How do I choose a smart plug?
Things to remember
Choose a plug that works with whichever voice assistant you’re using, whether it’s a smart phone, a tablet or other device. You can usually find this information on the product box, website or in your voice assistant’s mobile app.
Are smart plugs worth it?
Smart plugs create the ability to reduce energy use during times when energy going into devices in your home would be inherently wasted. For large houses or homes with children, a common source of energy waste comes from leaving the lights on when no one is home.
What smart plugs are compatible?
The HS110 Smart Plug works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and it is compatible with devices running Android 4.1 or higher and iOS 8 or higher. Like all smart plugs, you just need to plug the HS110 into a normal plug socket, followed by the device you want to control into the smart plug.
Can you plug anything into a smart plug?
Smart plugs can automate just about anything in your house in minutes. Plug one into the wall, plug a lamp or a common electric device into the smart plug, and voila: Instant “smart.”
Are smart plugs a security risk?
Not usually. Smart plugs pass the same standard safety guidelines as any other device you plug into the wall. As with any electrical device, you should be safe as long as you don’t overload the outlet. The biggest concern that people have had about smart plugs is vulnerability to hacking.
Do you need Alexa for smart plugs?
Amazon Smart Plug lets you voice control your lights, fans, coffee makers, and more. All you need is an Alexa-enabled device like Echo, Fire TV, Fire tablet, Sonos One, or even just the Alexa app on your phone. With multiple Amazon Smart Plugs, you can control multiple outlets.
Can I turn my TV on and off with a smart plug?
No, you cannot use a smart plug to turn on a TV. TVs today go into standby mode when they are turned off. Smart plugs work by cutting the power completely, so when you try to turn your TV on using a smart plug, the TV will only enter standby mode.
Do smart plugs use a lot of Wi-Fi?
Alternatively some smart plugs use the Zigbee and Z-Wave standards. These are built primarily for smart home devices and work in a similar way to Wi-Fi, in that they transmit data from one device wirelessly to many others, but they use tiny amounts of power.
Can you control smart plugs away from home?
Most smart plugs – especially ones which are Alexa or Google Home enabled – will work when you’re away from the home. However some smart plugs require a separate hub to work, whilst others require that you’re connected to the same WiFi network as your smart plug.
Can I plug my refrigerator into a smart plug?
Another thing to consider is that smart plugs are small devices and are not meant to handle equipment with huge power consumption such as air conditioners, heaters, and refrigerators. Doing so may cause unwanted electrical damage on your appliances and even accidents!
Can a smart plug turn on a kettle?
Wake up to a brew.
By using your app to schedule your smart plug, you can set your kettle to turn on at 6:55 am. When you make the journey downstairs, your cuppa will be ready within seconds!
Can I use a smart plug on a power strip?
So can you plug a smart plug into a power strip? Smart plugs can safely be connected to a power strip as long as the plug and attached devices don’t surpass the maximum wattage of the strip. Similarly, you can plug a power strip into a smart plug. However, smart power strips often provide a more convenient solution.
Can smart plugs cause a fire?
Which? found that a Hictkon smart plug available from Amazon was particularly risk-prone. The plug contains two USB ports, and the live connection was found to be ‘too close to an energy monitoring chip’, and this increased the possibility of an electrical discharge, which could have caused a fire.
Can smart plugs steal your data?
According to a recent blog post from security firm A&O IT, a security analysis of two smart home plugs revealed that they could be manipulated to gain access to the network they were connected to by stealing the WiFi login and password.
Can Amazon smart plugs be hacked?
Your smart home is a futuristic marvel, but when cameras can be hacked to spy on us, microphones on smart speakers can be manipulated with lasers, and entire security systems can be compromised by a smart plug, it’s understandable if you have reservations about connecting your house to the internet.
How do I protect my smart home devices?
How to Help Protect Your Smart Home from Hackers
- Understand your smart home devices and their vulnerabilities. …
- Use only reputable smart home technology brands. …
- Protect your Wi-Fi network. …
- Use unique passwords for everything. …
- Secure your smart home devices. …
- Be Safe and Save Money.
Are GoSund smart plugs safe?
They are reliable and most come with a manual button if you want to turn them on or off. There isn’t too much to worry about unless you live in another country outside of the United States and want to purchase smart plugs like the WeMo, GoSund or the Amazon Smart Plug.
Is Kasa a good brand?
Priced at just $8 per plug, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug is one of the best smart plugs in terms of value. We’ve tested other smart plugs and smart home devices from TP-Link and found them to be safe, easy-to-use and reliable.
Is Kasa owned by TP-Link?
Kasa smart switches are made by TP-Link, a dependable company known more for its routers, modems and other home networking devices. The Kasa line also has smart light bulbs, security cameras and smart plugs. Their smart switch lineup consists of three models.
What is the difference between Tapo and Kasa?
The biggest differences between Kasa and Tapo is that Tapo is the newest brand from TP-Link, and it can operate on a 922MHz network, instead addition to just over Wi-Fi. Tapo and Kasa devices will likely not be able to connect with each other without using a workaround.
