7 smart plug tricks that instantly made my home feel more automated

"Remember The Clapper? The plug-in staple may have made for a catchy jingle in the 1980s, but it could also be considered as a primitive ancestor of today's smart plug -- that is, if you can say anything from a few decades ago is primitive. Smart plugs offer greater convenience than The Clapper ever did, letting you control your devices from an app on your phone, your voice, or a schedule."

"There are many ways to use smart plugs to automate your home, including turning dumb devices into smart ones, using them to strengthen your home's security, or letting them bring more convenience to your life. Beyond using a smart plug for an old table lamp, you can also use them strategically to save on your utility bills, monitor your energy consumption, or enhance your home's fire safety."

"You can use a smart plug to automate lights when you're out of town so that they switch on each night to make it appear as if someone's home. Many people also use them to control outdoor lights on a schedule, ensuring their home's exterior is well-lit for safety. Enhancing home security is a popular use for smart plugs. However, there are more ways to use them beyond the obvious."

"A smart plug can lock down your garage door opener, so you can cut power to it during the night or whenever you're away. This strategy could prevent a thief from using an entry code or a stolen remote to enter your home. If you have a compatible motion sensor, you can set an automation with your smart plug to turn on a light whenever the sensor detects motion."

Smart plugs convert ordinary devices into networked, controllable appliances, enabling remote control via phone apps, voice commands, or schedules. They can automate lighting to deter intruders and keep outdoor or interior lighting on timed routines for safety. Smart plugs can cut power to garage door openers to block unauthorized entry and integrate with motion sensors to trigger lights upon detection. They can also help reduce utility bills, monitor energy consumption, and support fire-safety measures by controlling high-risk devices. Motion-activated setups can be implemented without rewiring by pairing smart plugs with sensors and automations.

Read at ZDNET