Smart technology is becoming an increasingly familiar part of UK homes. From smart heating and lighting to security cameras and video doorbells, there are now plenty of ways to make your home more connected.
One of the simplest upgrades is the smart socket.
A smart socket gives you more control over connected electrical devices than a traditional wall socket. Depending on the model, you may be able to switch devices on and off remotely, create schedules, set timers and even monitor energy use.
But how do smart sockets work, how do they compare with smart plugs, and are they actually worth buying? Let's take a closer look.
What is a smart socket?
A smart socket is an electrical wall socket with built-in connected technology, typically allowing you to control it through an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Many smart sockets connect to your home's Wi-Fi network. Once set up, you can control the power to a suitable connected appliance without physically pressing the switch on the wall.
For example, you could use a smart socket to turn a lamp on before you arrive home, switch off a device from another room or create a schedule that controls when an appliance receives power.
Some models also work with popular smart-home platforms and voice assistants.
If you're planning to update the wiring accessories around your home, explore the full range of sockets and switches available from Alert Electrical.
What can you do with a smart socket?
The exact features depend on the product, but smart sockets can offer several useful benefits.
Remote control
Have you ever left the house and wondered whether you've left something switched on?
A compatible smart socket can allow you to check and control the socket remotely through an app. This can be useful for lamps and other suitable electrical devices that you regularly switch on and off.
However, not every appliance is suitable for unattended or remote operation. You should always follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions.
Timers and schedules
One of the biggest advantages of smart sockets is automation.
You might want a lamp to switch on at a certain time each evening, for example. Instead of remembering to do it yourself, you can create a schedule.
Depending on the smart socket and app, you may be able to set different routines for weekdays and weekends or adjust them whenever your plans change.
Energy monitoring
Selected smart sockets also include energy-monitoring features, helping you understand how much electricity a connected device is using.
This can be useful if you're trying to identify appliances that consume more electricity than expected or simply want a better understanding of energy use around your home.
Can smart sockets help save electricity?
Potentially, but a smart socket doesn't automatically make an appliance more energy efficient.
The potential saving comes from the extra control it gives you.
If a device is regularly left switched on when it isn't needed, scheduling the socket to turn it off could reduce unnecessary electricity use.
Energy-monitoring models can also help you identify how much power certain devices are consuming.
It's worth keeping the potential savings in perspective, though. Switching off a very low-power device for a few extra hours may make little difference to your electricity bill. The biggest benefit of a smart socket is often the combination of convenience, automation and greater control.
Smart socket vs smart plug: what's the difference?
Smart sockets and smart plugs offer similar features, but they aren't the same thing.
- A smart plug is a separate adaptor that plugs into an existing wall socket. Your appliance then plugs into the smart plug.
- A smart socket replaces the conventional wall socket itself, with the connected technology built into the permanently installed wiring accessory.
Smart plugs are useful if you want a quick and flexible way to experiment with smart technology. They can usually be moved between suitable sockets and devices when required.
Smart sockets offer a cleaner, more permanent finish because there isn't an additional adaptor sticking out from the wall.
If you're renovating a room or already planning to replace your sockets, a smart socket could therefore be an attractive option.
Are smart sockets safe?
When correctly selected and installed, a suitable smart socket can be a safe addition to your home.
However, smart functionality doesn't change the basic rules of electrical safety. You still need to stay within the electrical rating of the socket and follow the instructions supplied with both the socket and connected appliance.
You should also buy electrical products from reputable manufacturers and retailers rather than choosing unknown products simply because they're cheap.
Permanently installed smart sockets need to be fitted correctly too. If you don't have the necessary electrical knowledge and competence, use a suitably qualified electrician.
Do smart sockets work if the internet goes down?
This depends on the product.
The physical switch may continue to provide local control, while certain programmed functions may also continue to work. However, features that rely on an internet connection or cloud-based service may become unavailable until the connection returns.
If remote control is particularly important to you, check the product specifications before buying.
