When choosing a smart outlet, you need to consider various specifications of it. One of the key parameters is the load power, it should be higher than the load of the connected equipment. The maximum load power of a smart plug is 16 A. Also note the plug type (varies depending on the country), otherwise you will need an adapter. Additionally, the universal socket type is preferred, this will allow connecting of various devices. It's better to choose a moisture-proof outlet with protective caps. Material is another important aspect, check the heat resistance of the material.
It's a good idea to have a plug supporting Zigbee and Z-Wave. These are the most popular wireless communication protocols for smart home equipment. These technologies have been designed specifically for remote control of appliances, lighting, heating, access and climate control systems. These technologies allow the signal to bypass room obstacles easily.
Parameters
Description, pros and cons
- On/Off (hard button)
Most manufacturers of smart outlets offer models supporting manual control of minimal on/off functions via a hard button on the device. Power Link has an aluminum button with an indicator light.
- Remote control
Choose the most convenient remote control method for your equipment:
- panel;
- SMS (GSM-plug);
- mobile app (your choice – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave through the control center);
- voice control.
The Power Link smart outlet allows remote control of your equipment using the app or voice assistants.
- Communication protocols
It's important that you choose the priority communication protocol according to your tasks: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave. Of course, the best option is when your smart plug supports several communication protocols. For example, Power Link supports Bluetooth, so it's directly compatible with Apple Home Kit, and Zigbee for compatibility with the smart home control center.
- Connection to Apple Home Kit
iPhone and iPad owners should check the compatibility of the smart plug with the Apple Home Kit app. The Power Link smart outlet supports this option. Thus, HomePod, Apple TV or iPad can be used as the control center for your plug.
- Voice control
Decide whether you need to use voice assistants for controlling the equipment. Check the compatibility of the smart outlet with the voice assistant of your choice. Power Link is compatible with all popular voice assistants: Alice from Yandex, Marusya from Mail.ru, Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa.
- Voltage surge protection, peak current
Note whether the smart plug is protected from high temperature, overcurrent and overvoltage. Such protection will allow the outlet to disconnect in case of overload. If it continues to run, the plug and the appliances plugged in it may malfunction and cause a fire. Power Link protects your appliances from voltage surges by automatic de-energizing.
- Energy/Power
Maximum total power is the most important technical parameter influencing the possibility of plugging one or several appliances into the plug. If the power rating is under 2.5 kW, then the plug can be used for plugging in an electric grill or dishwasher. If the power rating reaches 3.2 - 3.5 kW, then you can plug an electric heater or iron into your outlet. The power consumption of each appliance can be found in its technical documentation.
Today's appliances can handle the maximum total power of the connected appliances from 1.8 to 3.5 kW. The internal relay of the plug can withstand a current from 8 to 16 A. Power Link’s 16 A smart plug has the maximum possible.
- Using scenarios for working with other devices
Check the types of scenarios supported by the plug: automatically generated standard scenarios or custom scenarios configured independently, based on the tasks and plugged-in appliances. Power Link supports both types of scenarios.
Timer (integrated)
Check whether an integrated timer is offered. This will diversify the individual scenarios and make them more convenient. For example, by using a smart plug equipped with a timer, you can program the time for shutting the roller blinds and turning the lights off in your bedroom between midnight and 8 a.m. Or plug a coffee machine into your smart plug and set the timer with your alarm clock in the morning, so that you wake up to the aroma of fresh coffee. Power Link offers such a timer.
Childproofing
For the purpose of safety, smart plugs can be equipped with special protective caps. Power Link offers such caps. The plastic guards that cover the electrical contacts of the plug will remain closed even if a kid tries to insert a finger, pencil or any other item into the outlet.
Design
Most smart plugs are white. Power Link stands out — you can choose between white and black colors.
Another important factor is the material of the plug. It should be heat-resistant to avoid melting. The matte coating of Power Link is not only soft to the touch but also provides UL94-V0 flame retardancy.
Smart plugs of various brands can have different lighting — along the perimeter of the entire plate or on the button only. Power Link offers an aluminum button with an indicator light showing the working modes and load levels.
Sizes and shapes of outlets can be different — round, square and rectangular. Power Link uses the multi-purpose aerodynamic shape of a rounded rectangle.
