Smart plugs are a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your property’s security and automate tasks at the same time. In this guide, we’ll take you through how smart plugs work and the benefits they can bring to the home.

Explore our smart plugs and get in touch with ADT’s friendly team to learn more.

What is a smart plug?

A smart plug is an effective way to transform how you use electrical devices around the home. The plug can be controlled through an app remotely, giving you control over any appliances connected to the smart plug.

Be it to automatically turn on a light before you get home or prepare the coffee machine, smart plugs are a great tool for enhancing your home setup.

How does a smart plug work?

Smart plugs can vary slightly by design, but generally they work by plugging them into a socket then downloading the relevant app on a phone or tablet. ADT smart plugs connect to the app via Wi-Fi, but others can use Bluetooth.

Some smart plugs – such as ours – connect to a hub where they can be controlled and managed, too.

Types of smart plugs

Smart plugs typically fall into two specifications: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. They can both be used to schedule and manage devices, but the connection type does provide some key differences.

Wi-Fi smart plugs

Wi-Fi smart plugs connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, so they can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet from a much greater distance.

Like a Bluetooth smart plug, a Wi-Fi plug is a great option for those that don’t want cables and wires trailing around their home.

Bluetooth smart plugs

Bluetooth smart plugs can be used to control and schedule devices in much the same way as a Wi-Fi plug. However, they can’t easily be used remotely from outside the home due to the range of Bluetooth.

As such, a Bluetooth smart plug is often more suited for people who are happy managing their devices from home.

Advantages

There are various advantages to using smart plugs:

• It’s possible to save money by scheduling devices to activate when you need them and turn off when not, reducing the risk of accidently leaving appliances on
• Smart plugs can significantly improve home safety. Lights can be set to turn on if motion is detected by an external camera, creating the impression that someone is home
• They are also useful if you have a lot of devices around the home. The connected hub can serve as a central place to manage any devices connected to your smart plugs, rather than having to go around managing each one individually

Best uses of a smart plug

Smart plugs are incredibly versatile and can be used to suit a variety of needs, such as:

• Control difficult-to-reach sockets from your phone
• Turn on your kettle or coffee machine from bed
• Safety measures like making sure the iron is switched off

As we’ve explored, smart plugs can be an invaluable part of any home setup. If you want to learn more about protecting your property, such as the signs that it’s marked for burglary, take a look through our other expert guides.

Smart plug FAQs

What should you not plug into a smart plug?

Smart plugs are safe for most devices, but you should never use them for high-power appliances such as heaters and AC units, or any at-home medical equipment.

Do smart plugs use a lot of electricity?

Smart plugs themselves use a minimal amount of electricity, typically around 1W in standby mode. When connected to Wi-Fi, they can consume 1 to 2 watts per day.