‘Smart’ devices are now commonplace around the world, with everything from smart speakers to doorbells and lighting providing unprecedented connectivity around a house or premises. Smart plugs are one of the litany of smart devices that we install in our homes and offices, and like all technology, there’s risks associated with them.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the risks of smart plugs and how you can mitigate them.
What are smart plugs?
Smart plugs look very similar to normal plugs, but they allow for remote operation. You can turn a smart plug – and the appliance connected to it – on or off from your phone or tablet. You can also schedule these plugs to turn on or off at certain times – your kettle can be ready for you when you wake up in the morning, for example.
Are smart plugs a fire risk?
As with any other plug, smart plugs are more likely to be a risk if they’re used improperly. If you overload a socket by plugging in too many appliances, or if you plug in an appliance that exceeds the plug’s maximum wattage, you risk short-circuits and electric discharges, which can cause fires in the worst case scenario.
Which smart plugs are a fire risk?
No plug is risk-proof, but some manufacturers’ plugs are cited as more of a risk than others. Which? found that a Hictkon smart plug available from Amazon was particularly risk-prone.
The plug contains two USB ports, and the live connection was found to be ‘too close to an energy monitoring chip’, and this increased the possibility of an electrical discharge, which could have caused a fire. This plug was removed from sale by Amazon, pending investigation.
With this in mind, it’s important that you make sure you’re buying a smart plug that is reliable. Look for the ‘CE’ mark on the plug, which certifies that it meets the relevant safety standards.
Are there any other risks associated with smart plugs?
There are fears that smart plugs are at risk of hacking, which would theoretically allow hackers to gain access to smart appliances in your home. While your smart plugs might only be used for your TV or your coffee machine, there could be more serious consequences if a hacker gains access to your wifi and then interferes with your electric gates, for example.
Certain plugs from TP-Link, Meross, Innr and Ajax were discovered to be particularly vulnerable to hackers, and once the infiltrator had gained access to the plug, they could shut power down and also remain on the home’s wireless network undetected. All manufacturers concerned have either released or will be releasing fixes for these issues.
As smart plugs and devices become more popular, the guidelines and standards around them become stricter, so the aforementioned vulnerabilities will be few and far between when future smart plugs are released.
What can I use instead of a smart plug?
There isn’t anything on the market that offers the same functionality as a smart plug for non-smart devices, but you can certainly opt for normal plugs for any smart devices you own. If you leave the smart TV plugged in and the socket turned on, for example, you can still turn your TV on or off from your phone or tablet.
Smart plugs, by and large, are very safe and offer a new level of connectivity, functionality and ease in our homes and at work. If you use them properly – by this we mean never overloading the sockets and making sure to carry out any software updates when prompted, you are maximising your protection against fire and intrusion.
Scutum South East are proud providers of fire safety and protection services for customers around the UK. From the installation of fire safety equipment to fire risk assessments and safety training, our expert team can provide exactly what you need to maximise your fire safety. Contact us today to find out more.
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About Scutum South East
Scutum South East is a leading expert in fire safety and security solutions for businesses and organisations located across South East England, including London and Surrey.
From fire alarms, fire extinguishers and fire risk assessments to access control, CCTV and intruder alarm systems – and a lot more besides – we offer a comprehensive range of products and services designed to keep you, your business and your staff and visitors safe.
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FAQs
If you overload a socket by plugging in too many appliances, or if you plug in an appliance that exceeds the plug's maximum wattage, you risk short-circuits and electric discharges, which can cause fires in the worst case scenario.
What are the risks of smart plugs? ›
Security risks with smart plugs include potential vulnerabilities in their firmware or software, making them susceptible to hacking or unauthorized access. If not properly secured, hackers could gain control, manipulate connected devices, or access network data.
