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Smart Plugs for Home Automation in Australia

Smart plugs are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for Australians to make their homes smarter and more automated. These clever little devices allow you to turn ordinary electronics and appliances into connected smart devices that can be controlled from your smartphone, even when you’re away from home.

In thisguide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about smart plugs – what they are, why they’re useful, and how they can be incorporated into your smart home ambitions. Whether you’re new to home automation or looking to expand your system, smart plugs offer an easy and budget-friendly way to unlock more convenience and control in your life.

What Are Smart Plugs and How Do They Work?

A smart plug is a device that you plug into a regular electrical outlet. It effectively serves as an adapter that allows you to control the power supply to whatever appliance, light or device is then plugged into the smart plug itself.

The plug connects to your Wi-Fi network and can be controlled remotely using an app on your smartphone or through voice commands using a smart assistant. This allows you to turn connected devices on or off whether you’re home or away.

Smart plugs are among the most affordable and straightforward entries into smart home tech. Their basic components include:

  • Electrical outlet – Where you plug in the appliance to control
  • Wi-Fi module – Allows connectivity to your home wireless network
  • Remote control module – Enables app control from anywhere
  • Voice control module – For controlling with smart assistants

Many smart plug models also offer additional capabilities such as:

  • Energy monitoring – Track appliance power usage
  • Scheduling – Set automated on/off times
  • Timer functions – Countdown timers for auto on/off
  • Away mode – Randomize activity when you’re out
  • Sunrise/sunset triggers – Activate based on natural light

Why Smart Plugs Are Handy for Australian Homes

Smart plugs are exploding in popularity among Aussie homeowners, renters, apartment dwellers and businesses alike. What makes them such a useful addition to modern Australian properties?

Convenience Is King

The number one reason for smart plug enthusiasm is simple convenience. Just imagine being able to switch lights on and off from bed, turn on the heater on your way home, or make sure you turned off appliances with a tap on your phone. No more dashing back home because you forgot!

Hands-Free Voice Control

Pairing smart plugs with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri or other virtual assistants takes convenience to the next level. Controlling your lights, appliances and electronics through voice commands creates an incredibly handy hands-free experience.

Automate Away

Most smart plug apps allow you to set schedules and automation rules. This allows you to program devices to turn on or off automatically at certain times or in response to triggers like local weather conditions. Take one more chore off your daily list!

Track Energy & Save

Smart plugs that offer detailed energy monitoring help identify high-usage devices. You can even estimate appliance running costs over time. This allows you to optimize your home’s energy efficiency and uncover savings.

Bring Dumb Devices Into the Mix

The great thing about smart plugs is that you don’t need to buy all new smart appliances to reap home automation benefits. Just plug in any “dumb” device like a lamp, fan or coffee maker to instantly make it a connected smart device.

Getting Started with Smart Plugs in Your Home

Ready to start automating your home with smart plugs? Here are some tips to begin your journey:

Determine Your Use Cases

First, think about your goals. Which devices and appliances would benefit from smart plug integration? Is it about convenience or energy savings? Focus on high-impact uses.

Pick Your Smart Ecosystem

Determine whether you want to use Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or a standalone app to control your plugs. This will dictate compatible models. Some work across multiple ecosystems.

Consider Physical Placement

When installing, ensure the smart plugs will be positioned appropriately to reach outlet and device locations. Outdoor plugs need weather resistance; indoor plugs should be kept safely out of walking paths when possible.

Confirm Electrical Compatibility

Always check that the amperage rating of any plug exceeds the energy needs of the connected device. This prevents overloading circuits and potential electrical fire hazards. When in doubt, go higher.

Evaluate Extra Features

Energy monitoring, multiple outlets, scheduling/timer functions and sunrise/sunset triggers are examples of useful extra capabilities that may be worth spending a bit more to have.

Read Reviews

Reviews offer valuable insight into real-world smart plug performance and app quality. Focus on renewable energy installers and experts in your area who have tested and recommend models confidently from experience.

Start Simple

Consider trying out just one or two affordable smart plugs for starters on key appliances you want to control. You can always expand your setup later as you discover more uses.

With smart plug demand growing rapidly, tech brands are continually releasing new models sporting unique features and competitive pricing. Here are some of the top smart plugs in Australia now:

TP-Link’s popular Kasa line provides approachable and highly rated smart plugs like the HS105 with energy monitoring, scheduling, countdown timers and more. Kasa works with Alexa and Google Assistant too.

Belkin Wemo Mini Smart Plug

Belkin is one of the pioneers in home automation devices. Their compact Wemo Mini plug lets you set up convenient automation scenes in the app and seamlessly integrates Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Etekcity Voltson Outdoor Smart Plug

For controlling devices outside, the Voltson smart plug from Etekcity is IP44 weather resistant and can connect appliances in the elements safely. Use it for holiday lights, pool pumps, sprinklers and more.

Rocketech Smart Plug with Power Monitoring

This affordable Rocketech smart plug tracks the energy usage and running costs of connected devices right in the app. View graphs and estimates to optimize efficiency and pinpoint energy hogs.

