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As you may know, I’m a huge fan of smart plugs and while I have a few at home, one of the biggest questions I’ve been asked is, can you use a smart plug outside?
To answer the question quickly, yes you can use smart plugs outside but they are used specifically for outdoor use. They’re rugged, some are water-resistant, and can withstand in most weather conditions all year around.
When you buy an outdoor smart plug, safety should be your number one concern. Indoor plugs should never be considered for outdoor usage.
Where can you use an outdoor smart plug?
Most of the time when we talk about smart plugs its usually use for dumb devices in your home such as your lamp, kitchen appliances, or even office equipment.
With an outdoor smart plug, you have the option of using it for your garage or back yard. Not only will you see savings on your electricity bill for indoor usage, but also savings for outdoor usage as well.
What devices can you plug into a smart outdoor plug?
There are several ways you can use a smart outdoor plug especially when it comes to the holiday season. You can use them for,
- Lights
- Decorations
- Hand tools
- Halloween decorations
- Christmas lights
- Permanent décor
- And much more…
What can you use smart outdoor plus for?
Holiday Season
Smart outdoor plugs are great to use for the holiday season. Especially, for outdoor Christmas lights around your home. Instead of having to constantly go outside to turn the lights on and off., you can now control the lighting from your smartphone.
You also have holidays such as Halloween, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa that can utilize smart outdoor plugs for decorations and be able to set a schedule, or scene or connect them to your favorite smart home assistant.
Landscape
Are you a landscaper? Well, this is a great way to automate your garden, patio, water fountains, and lighting.
By having these features on automation, it allows you to save money, energy, and time. You can now take your landscaping design to the next level.
Energy Savings
Smart outdoor plugs allow you to limit your energy consumption with the ability to use apps. The app will allow you to manage your outdoor lighting and devices more efficiently.
Here are some examples you can use,
- Track energy use over time.
- Monitor your progress through the month to make sure you stay on track.
- Identify sources of energy waste.
- Find energy hogs, and see how much they’re costing you.
- Set device-level notifications.
- Set alerts for when the clothes are done in the dryer.
Those are just some examples of how you can control your energy with smart outdoor plugs.
Do I need a smart hub for an outdoor smart plug?
Do I need a smart hub? no, as smart technology continues to advance smart hubs are becoming more of an option. A Wi-Fi connection is usually all you need but you should check the specifications before purchasing.
With Wi-Fi connection and app control, you can control these smart plugs remotely from anywhere in the world as long there is internet access.
Are outdoor smart plugs compatible with voice control?
Most outdoor smart plugs are compatible with voice control, which means you can ask Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to control your outdoor smart plug. You can even integrate them into your smart assistant ecosystem.
This makes it easy to give voice commands indoors to turn your lights and stereo system on. Now, you can enjoy time with friends and family on the patio with just a simple voice command.
The Best Outdoor Smart Plugs
Here are our top 3 outdoor brand smart plugs at the time this was posted (Updated 12/10/20).
Smart Dimmer Plug Treatlife Outdoor Smart Plug
The Outdoor Smart Dimmer plug is a one-socket plug that is impacted resident and IP44 FCC-certified waterproof. It’s considered to be a heavy-duty plug that’s safe to use outside including in the northwest. This outdoor smart plug can ensure to keep the plug safe even when it’s rainy or near water.
The Treatlife dimmer smart plug lets you control all dimmer light bulbs by your phone which dimming range can adjust the ambiance of space better.
It’s also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and no hub needed but currently, it’s not compatible with Apple HomeKit. You can find the latest prices on Amazon.
Meross Outdoor Switches
The Meross is a heavy-duty smart plug that’s designed for the outside. You no longer have to go out in the snow to turn on the holiday lights. It can be operated with its outdoor switch with either an iPhone or Android device from wherever you are. We have been using this outdoor plug for a few years now, and it hasn’t disappointed yet. We use it for Halloween and Christmas decorations. The app is easy to use and set up. We like the brand so much that we ended up buying smart strip lights for our TV, but that’s another story.
Both Meross are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit, and no hub is required. It also has an IP44 weatherproof housing and sockets cover attached to the front. There are really no flaws, the pricing is very reasonable and you can find the latest prices on Amazon.
iHome iSP100 W-Fi Outdoor Smart Plug
Out of the top three brands listed, the iHome iSP100 is the most expensive outdoor smart plug. It’s compatible with most platforms such as Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Wink, Nest, and IFTTT. That’s why it’s listed as one of the best outdoor smart plugs.
It can fit into tight spaces and mount to the wall. You have the ability to arrange 247/7 schedules and event notifications. This Wi-Fi-enabled wall plug lets you control small appliances using 1800 watts or under.
The iHome iSP100 supports most smart home platforms, but its flaw is the price. Compared to the Merros outdoor smart plugs, the iHome iSP100 is priced very high but you can find the latest price on Amazon.
Final Note
There are so many great smart plugs on the market to choose from that it can be overwhelming. Not all are water residents and can’t be exposed to rain or moisture.
From my experience, it purely depends on what you are using it for and if it’s compatible with your other smart home devices. Keep in mind that not all work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit.
Before purchasing any smart home device, please do your own research. I hope this article has given you some keen insight into outdoor smart plugs and the difference between indoor and outdoor.
If you are looking for my best pick for indoor smart plugs, don’t forget to check out our recommended best smart plugs for your buck.
For more useful tips and tricks with Home automation, please continue to check out AutomateYourCrib.com.
Until next time, Happy Reading!!
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It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
