How does a smart plug work?

Currently, smart sockets appear as a practical and innovative solution for energy control in homes and offices. But, after all, how does a smart socket work? 

These devices allow you to remotely control your electronic devices. With just a few taps or words, you can turn appliances on or off, schedule operating times and even monitor energy consumption in real time.

Continue reading to understand the details of how these outlets work and how they can make your daily life easier. So, stay tuned and get ready to take this step towards modernity in your home.

What is a Wi-Fi smart plug?

A Wi-Fi smart socket, also known as a Smart Plug, is a device that turns any common electronic device into a smart device. It connects to your home's Wi-Fi network and allows you to control your devices via the internet, whether by cell phone or voice commands, through assistants like Alexa.

Offering intelligence for non-Smart devices, installation does not require changes to existing wiring. This means that without changing the structure or facing complications, you acquire incredible features and have a connected home. 

How does a smart plug work?

One smart socket is a device that connects to your home Wi-Fi network and allows you to remotely control electronic devices through a smartphone or voice assistant, such as Alexa or Google Assistant. 

• The smart socket connects to your Wi-Fi network, which allows it to be accessed and controlled remotely via the internet;
• You install a specific app on your smartphone or tablet, used to configure and control the outlet. This application allows you to turn on and off devices connected to the socket, schedule times to automatically activate or deactivate the device, and even monitor energy consumption;
• If the smart plug is compatible with voice assistants, you can integrate it with these systems to control devices using voice commands;
• Smart outlets give you the ability to schedule specific times for devices to automatically turn on or off. This is useful for saving energy or for having an appliance, like a lamp, turned on when you get home;
• Many smart outlets also have energy monitoring features that let you see how much electricity your devices are consuming. This can help you identify which appliances are less efficient and better manage energy consumption in your home.

Utilities and advantages of smart socket

You already understand how the smart plug connects and operates, but what are its real utilities and advantages?

• Program electronic devices: imagine your coffee maker starting to brew even before the alarm goes off or the possibility of synchronizing the lighting in your home with your daily routine. It is not necessary to have specific devices, as the smart plug bridges the gap between technology and your existing devices.
• Energy saving and monitoring: with a smart socket, you can track how much you are spending on each electronic device. That helps you identify where you can save on your electricity bill and even reduce electricity consumption by adjusting the operation of devices to the most convenient times.
• Home automation made simple: Home automation often seems complex, but with a Smart Plug, this process becomes easy and accessible. You Control your home appliances and electronic devices remotely, being able to turn devices on and off even when you are not at home, which is a step forward in providing you with comfort and practicality.

These are just a few simple examples of what you can do with this technology. And don't forget, with smart sockets, safety also increases, as you can turn off electronic devices remotely, avoiding accidents or waste. 

How can smart plugs save energy?

Smart Plugs play an interesting role in mapping your electrical consumption. This is done through detailed statistics that the associated app makes available, giving you the chance to see how many kilowatts are being used by each connected device.

The logic is simple: by knowing exactly how much you are consuming, you can take steps to reduce consumption. A smart socket is an ally in this task, as it allows you to program times so that devices only work when they are really needed. 

So, if an appliance is consuming more than it should, you can decide to repair it or replace it with a more efficient model. Ultimately, it reflects on your electricity bill, which tends to decrease with the energy-saving practices provided by smart plugs.

Available smart socket models

Before choosing a smart socket, it is good to know some models available on the market. Each one comes with its own particularities, such as supported current capacity, extra functions and which applications or voice assistants they are compatible with. 

Let's get to know some models and characteristics that can be decisive when making your choice:

• Intelbras EWP 101: this smart socket is compatible with voice assistants, such as Alexa and Google Assistant, and supports up to 10A of current, ideal for smaller appliances;
• I9Plug Smart: with a capacity of up to 16A, it is a good option for connecting devices that demand more energy. It is possible to control via the brand's app and is compatible with Alexa.
• Broadlink SP2: in addition to turning devices on and off remotely, it features energy consumption monitoring. Supports devices up to 15A.
• Sonoff Basic: Well known, this model supports up to 10A and is great value for money. You can create smart scenes, such as turning on the light at sunset automatically.
• Positive Smart Home: a national brand that offers an adapter that connects household appliances to the Wi-Fi network, operating through its own application and compatibility with an assistant.

Each of these examples has its specific functionalities and adjustments, which shows that there is a variety in terms of capacity and extra options. It's interesting to note how easy it is to set up and whether smart devices are compatible with your home's Wi-Fi network. 

Safety and security with smart plugs

Having a connected home is really practical and offers you a world of possibilities, but what about security and protection? Smart plugs think about this too! With advanced features, these devices are designed to ensure the safety of your electronic devices. 

One of them is protection against overloads and short circuits. This means that, if there is a problem with the electrical network, the smart socket is capable of interrupting the flow of energy to prevent further damage.

Another advantage is monitoring the health of the electrical grid. Some sockets can alert you if they detect something strange in the energy consumption pattern of your appliances. This way, you can keep an eye on and quickly resolve any issues that may pose risks.

Conclusion

As we have seen, these devices are true allies in home automation and are increasingly essential in a smart home. And with this knowledge, you have everything you need to make smart choices that fit perfectly into your everyday life.

It is possible that in the future, with the expansion of connected homes, more and more appliances will come with this technology built-in, but until then, the Smart plug is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to enter this innovative world of technology.