I have been using smart power strips for many years to manage our energy consumption. Smart power strips can help save energy by automatically turning off power when they detect a device is in standby mode. Smart power strips offer convenience and energy efficiency. This guide will give you all the information you need about smart power strips, their benefits, features, and how to choose the best one for your needs. We will also talk about how to connect your smart home with smart speakers, displays, and other smart home products.
Key Takeaways
- Smart power strips allow you to remotely control multiple devices and monitor energy usage.
- They can significantly reduce electricity costs by eliminating standby power consumption.
- Smart power strips work with major smart home platforms for seamless automation and voice control.
- Choosing the best smart plugs is key to optimizing your smart home system. Look for features like simple setup, remote access, energy monitoring, and advanced functionality to find the options best suited to your needs.
What Are Smart Power Strips?
A smart power strip, also known as a smart power bar or smart surge protector, is an improved version of the traditional power strip. These strips combine the functionality of multiple outlets with smart features such as remote control, energy monitoring, and automation capabilities. Smart plugs, including power strips, offer features such as remote control, scheduling, and energy monitoring.
Unlike traditional power strips, you can control smart power strips via smartphone apps and voice assistants, or integrate into broader smart home systems. This allows users to turn individual outlets on and off, schedule device usage, and see power consumption for connected devices. Smart plugs and their benefits in different settings, such as indoor and outdoor use, make them versatile for various needs. By using smart power strips, you can slash your energy bills and boost your home’s overall energy efficiency while contributing to a greener planet.
How Smart Power Strips Work
Smart power strips operate on a simple principle: they act as an intermediary between your wall outlet and your devices. Here is a breakdown of their key features and functions:
- Multiple Outlets. Like traditional power strips, smart versions typically offer 3-12 individual outlets.
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity. This allows the strip to communicate with your smartphone or smart home hub.
- Microprocessor. An embedded chip manages the strip’s smart features and communications.
- Energy Monitoring Sensors. These measure the power consumption of connected devices.
- Smartphone App. Most smart power strips come with a dedicated app for control and monitoring.
When you plug a device into a smart power strip, you can control it remotely through the app or voice commands. The energy monitor in the strip lets you know how much power each connected device is using. This helps you identify energy guzzlers and make make smarter choices about your energy consumption.
Benefits of Using Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips offer numerous advantages over their traditional counterparts:
Energy Savings
One of the main advantages of smart power strips is their ability to reduce standby power consumption, also known as “vampire power.” Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when idle or in standby mode. Smart power strips can completely cut off power to these devices when they are not in use, potentially saving you a significant amount on your electricity bill.
Convenience and Remote Control
A smart power strip allows you to control multiple devices from your smartphone, no matter where you are. This means you can turn off forgotten appliances from work or turn on your home entertainment system before you come home. Smart power strips can also control other devices like lamps, fans, and heaters, making it easier to remotely manage electronic systems.
Energy Monitoring
Most smart power strips provide detailed information about your energy use. This data can help you identify which devices are using the most energy and adjust your usage habits accordingly.
Scheduling and Automation
Many smart power strips allow you to schedule time for your devices. For example, you could automatically turn off all entertainment devices at bedtime or power on your coffee machine just before you wake up.
Integration with Smart Home Ecosystems
Smart power strips often integrate with major smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This allows for easy voice control and integration with other smart home systems.
Enhanced Safety
Smart power strips come with surge protection to protect your electronics from power surges and short circuits. Some models also have energy monitoring capabilities to track power usage and identify devices that use the most energy.
What to Look for in Smart Power Strips
When shopping for a smart power strip, consider the following features:
Number of Outlets
Smart power strips typically come with 3-12 outlets. Consider how many devices you need to connect and choose accordingly.
USB Ports
Many smart power strips include USB ports for charging smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices.
Energy Monitoring and Reporting
Look for strips that offer detailed energy usage data, including real-time usage, historical data, cost estimates, and reporting capabilities.
Compatibility with Smart Home Platforms
If you already use a smart home system, check if the power strip is compatible with a desired platform. Popular models like Kasa Smart Wi-Fi offer features like independently controllable outlets and USB ports.
Surge Protection
Many smart power strips also offer surge protection to protect your devices from power spikes.
Voice Control
Many smart power strips are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control multiple devices with simple voice commands, adding more convenience.
Individual Outlet Control
Some smart power strips allow you to control each outlet individually, while others control all outlets as a single unit.
Scheduling and Automation Features
Look for strips that offer robust scheduling options and the ability to create custom automation rules.
Popular Smart Power Strip Brands and Models
Here is a comparison of some popular smart power strip models:
Most smart plugs offer features such as time scheduling, energy monitoring, and app design. They also allow you to program scenes and interactions between devices, further improving the overall smart home experience.
| Brand | Model | Outlets | USB Ports | Smart Home Compatibility | Energy Monitoring |
| TP-Link | Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 | 6 | 3 | Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes |
| Eve | Energy Strip | 3 | 0 | Apple HomeKit | Yes |
| APC | Smart Surge Protector P11U2 | 11 | 2 | Alexa, Google Assistant | No |
| Gosund | Smart Power Strip | 3 | 3 | Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes |
| Teckin | Smart Power Strip | 4 | 4 | Alexa, Google Assistant | Yes |
Smart Power Strip Use Cases with Voice Control
Home Office
In a home office setup, a smart power strip can control your computer, printer, and other electronics. It will make sure they are turned off when not in use to save energy. Smart power strips can also be used to control smart devices like printers and computers.
Entertainment Center
Use a smart power strip to control your TV, gaming consoles, and audio equipment. Set schedules to turn everything off at night.
Kitchen Appliances
Use a smart power strip to manage small kitchen appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and blenders. Schedule them to turn on or off as needed.
Holiday Decorations
Manage your holiday lights and decorations with a smart power strip. You can control them remotely or set up timers for automatic operation.
Setting Up and Using a Smart Power Strip
Setting up a smart power strip is quite simple:
- Plug in the strip. Connect your smart power strip to a wall outlet.
- Download the app. Install the manufacturer’s smartphone app.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Follow the app’s instructions to connect the strip to your home Wi-Fi network.
- Add devices. Connect your devices into the smart power strip.
- Customize settings. Use the app to name your devices, set up schedules, and configure energy monitoring.
- Link to smart home platforms. If desired, connect your strip to your preferred smart home ecosystem. By connecting your smart power strip to your smart home system, you can control all these devices with ease.
Once set up, you can start controlling your devices through the app or voice commands. For example, you might say, “Alexa, turn off the living room lamp” or use your smartphone to check how much energy your TV is using while you’re away from home.
Energy Saving Tips with Smart Power Strips
To increase the energy-saving potential of your smart power strip:
- Identify energy vampires. Use the energy monitoring feature to identify devices that use the most standby energy.
- Create “power-off” schedules. Set up automatic shut-off times for devices you do not need running 24/7.
- Group similar devices. Plug devices used together (like your TV, game console, and sound system) into the same smart power strip for easy control. Consider also grouping smart devices like smart plugs and smart power strips for integrated control through your mobile device or voice commands.
- Use motion sensors. Motion sensors can trigger some advanced smart power strips, automatically turning the power on or off depending on room occupancy.
- Monitor and adjust. Regularly check your energy consumption data and adjust your usage habits accordingly.
Conclusion
Smart power strips are an excellent addition to any smart home, providing convenience, energy savings, and improved safety. As with any smart home device, be sure to choose a model that fits your specific needs and is compatible with your home’s existing smart home ecosystem. Whether you want to manage your home office, entertainment center, or kitchen appliances, a smart power strip can help you achieve greater control and efficiency.
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