What is a smart socket and how to choose the right socket you need

Easy to adapt, cheap, easy to use, smart plugs and sockets are becoming an indispensable item of a modern home. They can be used to manage remote devices, connect to smartphone applications and monitor household electricity consumption.

The biggest advantage of this is that you don't need to lose the wall drill, because the smart plug can easily connect to the existing electrical plug in the house. Today, the article will discuss things to consider in choosing smart plugs that suit the needs of each user.

What do smart plugs do?

Smart plugs are basic auxiliary sockets, interacting with home WiFi connections. They are displayed on Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings applications, etc., providing wireless control for lights, electronic devices, heaters, fans and thermostats.

You only have to download the application and control the utilities directly from there. Most smart plugs advertise to work with voice commands, Alexa support and Google Home. In addition, there are smart Apple dedicated plugs using Siri voice commands from iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or HomePod.

Most smart plugs are compact and can fit in the palm. But even so, they still possess a strong, assembled circuit. In general, there are three interfaces placed in any smart plug, including:

1. Touch board: Contains LED lights, sensors and touchpad that are attached together, creating an external component of the smart plug.
2. Microcontroller board (MCU): Most electrical circuits are placed in the MCU board. In it, there is a low-power WiFi module connected to the microcontroller, sensor, relay control and timer. Touch board and MCU board are connected through multiple headers.
3. Power board: Contains plugs, sockets and power measuring circuits to calculate power consumption.

How to choose the right smart socket on the network?

Most smart plugs are available online. The first thing you have to consider is the specifications of the plugs and sockets that match the house. These plugs are manufactured to US, EU and Chinese standards. Many EU countries have voltages at 220V, while the US uses 110-120V voltage. Even if your home plug is a flat or thick two prongs, there will usually be a smart plug built to fit it.

Of course, there are universal smart plugs like plugs of Taope, supporting output voltages from 100V to 240V. You should also check the maximum capacity of the device. If a device writes 2200W, it cannot help but support some high-capacity devices. In addition, you must find out which third-party applications are supported. Some smart plugs are manufactured exclusively for one or more other smart home applications and may not be compatible with the application you are using.

If you want to connect multiple utilities in one smart plug, you must select a multiple socket device like the following KMC device. You can define and reserve separate jacks for Alexa or Google Home.

Most smart sockets are fire resistant and automatically turn off when overheated, but it is better to follow FCC recommendations for heat resistance. Some sockets are waterproof, so you should choose this, if you are putting them in the kitchen area.

Smart plugs are relatively cheap, less than $ 7.99 (over 200,000 VND). You really don't need to spend too much on these sockets.

With a few adjustments, you can even use smart plugs to convert your usual devices into smart devices. They are very useful in turning your home into smart home. If you have not used a smart socket, you should consider this issue, because connected houses with smart devices are inevitable in the future. In addition, smart plugs are also designed to help you monitor and save your family's electricity bills.

Do you use smart plugs in your home? Are you considering buying a smart socket? Please share your comments in the comment section below!

Wish you find the right product!