Smart Alarm System with Camera
A
C
H
S
Connected Plug
Although a fully automated smart home that can be remotely controlled on your smartphone or iPad sounds like a fantastic idea, it's a sizeable investment. Nevertheless, it's completely possible to enjoy the technological advances in domestic smart devices without spending a fortune. For a modest price, connected plugs allow you to switch on, control and program any electronic device using an iOS or Android mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.Also called smart plugs, connected plugs are very easy-to-use smart home devices. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone to control the devices and electronic accessories in your home, without having to spend huge amounts of money on a complex home automation setup.
What is a connected plug for?
A connected plug lets you control the lighting and switch off your electronic devices, wherever they are: small devices (e.g. a coffee machine), household appliances, lighting, electric heating, etc. Devices can be controlled both locally, using a small switch on the plug, and remotely via a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet such as an iPad.- Remote control
Using the mobile app, you can switch any device connected to the plug on or off, check whether the lights were left on when you went out or if a stand-alone heater was switched off. You can even turn on the heating before you get home with one simple gesture on your tablet or iPhone. Devices can also be remotely controlled by voice through a compatible smart voice assistant such as Siri on the iPhone and the Google Home assistant.
Lastly, remotely controlling connected plugs is very useful for the elderly or people with reduced mobility, as it provides total control over electronic devices without having to move.
- Connected plugs and programming
Other programming methods are also available depending on the type of connected plug you choose. Some switch on when they detect motion (turning on the lights when someone walks by) or according to the temperature of the room (in the case of an electric heater).
Some types of connected plug also feature a timer that automatically switches off the connected device if it's not used for a set period of time.
- Presence simulation
- Integration into a smart home setup
How does a connected plug work?
- Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
- How can you control several products?
Connected plugs and energy savings
A connected plug is also a very easy way to manage your energy consumption and save electricity. By just looking at your iPhone or iPad you can check that energy-intensive devices have been switched off when you go out or go to bed. If you purchase multiple plugs you can also switch off devices on standby to cut down on unnecessary power consumption. Programming the lighting or electrical devices that consume the most energy, such as washing machines, is also an excellent way to manage your energy consumption and take advantage of off-peak hours.There are also connected plugs that measure the consumption of the devices connected and identify the consumption peaks. This tells you which devices (domestic appliances, lighting, electric heating, etc.) consume the most and to adapt your habits to save energy. It's best to buy a connected plug that allows you to track your daily consumption and sends alerts so that you can be notified if there's a power cut.
An alternative to a home automation solution?
A plug connected via Wi-Fi is certainly no replacement for a complete home automation system. Each device needs to have a different plug and if you connect multiple products this can quickly push up the total cost of your smart home setup. Nevertheless, this cost is in no way comparable to that of a smart home controlled by an integrated home automation system.By carefully choosing the devices whose operation and consumption you want to control, using connected plugs can optimise your domestic comfort while also saving energy. This simple and inexpensive setup requires no home alterations or expensive initial outlay and lets you enjoy the latest smart home advances.