What is Smart Plug and How it Works?

What is a Smart Plug?

Smart Plug is an “IoT Based device” used to convert any ordinary device into a smart device. To use the smartplug user needs to plug it into an electrical socket. Afterward, any device that we want to control remotely is plugged into the smart plug socket.

Now we can control smart-plug connected devices using a webpage, mobile app, or smart speaker. Click this link if you are interested in knowing various types of sensors. 

How Smart Plug Works?

This image shows the working of smart plug.
Working of a SmartPlug

As shown in the above image, Smartplug is plugged into an ordinary socket and gets power from that socket. If we power up a device using a smart plug, device power is controlled by the smartplug.

When Smart Plugs are connected to the internet using a gateway. Users can control the connected device using their smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart speaker.

Advantages of SmartPlug

Smart Plug has the following advantages when connected to an ordinary device.

  • We can operate connected devices remotely.
  • Better energy management.
  • Energy Monitoring (Track Energy usage for individual Equipment)
  • Scheduling
  • User Convenience

Applications of Smartplug in Home Automation

We can control Smart plug-connected appliances using mobile apps or voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Home. Users can use IFTTT (If This Then That) recipes to automate smart home appliances connected with Smartplug.

Therefore Smart Plug can have the following Applications in home automation.

  • HVAC Control: We can use Smart plugs to control room heating or cooling remotely or using scheduling. In this way, users can save electricity and improve their comfort level. 
  • Light Control: Smart-plugs can convert home ordinary lighting systems into Smart-Lights. Click this link to know in detail about Smart Lighting Technology.
  • Control Your TV and Other Appliances: When you connect TV with a Smart-plug. You Don’t need to worry about your child watching TV all the time because you can control the TV remotely or set schedules.
  • Sprinkle Control: When the plant sprinkler system is connected to a Smartplug. You can water your plants no matter where you are? Because You can start the sprinkles even when you’re away from home.

How to Select the Right Smart Plug?

Different types of Smart-plugs in various designs are available in the market. Not all Smart-plugs work in all scenarios. Here are the points you should consider before buying a new Smartplug.

1. Socket Type

Different countries use different types of sockets. Make sure your selected Smartplug supports the socket at your home.

2. Ampere Rating

Not all appliances come at the same ampere rating. Most of the smart plugs available in the market come in 5 and 10 Ampere ratings. Therefore make sure device ampere rating is always less than plug ampere rating.

3. Communication Technology

Smart-plug is available in the following communication technologies.

  • Bluetooth
  • Wifi
  • Z-Wave
  • Zigbee

If you want to control the device remotely, make sure you select a plug that is compatible with your existing smart-home system. If this is your first smart home device, we recommend you choose a Wi-Fi-based SmartPlug.

4. Alexa or Google Home Support

If you want to control your devices through a voice assistant, make sure your Smart-plug is compatible with that.

5. Size

Most Smartplug available in the market are very bulky in size. Therefore make sure enough space is available in the area where you want to install the smart plug.

Commonly asked Questions on Smartplugs:

Energy-saving From Smartplug depends on how a user is using it. For example, If Smartplug is used to control a high power consumption device. Users can set schedules and control the device remotely. As a result, energy saving is possible.

Whereas if Smartplug is used to control a low power consumption device such as lights. Users can not save considerable energy. But it improves user experience.

WiFi connection is required to operate Smarplug remotely. If you already have a wifi connection then you only need to buy a smartplug.

Yes, a Smartplug can turn on or off the TV. For this, you need to plug the Smartplug into the ordinary socket and your TV into the smartplug socket.

We will keep adding more information on the working of a smart plug. Add your suggestions, comments or questions in the comment box.

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