It's also worth checking whether the socket connects directly to your Wi-Fi network or requires a separate smart-home hub.
Do smart sockets work with Alexa and Google Home?
Many do, but compatibility varies between manufacturers and products.
Compatible sockets can often be added to smart-home routines or controlled using voice commands through supported platforms.
If you already use a particular smart-home ecosystem, always check compatibility before buying rather than assuming that every smart socket will work with it.
What about USB, Wi-Fi and wireless charging sockets?
Smart Wi-Fi control isn't the only way modern sockets can make your home more convenient.
Today's wiring accessories can include USB and USB-C charging, wireless charging and even Wi-Fi extending technology.
It therefore makes sense to think about the problem you're actually trying to solve before choosing a new socket.
If you're constantly looking for a phone charger, for example, an integrated USB-C or wireless charging socket might be more useful than app control.
The BG Evolve sockets and switches range at Alert Electrical includes a wide selection of modern wiring accessories, including options with integrated charging and Wi-Fi functionality.
You can also find innovative products such as the MagCharge Qi2 Integrated Wireless Phone Charger Socket, which combines a conventional 2-gang switched socket with integrated magnetic wireless phone charging.
Are smart sockets worth it?
For many homes, yes – provided you're going to use the features they offer.
A smart socket may be worth considering if you:
- Want to control suitable devices remotely
- Regularly forget to switch devices off
- Want lighting or appliances to follow a schedule
- Already use other smart-home technology
- Want to monitor the energy use of individual devices
- Prefer an integrated solution rather than a separate smart plug
However, there's little benefit in paying extra for smart functionality that you'll never use.
If you simply want a reliable socket that you switch on and off manually, a good-quality conventional socket may remain the better choice.
Can I replace a normal socket with a smart socket?
In many cases, a compatible smart socket can replace an existing wall socket. However, that doesn't mean every smart socket will suit every installation.
You may need to consider the existing wiring, back-box depth, physical dimensions and manufacturer's installation requirements. Smart sockets can sometimes require more space behind the faceplate than a basic socket.
If you're unsure whether a particular socket is suitable, ask a qualified electrician to check your existing installation.
Choosing the right sockets for your home
Smart sockets are only one option when upgrading your wiring accessories.
Before buying, think about the features you'll genuinely use. Do you need remote control? Would USB-C charging be more useful? Do you want a particular decorative finish? Or would a Wi-Fi extender socket help improve connectivity elsewhere in your home?
Choosing the right features is far more valuable than simply buying the socket with the longest specification list.
For more ideas, explore Alert Electrical's wider home and garden range, which includes products designed to make modern homes more practical, comfortable and connected.
Upgrade your sockets with Alert Electrical
Whether you're adding smart technology, renovating a room or simply replacing tired wiring accessories, Alert Electrical offers a huge choice of sockets and switches from leading electrical brands.
From traditional and decorative sockets to USB charging, Wi-Fi and innovative integrated features, there are options for everything from a simple replacement to a wider home upgrade.
Browse the range at Alert Electrical today and find the right sockets and switches for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a smart socket do?
A smart socket allows suitable connected electrical devices to be controlled remotely or automatically. Depending on the product, features can include app control, schedules, timers, voice control and energy monitoring.
Do smart sockets use Wi-Fi?
Many do, although some use other wireless technologies or require a compatible smart-home hub. Check the individual product specifications before buying.
Can smart sockets save money?
They can help reduce unnecessary electricity use by allowing suitable devices to be switched off remotely or according to a schedule. Actual savings depend on the appliance and how you use it.
Is a smart socket better than a smart plug?
A smart socket provides a cleaner, permanently installed solution, while a smart plug is generally easier to install and move. The better choice depends on whether you want a permanent upgrade or greater flexibility.
Can I install a smart socket myself?
Replacing a fixed electrical socket requires appropriate electrical knowledge and competence. If you're unsure about the installation or existing wiring, use a suitably qualified electrician.
