Best Smart Power Strips for Energy Saving

Best Smart Power Strips for Energy Saving: Maximize Efficiency and Cut Costs

The modern home is a power-hungry beast, littered with electronics and appliances that constantly draw electricity, even when seemingly off. Vampire devices, also known as phantom loads, silently drain energy, costing you money and contributing to unnecessary carbon emissions. Smart power strips offer a powerful solution, allowing you to intelligently manage power consumption and minimize waste. This article delves into the world of smart power strips, exploring their functionality, key features, and top models for energy saving.

Understanding Smart Power Strips and Energy Saving

A smart power strip is an upgraded version of a traditional power strip that incorporates advanced features for managing power usage. Unlike basic power strips that simply provide multiple outlets, smart power strips offer capabilities like:

• Master/Slave Control (Auto-Switching): This is arguably the most impactful energy-saving feature. One outlet is designated as the “master” outlet, typically connected to your primary device (e.g., TV, computer). When the master device is turned off, the smart power strip automatically cuts power to the “slave” outlets, which are connected to peripherals like DVD players, gaming consoles, or printers. This eliminates vampire draw from these devices when they are not in use.
• App Control and Scheduling: Many smart power strips connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be controlled through a smartphone app. This allows you to remotely turn outlets on or off, create schedules for specific devices, and monitor energy consumption. Scheduling is particularly useful for devices like lamps, fans, or space heaters, ensuring they operate only when needed.
• Energy Monitoring: Some models provide detailed energy usage reports, showing you how much electricity each device connected to the strip is consuming. This data helps you identify energy hogs and make informed decisions about reducing their usage or replacing them with more efficient alternatives.
• Voice Control Integration: Compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit allows for hands-free control of your devices. You can simply tell your smart speaker to turn off all the outlets on a specific power strip before going to bed.
• Surge Protection: Like traditional power strips, smart power strips provide surge protection, safeguarding your valuable electronics from power spikes and surges that can damage or destroy them.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Smart Power Strip

Before purchasing a smart power strip, carefully evaluate your needs and consider the following features:

• Number of Outlets: Determine the number of outlets you require based on the number of devices you intend to connect. Consider both standard outlets and USB charging ports.
• Outlet Spacing: Ensure sufficient space between outlets to accommodate bulky power adapters and avoid blocking adjacent outlets.
• Master/Slave Functionality: If energy saving is your primary goal, prioritize models with reliable and customizable master/slave control. Consider the threshold power level that triggers the slave outlets to switch off.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity and App Features: Evaluate the ease of setup, app functionality, user interface, and available features such as scheduling, energy monitoring, and remote control. Check for app compatibility with your smartphone’s operating system.
• Voice Control Compatibility: If you use a voice assistant, ensure the smart power strip is compatible with your preferred platform.
• Surge Protection Rating: Look for a high surge protection rating (measured in joules) to ensure adequate protection for your electronics.
• Safety Certifications: Verify that the power strip has been tested and certified by a reputable safety organization, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek).
• Build Quality and Durability: Choose a power strip made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use and potential wear and tear.
• Price: Smart power strips range in price from affordable to premium. Set a budget and compare features across different models within your price range.
• Power Capacity: Check the maximum power (watts) and current (amps) the power strip can handle. Ensure it’s sufficient for all the devices you plan to connect to it. Overloading a power strip can be a fire hazard.

Top Smart Power Strip Models for Energy Saving

While specific models constantly evolve, some brands and product lines consistently offer excellent energy-saving features and reliable performance. Here are some examples, representative of key features and considerations:

• Belkin WeMo Insight Smart Plug (Individual Outlets): While technically a smart plug, not a strip, several of these can effectively function as individual smart outlets. Offers remote control, scheduling, energy monitoring, and IFTTT integration for advanced automation. Known for its reliable performance and user-friendly app. However, it might require multiple plugs depending on how many devices need independent control.
• TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300): A popular choice offering individual outlet control, energy monitoring, scheduling, and voice control integration. It provides good surge protection and a well-designed app. The USB charging ports are a convenient addition.
• Eve Energy Strip (Apple HomeKit Enabled): Designed specifically for Apple HomeKit users, offering seamless integration and voice control through Siri. Focuses on simplicity and privacy, with no cloud dependency. Excellent for users committed to the Apple ecosystem. Energy monitoring features are present, and the build quality is premium.
• Etekcity Smart Power Strip (Individual Outlet Control): Provides a budget-friendly option with individual outlet control, scheduling, and voice control compatibility. The app might not be as polished as some higher-end models, but it offers essential functionality. A good choice for those looking for basic smart features at an affordable price.
• TrickleStar 7 Outlet Advanced PowerStrip (Master/Slave Focus): This brand focuses primarily on automatic switching using master/slave technology and offers variations depending on the number of ‘always on’ and switched outlets. While it may lack advanced app control, it excels in automatic energy savings for home entertainment centers and computer setups. Simple setup and effective phantom load elimination.
• Wattstopper Legrand Plug Load Controller (Advanced Commercial Options): While often used in commercial settings, Wattstopper offers solutions for advanced power management, including detailed reporting and integration with building management systems. They might be more complex to install and configure but offer significant energy savings in larger deployments.

Best Practices for Using Smart Power Strips to Maximize Energy Savings

To get the most out of your smart power strip, consider the following best practices:

• Identify Vampire Devices: Use an energy meter or your smart power strip’s energy monitoring feature to identify devices that consume significant power when idle.
• Configure Master/Slave Outlets Strategically: Connect your primary device to the master outlet and all peripherals to the slave outlets. Adjust the threshold power level on the master outlet to ensure reliable switching.
• Create Schedules for Devices with Predictable Usage Patterns: Use the scheduling feature to turn off devices like lamps, fans, or space heaters when they are not needed.
• Enable Remote Control for Devices Used Irregularly: Use the remote control feature to turn off devices that you only use occasionally, such as a gaming console or a guest room TV.
• Monitor Energy Usage Regularly: Track your energy consumption over time and make adjustments to your usage patterns as needed.
• Unplug Devices During Extended Absences: Even with a smart power strip, it’s best to unplug devices completely when you’re going to be away from home for an extended period.
• Combine with Other Energy-Saving Measures: Smart power strips are just one piece of the puzzle. Combine them with other energy-saving measures, such as using LED lighting, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and sealing drafts and leaks in your home.

By implementing smart power strips strategically and adopting mindful energy habits, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills, minimize your carbon footprint, and create a more sustainable home. Careful research and a thoughtful approach will ensure you select the right smart power strip to meet your specific needs and achieve optimal energy savings.