A smart outlet, also known as a smart receptacle, is an in-wall device that connects to your home's Wi-Fi network. It replaces traditional outlets to provide remote and automated control for corded appliances. From lamps and fans to kitchen gadgets, these essential smart home devices integrate directly into your smart home automation system, offering a permanent and seamless way to upgrade any room.
How Smart Outlets Work
A smart outlet builds wireless technology directly into a standard duplex receptacle. The internal relays connected to one or both of the 120V sockets can be controlled via your home's Wi-Fi network. This allows you to turn the power to that socket on or off remotely.
On most models, one socket is "smart" while the other remains a standard, always-on electrical outlet for convenience. On others, both sockets can be controlled independently. If the outlet includes USB ports, these typically provide constant power for charging and are not controlled by the smart features.
Why Install Smart Outlets?
Installing in-wall smart outlets from Bees Lighting offers powerful, built-in benefits:
- Clean, Professional Installation: Because they are installed directly into the wall, smart receptacles offer a clean, tamper-resistant solution with no bulky adapters. This creates a professional look that seamlessly blends into your home.
- Control from Anywhere: Turn connected devices on or off from anywhere in the world using your smartphone app. Check if you left an appliance running and turn it off for instant peace of mind.
- Create Powerful Schedules: Automate your daily routines. Schedule a coffee maker to turn on when you wake up, program a lamp to turn on at dusk, or set timers for seasonal decorations.
- Hands-Free Voice Activation: Pair your smart outlets with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control your appliances with simple voice commands. It's the ultimate in hands-free convenience.
Hub vs. Hub-Free Models
Like other smart devices, smart outlets are available in two main connectivity types:
- Wi-Fi Outlets (Hub-Free): These are the simplest to install, connecting directly to your home's Wi-Fi router without any extra hardware.
- Hub-Required Outlets (Zigbee/Z-Wave): These use a central smart home hub to communicate. This creates a dedicated, highly reliable network for all your smart devices, which is ideal for larger homes or advanced users.
The Foundation of an Integrated Smart Home
In-wall smart outlets are a foundational element for a truly integrated smart home. They offer a reliable, hardwired solution for bringing the benefits of smart home systems to the countless everyday devices you already own, making your home more efficient and responsive. Explore the full range of in-wall smart outlets at Bees Lighting, key building blocks in our complete selection of smart home devices. If you have questions, call our experts at 855-303-0665.