Meross Mini Smart Plug

Meross makes an ultra-mini smart plug sized not to block the second outlet in a duplex receptacle. Manage an unlimited number of plugs through the Meross app and pair with Alexa or Google for voice control convenience.

Gosund Mini WP6 Smart Plug

Offering two AC outlets plus a USB charging port, this space-saving option from Gosund lets you control and monitor several devices from one plug. Runtime logs help schedule automated on/off times.

With certified waterproof construction, this rugged outdoor smart plug from HILINK safely controls outdoor lighting, holiday decorations, sprinkler systems and more through any weather conditions.

Elgato Eve Energy HomeKit Smart Plug

For Apple fans, Elgato’s Eve Energy smart plug seamlessly integrates using Siri voice commands and Apple’s Home app alongside other HomeKit accessories. No hub required.

Lenovo Essential Smart Plug

Lenovo offers an affordably priced entry-level essentials smart plug with app and voice control to dip your toes into home automation! All the basic functions to start out.

DIGOO DG-SP01 Bargain Smart Plug

DIGOO packs voice and app control into an ultra-low cost smart plug often sold in multi-packs. While light on features, it allows controlling plugged-in devices remotely.

Must-Have Smart Plugs for Any Smart Home

If you’re building a smart home, these four smart plugs deserve a spot on your short list:

  • TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS105 – With great performance, scheduling and energy tracking, this is a fantastic starter plug for key appliances.
  • Belkin Wemo Mini – Extremely user-friendly setup and multi-platform support make this a top choice. Ultra-compact.
  • Etekcity Voltson Outdoor – For outdoor control, this weatherproof plug is a safe bet thanks to IP44 waterproofing.
  • Rocketech Power Monitoring – Unrivaled energy/cost reporting provides exceptional visibility into appliance efficiency.

No matter which smart plugs you choose, the ability to control and automate electrical devices remotely provides endless convenience for everyday Australian households.

Smart Plug Use Cases for Home Applications

Thanks to their versatility, smart plugs can transform so many areas of home life. Here are some of the most popular smart plug uses in Australia:

Smart Lighting Control

Lights like bedside lamps, accent lighting, outdoor lighting and more are made infinitely easier to control at the tap of a button or with voice commands using smart plugs.

Smart Heating & Cooling

Smart plugs allow you to set automation schedules or activate connected heating and cooling systems remotely based on local weather triggers for efficiency.

Small Kitchen Appliance Control

Coffee makers, kettles, rice cookers, air fryers and other handy kitchen gadgets can be scheduled or activated remotely via smart plugs.

Holiday & Decorative Lighting

Smart plugs to control elaborate holiday light displays bring convenience to the season. Set schedules to turn them on/off at sunset/sunrise automatically.

Electronic Device Charging

The USB ports on some smart plugs can automatically power or schedule charging of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other USB charged gadgets.

Smart Irrigation & Watering

Sprinkler systems and drip irrigation setups can be automated based on schedules and weather data by using a rugged outdoor smart plug to control the water pump or valves.

Home Office Productivity

Devices like monitors, desk lamps, printers, shredders and more can be seamlessly controlled via smart plugs to create a more automated and responsive home office.

Motorized Window Treatments

Manage your motorized blinds, curtains or awnings conveniently through smart plug connectivity for sunrise/sunset automation or remote opening and closing.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to finding useful smart plug applications within your unique home environment and lifestyle needs.

Tips for Maximizing Your Smart Plug Experience

To really get the most value from your new smart plugs, keep these tips in mind:

  • Give descriptive names to plugs in the app so you know which device each one controls.
  • Group plugs by room or function to control multiple devices with one tap.
  • Set schedules and automation rules based on when you truly use devices, not generic times.
  • Regularly update your plugs and app with the latest firmware for new features.
  • Use high-amperage rated plugs for high-voltage devices like air conditioners to prevent overload.
  • For outdoor plugs, ensure the power cord will actually reach the device location when installed.
  • Position plugs out of walking paths to prevent tripping hazards.
  • Unplug appliances before resetting smart plugs to avoid inadvertent power interruptions.
  • Enable away modes when leaving home to randomize activity like lights on/off.
  • Try rebooting problematic plugs and moving your router closer during initial setup.
  • Check app or voice assistant for status if unresponsive rather than manually power cycling.
  • Contact certified installers rather than attempting DIY electrical work for the best experience.

The Future of Home Automation

Smart plugs are just one example of the home automation technologies popping up in Australian households. As digital connectivity and artificial intelligence continue to advance, our homes are getting smarter every year.

Voice control, advanced scheduling based on usage patterns, integration across multiple smart devices, and automations triggered by home events will only get faster, more convenient and more powerful over time.

Incorporating smart plugs into your home now allows you to start benefiting from simple automation capabilities at an affordable price point. As you get comfortable with smart plugs, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to continue adding new layers of automation.

Key smart home categories like smart lighting, smart thermostats, smart locks, smart appliances, smart sensors, and smart speakers will enable Australian households to achieve new levels of efficiency, convenience and sophistication.

Embracing DIY smart home technology can be an exciting journey! With certified installers providing end-to-end guidance and support, adding smart plug functionality is the perfect place to begin automating your life.