Smart Home technology has changed the way we control our devices and devices. There are no more worries when you have left the lights open or the garage door open. You can use voice assistants, apps and other Smart Home automation tools to avoid user errors.
The convenience and energy savings are welcome upgrades. As with any electronics, however, serious risks can lead to false use, since not all devices are compatible with intelligent plugs or sales outlets. Experts explain which devices and devices should never be used with an intelligent plug and why.
Meet our experts
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Greg Rhades is the marketing director for intelligent and new technologies at Leviton.
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Sergey Nikolin is president of product air heating and cooling and a licensed HLK expert.
How do intelligent plugs work?
Smart plugs offer a simple upgrade for normal electronics. They look like normal plugs, but have more functions because they are connected to Wi-Fi. After an intelligent plug, you can control the energy supply, the shut -off time and more via an app or a voice command.
They are practical for repeating tasks, for example for a living room lamp at dusk or a fan after everyone has gone to work.
Relatives: The 6 best intelligent thermostats, according to tests
Articles that you should never connect with an intelligent plug
Greg Rhades, marketing director for intelligent and new technologies at Leviton, says that smart plugs “make practically everything intelligent”, but that doesn't mean they are perfect. You should always check the manufacturer's guidelines for every intelligent plug to ensure safe use, he says. Here are some devices that you should always avoid making a connection with an intelligent plug.
1. Devices with heat
While you work well with many everyday electronics, Rhoades warns against using intelligent plugs with devices with heat or specialized control settings such as room heating or coffee pots. “If an empty coffee pot should be switched on from afar, it could overheat and cause damage,” he says. “Better only use a coffee pot with a built -in timer.”
2. Some devices outdoors
Even something harmless as outdoors can be a problem if they are not connected to an intelligent plug that is rated for the weather pollution. Devices that could be exposed to the elements, especially water and snow, require special treatment.
3. High -performance devices
Many people wrongly believe that they can activate each device with an intelligent plug. Sergey Nikolin, President of Product Air Heating & Cooling and licensed HLK expert, explains that most intelligent plugs are rated for 10 to 15 amps. This may be a lot for a lamp, but not for devices that pull large amounts of electricity quickly or over long periods of time. “
Connecting devices with high performance such as alternating current units and room heating into intelligent plugs can overload them, which leads to a fire risk.
4. Everything with manual settings
Nikolin also warns against using intelligent plugs with devices that do not automatically resume the function if the power supply is restored. “Smart plugs only control electricity, don't work,” he explains. “So if your device has to press a button after it takes up the power supply – like a washing machine or some dehumidifiers – the automation is useless.”
In order to test the compatibility, Nikolin suggests removing the device while executing and then turning on again. If it absorbs the operation on its own, it may be suitable for using smart plug. If not, they clear.
5. Smart or programmable devices
Another overlooked problem is automation of shifts. For example, smart TVs, robot vacuum cleaners and programmable thermostats are already designed in such a way that they work independently. “If you insert them into smart plugs, you can interrupt firmware updates, reset planned routines or damage storage protocols,” warns Nikolin. “Let a system be responsible – do not double.”
His advice is simple. “Do not use an intelligent plug if the device has a screen, an engine or a memory. The loss of the power supply can cause confusion, delay or damage,” he advises.
Read the original article about Better Homes & Gardens