Can You Use Smart Plugs With Appliances?

Sustainability, convenience and more control over your electrical bill — these are all reasons to use smart plugs. These Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled devices interface between a traditional wall outlet and any device you plug into it, letting you control the device with your smartphone.

This May Also Interest You: How to Use Smart Outlets or Plugs in Your Home

Commonly, people use smart plugs for lamps, fans, televisions, holiday light displays and small kitchen appliances such as coffee makers. The ability to automate on/off options via a smart plug helps you reduce power consumption. It also increases home automation benefits without installing more expensive smart lighting or other technology.

Can You Use Regular Smart Plugs With Larger Appliances?

Regular smart plugs, which provide plug-in automation for lighting and other small fixtures and appliances, aren't designed to work with larger items. Large appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators have higher power consumption needs than standard smart plugs can handle.

Plugging an appliance with a heavy power consumption draw into a regular Wi-Fi plug could lead to electrical safety issues. These include the potential for an electrical fire, damage to the smart plug, damage to your outlet or wiring and damage to the appliance.

Are There Smart Plugs for Large Appliances?

Standard smart plugs are typically rated for around 10 to 15 amps. That's enough juice to power a lamp or even a television. Larger appliances draw 20 amps or more, so you need a smart plug that supports this need.

Luckily, heavy-duty smart plugs are available. They come with higher power ratings than regular smart outlet adapters and can handle 20 to 30 amps.

When you're shopping for a smart plug for large appliances, make sure to:

• Check how much power a plug can handle

• Look for appliance compatibility to ensure it works with your type and brand of appliance

• Review the features of the smart plug to ensure it supports your home automation goals

More Related Articles:

• All Homeowners Should Know These Electrical Terms

• How Much Do Electrical Repairs Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

• Why U Trippin’? 3 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Trips

• 15 Ways to Save On Your Electric Bill

• Socket to Me: How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Electrical Outlets?

What Are the Benefits of Smart Plugs for Larger Appliances?

Smart home devices provide convenience and control, and you can take a shortcut to automating your home with smart plugs. They connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so you can control power to whatever's plugged into them using your smartphone, Google Home or a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa.

Benefits of smart plugs for larger appliances include:

• Energy monitoring: Some energy-saving smart plugs let you track how much power runs through them. This helps you monitor how much energy a specific appliance uses, which can lead to better decision-making when you replace them. For example, you can check for an energy-hogging appliance and then upgrade it to a more efficient model.

• Remote and voice control of appliances: You can turn appliances on or off with your smartphone or voice apps/devices such as Alexa. This lets you cut power to appliances when you're not using them or turn off power when you're not home if you're concerned about fire risks or other issues. For example, if you tend to worry you forgot to turn off something, you can install a smart plug and handle it from anywhere.

• Automation options: You can also use smart plugs to automate power schedules. For example, maybe you only use the extra fridge in the garage on weekends. You can automate it to turn off on Monday morning and come back on Friday night so it's cold and ready for storing groceries Saturday morning.

• Added electrical safety: Many smart plugs for large appliances are equipped with surge protection. They automatically shut off, stopping power flow, if they detect an abnormally large draw or surge. This can reduce risks associated with electrical damage and fires.

• Further integration with smart home devices: You can use smart plugs to automate appliances alongside other devices in your home, creating a comprehensive smart home. With a few smart plugs, you can operate your lights and numerous appliances anywhere you have an internet connection or schedule items to power on in a timely manner for optimal convenience.