Smart plugs and outlets are the first goods to purchase if you want to build a smart home together with smart lights and switches.
One advantage of smart plugs, such as the Wemo wifi smart plug, is that they make standard appliances and consumer devices smart as well as enable home automation. Both small appliances like lamps and fans and major equipment like refrigerators, stoves, and air conditioners, can be controlled by smart plugs.
You might wonder whether smart plugs are worthwhile if you’re considering replacing your standard plugs with alternatives. Yes, they are! You can remotely control your home appliances using smart plugs.
This feature is helpful when you’re away from home and remember you forgot to switch off an appliance. Smart plugs reduce the expense of upgrading your standard household appliances with smart ones by adding certain smart capabilities.
However, before purchasing these smart home devices, check out the detailed answers mentioned below to pertinent issues such as what is a smart plug, how it works, and how to install it.
Let’s dig in!
What is a Smart Plug?
A small Wi-Fi-enabled power adaptor called a “smart plug” is plugged into a standard wall outlet and manages the electricity supply to connected devices. Once configured, a smart plug can be operated using an app on your smartphone or tablet, a smart speaker, or a smart display.
You may also use a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to control a smart plug that’s also part of your preferred smart home ecosystem.
Through their scheduling features, smart plugs can help you reduce your home’s energy use and electricity costs. With the help of this feature, you may program some smart plugs to switch on and off various appliances at specific times of the day.
How do Smart Plugs Function?
Smart plugs are internet-capable gadgets that link wirelessly to a hub or router. These gateway devices enable models that rely on hubs to connect to other gadgets, such as smartphones and tablets.
These hubs manage all communication and act as a link between routers and smart plugs. Routers are the primary connection point for smart plugs without hubs.
Once configured, you can operate a device connected to the smart plug by sending a command from your smartphone, smart speaker, etc. This command is sent to the smart plug over the local or internet network, or it may first be sent to the hub and then to the plug.
How to Install a Smart Plug
A smart plug is simple to install. To turn it on, insert it into a power outlet and click the button. You might wonder, “How can I connect the smart plug to my home Wi-Fi?” after setting up the gadget.
You must download the smart plug’s companion app, log in, or create an account before you can configure the device. Manufacturers usually offer specific apps for their smart home gadgets. In the app store on your smartphone, look for the smart plug app. The smart plug’s instruction booklet also contains the URL or QR code that points to a download website.
Put the smart plugin pairing mode by holding down the power button for a few seconds until the indicator light flashes after installing the app. When a Wi-Fi network is detected, the smart plug will make an effort to connect to it. To complete the pairing procedure, follow the directions in the companion app. The plug’s indicator light will stop flashing once you’re connected to your Wi-Fi and remain on.
After that, you can connect the gadget you want to operate. Some smart plugs include USB connections and several outlets. These let you connect various devices and control them individually or together. To accomplish this, you must assign each outlet or USB port a special name. This is necessary if you wish to use voice commands.
How to Use a Smart Plug?
Your phone, a digital assistant, or a smart speaker is required to use a smart plug once it has been configured. You can operate the plug’s connected devices by clicking on it in its companion app, your smart home platform app, or by speaking to the digital assistant that powers your smart home platform.
A smart plug that is not responding has probably lost connection to your Wi-Fi network or needs to be reset. Check your wireless network first to make sure the system is operational. If the device is still unresponsive after regaining internet access, reset it and adhere to the setup process instructions.
You can create schedules and routines from your smart home app or the companion app for a smart plug in addition to using it to turn devices on and off. One exceptional feature that highlights the advantages of smart plugs is the Away Mode, a form of scheduling that can be found in many smart gadgets.
In this mode, the smart plugs will switch on and off appliances like lamps and TVs at predetermined times, giving the impression that you are home even when you are not. This deters burglars and improves house security while you are away.
All in All
Well, there you go!
Smart plugs are energy-efficient electrical plugs that enable wireless and remote control of your household equipment. You can incorporate smart plugs into your smart home now that you are aware of their various applications, advantages, and how to set them up.