What Happens To Your Smart Device During A Power Outage ? (2024)

Smart Devices

Devices without batteries: What are some devices with no batteries? Smart bulbs, plugs, thermostats, etc. are normally connected directly to a power outlet. If there is a power outage, these devices will also be out. There are some exceptions, such as the Philips Hue Go, which comes with a backup battery.

Devices with batteries: motion sensors, climate sensors, smoke sensors, etc. normally have batteries. If they work independent of a hub, then they will still work. However, if they need to be connected to a smart hub to work through ZigBee/Z-wave then you will have to get a smart hub that has a backup battery and the ZigBee/Z-wave protocols.

Smart Cameras: These are unlikely to work unless they have a backup battery like some Arlo and Sense8 cameras. Remotely accessing them from your phone will stop working because of a lack of internet.

Smart Locks: Many smart locks use batteries and will continue to work. If the batteries are dead, you can replace them, or you can just manually lock/unlock them with a key. If your locks are connected to the hub (with backup battery), then the routines/rules will also work. For example, routines set up to lock the door when motion is detected.

Smart Hubs

Cloud-based hubs:Amazon Echo and Google Home Hub will stop working. They don’t have a backup battery and they require the internet to work

Samsung SmartThings:The latest generation (3rd) does not have a backup battery, but the 2nd generation does.

Wink Hub 2:No, no backup battery

Voice Assistants

Amazon Alexa:No. It’s cloud-based and the Amazon echo devices don’t have a backup battery

Google Assistant:No.It’s cloud-based and the Google Home devices don’t have a backup battery

Routines/Rules/Automation

Any routines that required the internet or involves non-battery devices will not work. Local routines will work if you have a hub that processes data locally and has a backup battery. However, if you have a routine that turns on your smart light switch (no battery), it will not work during a power outage.

What Happens To Your Smart Device During A Power Outage ? (2024)

FAQs

What Happens To Your Smart Device During A Power Outage ? ›

Smart bulbs, plugs, thermostats, etc. are normally connected directly to a power outlet. If there is a power outage, these devices will also be out. There are some exceptions, such as the Philips Hue Go, which comes with a backup battery

backup battery
A backup battery provides power to a system when the primary source of power is unavailable. Backup batteries range from small single cells to retain clock time and date in computers, up to large battery room facilities that power uninterruptible power supply systems for large data centers.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Backup_battery
.

What happens to smart locks when power goes out? ›

Yes! The lock is battery-operated, so you will still be able to access your home in a power outage. You can also utilize your original key.

Can a power outage damage a smart TV? ›

If the voltage is too high it's called a surge, and the mini blast can definitely damage equipment and appliances. The most vulnerable are things like TVs, computers or other electronics plugged into the system, and landline phones.

What happens to a smart thermostat in a power outage? ›

Without power, in the winter your home may become frigid, and in the summer it becomes too hot. Your thermostat becomes effectively useless, as there is no way for it to communicate with their furnace.

Do power outages affect electronics? ›

Business and everyday life depend on electronics, making a power outage highly disruptive. On top of rendering many devices temporarily out of service, these interruptions can damage sensitive electronics, so protecting against them is critical.

What happens to a smart home when the power goes out? ›

During a power outage, what will happen to your smart home system? Any routines that required the internet or involves non-battery devices will not work. Local routines will work if you have a hub that processes data locally and has a backup battery.

What happens to smart locks when Wi-Fi goes out? ›

In the absence of Wi-Fi, temporary overrides enable basic functionality akin to traditional lock setups. Instead of being "smart," it becomes an electric lock operated by battery power, allowing manual access code entry.

Should you unplug electronics during a power outage? ›

Unplug appliances with electronic components, such as microwaves, televisions and computers. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored. Wait a few minutes before turning on these appliances when the electricity is restored.

Is it OK to unplug smart TV every night? ›

You don't need to unplug your TV whenever it's not in use, but it can be a good way to save a little bit of extra money. Even when they are turned off, smart TVs continue to consume electricity, so that they are ready to boot up as soon as you turn them on.

Can a power outage ruin a microwave? ›

Sensitive items like computers, televisions, and microwaves should be unplugged after a power outage occurs. Sudden power surges can destroy these items, and it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your appliances!

What happens to smart thermostat if Wi-Fi goes out? ›

In simple terms, your HVAC system continues to run despite the lack of a Wi-Fi connection. How does this work? Most thermostats will maintain the current settings when the internet goes down. However, you might not be able to change or readjust the temperature settings remotely.

What are the disadvantages of a smart thermostat? ›

Cons:
  • More expensive than manual and programmable thermostats.
  • Not every smart Wi-Fi thermostat works with every heating and cooling system.
  • You have to feel comfortable using tech to get the most out of these thermostats.

Do I need to reset my thermostat after a power outage? ›

One of the first things you should do if your HVAC system won't turn on after a power outage is to check your thermostat. It may have been reset during the outage and needs to be reprogrammed. Start by setting your thermostat to “off” and then turning it back on again.

What happens to a TV during a power surge? ›

The power cuts out for a moment, then returns. But when you try to switch on the TV, it doesn't seem to work. Electrical surges can instantly overload and short out the circuitry of home electronics and anything else plugged into the wall, or they can degrade them over time.

How to protect your electronics from power outages? ›

Use Surge Protectors

It's strongly recommended that expensive electronics be unplugged during an outage to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored, but for when you can't unplug, surge protectors will help prevent damage to electronics like computers and televisions.

Should I unplug my fridge during a power outage? ›

Turn off and unplug small appliances

Televisions, computer equipment, game consoles, fans, lights and all other smaller appliances should be unplugged, especially if they were in use when the power went out. Larger appliances, such as refrigerators, should not be unplugged.

What happens when a Smartlock runs out of battery? ›

The Smart Lock icon in the app will then appear grayed out, indicating that the device is offline and the status will also show as “Offline”. During this time, you won't be able to perform locking actions on the Smart Lock, as the device will not be able to receive any commands.

What happens to magnetic door locks when the power goes out? ›

MAGLOCKS WILL UNLOCK WHEN POWER IS REMOVED

If the power goes out for any reason, the maglock's magnetic hold will release and the opening will no longer be secured.

What happens to security system when power goes out? ›

Most home security systems switch to backup battery power during a power outage. If the system usually relies on Wi-Fi, it may also switch to cellular backup during an outage. Some brands only offer cellular backup in their premium plans, so be sure to double-check a system's capabilities before you buy.

Which locking system automatically unlocks the doors when the power goes out? ›

Fail Safe Locks

Fail-safe locks operate on the principle that as long as power is supplied, the lock is active, and when an unlock is triggered, the power cuts out, and the lock opens.

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