Can smart plugs cause electrical problems? ›
Generally speaking, the reason why there is such a concern is that the impact of the power current will damage the electrical appliance, but the smart plug and socket generally does not have the current on and off unless the product is damaged, so it is generally a device that can be used immediately after power on.
Are Amazon smart plugs safe to use? ›
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR OTHER INJURY OR DAMAGE. Use your Amazon Smart Plug ("Device") only in indoor, dry environments. See below for operating and storage temperatures for the Device. Do not use your Device near sinks or other wet locations.
Is leaving electronics plugged in a fire hazard? ›
With energy prices as they are these days, can we really afford to keep wasting electricity? But regardless of that, they can cause a fire risk if they're left plugged in and switched on. 12% of fires at home between 2013 and 2014 were started by electrical equipment.
Do smart plugs waste electricity? ›
Do smart plugs use energy when powered off? Smart plugs use minimal energy, typically around 1 watt, even when in standby mode. This is significantly less than the energy saved by reducing phantom loads.
Do smart plugs affect Wi-Fi? ›
Do Smart Plugs Slow Down WiFi? A typical smart plug will use very little WiFi capacity and should have minimal impact on WiFi speed. In most cases smart plugs will only communicate when their status changes (for example from off to on) so will be quiet for 99% of the time!
Are smart plugs a good idea? ›
It's simple, really. Smart plugs help reduce wasted energy while consuming a negligible amount of energy themselves. Any and all of the five tips listed below can help you cut energy consumption with a smart plug, but they're not the only way to lower your electricity bill.
Are smart plugs harmful to dogs? ›
I saw a post on this the other day, yes they do make them sick. They can emit intense high frequencies we can't hear and it causes fear and discomfort in dogs. Someone I know tested the frequency after their dog was so stressed it stopped eating, and found it high.
Do smart plugs get hot? ›
Just like any other electrical appliance, the smart plug radiates heat during operation. It would feel warm or maybe a little hot after working for a while depending on the environment. The cool and well-ventilated environment is ideal for the plug, and please try the following suggestions if it feels warm: 1.
There is no fixed service period for smart plugs, and their lasting time vary depending on how you use them and the actual environment (humidity, temperature, etc.).
Is it safe to plug a power strip into a smart plug? ›
A: It is not suggested to connect a power strip to a smart plug. In general, a plug has a smaller maximum load capacity than a power strip. Furthermore, overload devices (for the smart plug) can be easily attached to the power strip without awareness, increasing the risk of product damage.
Are smart plugs safe for fire? ›
Smart plugs can also pose a fire hazard if they are used improperly or if they malfunction.
Can you run a heater off a smart plug? ›
In connection with the Smart Plug you can control your electric heating with the new room thermostat. If you set the desired temperature on the room thermostat, the electric heater will heat until the desired temperature is reached and will keep this temperature constant in the room.
What is the safest plug in? ›
The GFCI Outlet
The letters G-F-C-I stand for “ground fault circuit interrupter.” This means the outlet can sense the flow of electricity to the earth, switching off power within milliseconds if this flow is detected. In this case, the term “ground” means anything electrically connected to planet earth.
Can leaving plugs on cause a fire? ›
Any electrical appliance that is left plugged in to the mains could cause a fire. Some appliances like fridges and freezers are designed to be left on, but even these can cause fires if they are not used properly. Safety advice: keep the area around plug sockets and the mains switch clear.
Are outlet plugs a fire hazard? ›
Yes, older outlets or those with faulty wiring do have the potential to spark and lead to an electrical fire. It's also important not to remove the grounding portion of a 3-prong cord in order to allow it to fit into a 2-prong outlet. This can quickly cause overheating and lead to a fire.
How do you prevent fires from plugs? ›
Electrical: Outlet safety
- Do not overload outlets.
- Insert plugs fully into sockets.
- Never force a 3-prong cord into a 2-slot outlet.
- Install tamper-resistant electrical outlets if you have young children.
- Replace wall outlets if plugs do not fit snugly.
