Revolutionary smart home technology has revolutionized the management of our appliances and gadgets. Concerns about whether the lights were left on or the garage door was left open are a thing of the past. Voice assistants, mobile applications, and a range of smart home automation tools are now at our disposal to minimize user mistakes.
The added convenience and potential for energy savings are undeniable improvements. Nonetheless, like all electronic devices, misuse can result in significant dangers, as not every device is compatible with smart outlets or power strips. Experts provide insight into which appliances and gadgets should never be paired with a smart plug and the rationale behind this advice.
Greg Rhoades serves as the director of marketing for smart and emerging technology at Leviton, while Sergey Nikolin is the president of Product Air Heating & Cooling and a certified HVAC professional.
Smart power outlets provide a straightforward enhancement for regular electronics. Though they resemble standard plugs, they offer additional capabilities due to their Wi-Fi connectivity. Once plugged into a standard wall socket, a smart outlet allows for control over energy supply, scheduling, and more, all via an app or voice command.
They are particularly useful for routine tasks, such as turning on a living room lamp at dusk or turning off a fan after everyone departs for work.
Greg Rhoades, the marketing director for smart and new technology at Leviton, asserts that smart power outlets can “turn almost anything into a smart device,” yet cautions that they are not without flaws. He advises checking the manufacturer’s instructions for each smart plug to ensure safe operation. Here are some devices that should never be connected to a smart plug.
Despite their effectiveness with numerous everyday items, Rhoades warns against using smart power outlets with devices that generate heat or have specific control settings, such as space heaters or coffee makers. “An empty coffee pot remotely turned on could overheat and cause damage,” he cautions. “It’s better to stick to a coffee pot with an internal timer.”
Even seemingly benign items like outdoor pathway lights can present issues if not connected to a weather-rated smart plug. Appliances exposed to the elements, particularly those vulnerable to water and snow, require careful consideration.
Many mistakenly assume that any device can be activated through a smart plug. Sergey Nikolin, the president of Product Air Heating & Cooling and a licensed HVAC expert, clarifies that most smart power outlets are rated for 10 to 15 amps. This might be sufficient for a lamp but not for appliances that require substantial power quickly or continuously.
Connecting high-powered appliances, such as air conditioners and space heaters, to smart power outlets can lead to overloading and pose a fire hazard.
Nikolin also cautions against using smart power outlets with devices that do not automatically restart when power is restored. “Smart power outlets control power, not the function of the device,” he explains. “Therefore, if your device needs a button press to resume operation after power is restored—such as a washing machine or certain dehumidifiers—automated control is ineffective.”
To determine compatibility, Nikolin recommends disconnecting the device while it’s operational, then reconnecting it. If it starts up automatically, it may be suitable for smart power outlet use. If not, it’s best to avoid it.
A frequently overlooked issue is the complexity of automation. For instance, smart TVs, robotic vacuums, and programmable thermostats are designed to operate independently. “Integrating them into smart power outlets can disrupt firmware updates, reset scheduled routines, or even corrupt memory logs,” Nikolin warns. “Let one system manage the task—avoid redundancy.”
His advice is straightforward. “Avoid using a smart power outlet if the device has a screen, a motor, or a memory. Losing power during an operation could lead to confusion, delays, or damage,” he advises.
