What types of smart plug are there

Functions a smart plug must have

If you are looking for a smart plug to automate electrodomestic devices, you have to make sure it has certain functions. You need to look for the technical specs and the max load supported. There are different models, from 10A (2,3kW) to 16A (3,6kW).

You must also check that the smart plug is compatible with the domotic assistants software. If all the conditions are met, you can improve your smart house setting through smart plug devices. Here you will find a list of the features your smart plug requires to improve your domotic house.

Smart plug features and functions

Max load supported

Low tier models only support 10A. It’s important to know this number because it relates to the load it supports when connecting a device. 12A and 16A are middle and top tier capacities. You must also take into account the local connection way. Some smart plugs connect via WiFi others through ZigBee or Z-Wave.

Software support

You need to know exactly the software support of the smart plug. Some devices include Cloud management and others local management without Internet need. For example, Cloud management smart plugs let you installa and manage it with an Internet connection. You can turn on or off or set different parameters through a cloud platform. Most of the recent moels include access to the developers cloud for setting and easy management.

D-Link, TP-Link Tapo and Shelly are some of the developers that include this Cloud management option. It is easy to learn and very practical to set your electrical consumption level.

Voice command support

Cloud based smart plugs also tend to include Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support. You can synch the developers Cloud to your Alexa or Google account and send voice commands. It is an easy way to get familiar with domotic voice commands. Using voice commands you can turn on the smart plug, turn it off or set other characteristics.

Local management support

If the smart plug doesn’t have Internet or the Cloud is down, you can use the local management option if available. Some smart plugs include a smartphone app o a web server included in the same device.

Home Assistant support for a smart plug

The latest smart plugs include support for Home Assistant, one of the most popular centralized domotic software. With it you can manage all your smart devices in a practical and easy way. You need a computer or NAS set to interact with the software interface. If the smart plug is compatible with Home Assistant you won’t need Cloud or local access.


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