If you want this type of configuration in your wifi socket, check the switch for such features, as not many wifi sockets include three-way or four-way models.
Style And Design
Since the wifi socket is installed into your home’s wall, it is important to ensure 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.
Power Load
Most wifi 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.
Number Of Outlets
Some wifi 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 checks 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 wifi sockets and switches, and you can find them at Meteor Electrical.
Meteor Electrical has one of the best selections of wifi sockets and sockets for every household’s needs. These devices provide ease and comfort to every consumer.
Here are some of the best wifi sockets and switches Meteor has to offer.
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Knightsbridge 13A Smart Switched Socket
If you are not sure whether you want a wifi socket or a socket, you should go for the Knightsbridge 13A wifi 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 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.
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Knightsbridge 16A Smart Wifi Plug
This 16A wifi socket 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 wifi 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 wifi 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.
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