The Handyman’s Guide to Choosing and Installing the Best Outdoor Smart Plug for Your Home
Welcome to the ultimate guide on outdoor smart plugs! If you’re a handy person who is always looking for ways to make your home more efficient, you’ll definitely want to stick around.
In this article, we will cover all aspects of outdoor smart plugs, from an introduction to what they are and how they work, to the most important features to consider when choosing one. We will also explore the top outdoor smart plug options on the market, step-by-step instructions on how to install and use an outdoor smart plug, and how to maintain and troubleshoot it if needed.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of everything you need to know about outdoor smart plugs and how they can improve your outdoor living space. So, let’s dive in!
An Introduction to Outdoor Smart Plugs
As a handyman, you know that outdoor electrical outlets are essential for powering your tools and appliances. But did you know that outdoor smart plugs can take your power source to the next level?
An outdoor smart plug is a device that connects to an existing outlet and allows you to control its power remotely using an app on your phone or voice commands through a virtual assistant like Alexa or Google Home. This means you can turn on/off lights, fans, pumps and other devices from anywhere in the world.
But not all smart plugs are created equal when it comes to outdoor use. The best ones have weather-resistant casings that protect them from rain, snow and extreme temperatures. They also need to be compatible with different types of outlets (GFCI being one of them) so they don’t pose any safety hazards.
Another important feature is energy monitoring which lets you see how much electricity each device connected is consuming so you can make better decisions about your usage patterns.
Some popular brands of outdoor smart plugs include TP-Link Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug (works with Alexa), Meross Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug (compatible with Google Assistant), Wemo Wi-Fi Outdoor Smart Plug by Belkin (supports IFTTT) among others.
With an investment in one or more of these top-of-the-line gadgets for controlling electricity outdoors at home base campsite campsites RV parks marinas boat docks hotels restaurants cafes bars factories warehouses farms stadiums amusement parks zoos national monuments state parks beaches golf courses gardens backyards patios pool areas garages barns sheds workshops construction sites parking lots etc., rest assured knowing no more running inside just because something needs switched off/on – now everything will be right within reach!
Features to consider when choosing an outdoor smart plug
When it comes to choosing the best outdoor smart plug, there are several features that you should consider. As a handy man who is good at fixing things, you know that selecting the right product can make all the difference in ensuring your outdoor appliances and devices stay connected and functioning properly.
Firstly, make sure to choose an outdoor smart plug with weatherproofing capabilities. This means it should be able to withstand extreme temperatures as well as rain or snow without malfunctioning.
Secondly, look for a smart plug with multiple outlets. This will allow you to control multiple devices at once without needing separate plugs for each one. It also helps reduce clutter and saves space in your backyard or patio area.
Thirdly, ensure compatibility with your preferred voice assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant so that you can easily operate it using voice commands from anywhere within range of Wi-Fi signal strength.
Finally but not least important feature is remote control ability through mobile apps which allows users to turn on/off their appliances even when they are away from home by simply accessing their smartphone app!
By considering these key features when selecting an outdoor smart plug, you can ensure seamless connectivity between all your backyard appliances while also minimizing unnecessary stress on yourself during setup process!
What are the top outdoor smart plug options on the market?
As a handyman, you know the importance of having the right tools for any job. And when it comes to outdoor electrical work, an outdoor smart plug is a must-have tool in your arsenal.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one? Here are some top picks for outdoor smart plugs that will make your life easier:
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug: This plug is weather-resistant and can be controlled via voice commands or through an app on your phone. It also has two outlets and can handle up to 15 amps of power.
2. Wemo Outdoor Wi-Fi Smart Plug: With this plug, you can set schedules and control devices from anywhere using just your voice or phone. It’s also water-resistant and features two outlets.
3. Meross Waterproof Outdoor Smart Plug: This affordable option is IP44 rated waterproof and supports voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant as well as remote app access with scheduling functions included.
No matter which option you choose, having an outdoor smart plug in your toolbox will save time during installation while providing convenience throughout its use; never again worry about turning off lights outside before bed!
How do I install and use outdoor smart plugs?
If you’re a handy man who loves to fix things around the house, installing outdoor smart plugs can be a great addition to your toolkit. With these devices, you can easily control outdoor lights and appliances with your smartphone or voice commands.
Before you start installing an outdoor smart plug, it’s important to choose the right device for your needs. Look for one that is weatherproof and has enough outlets for all of the devices you want to control.
To install the smart plug, first turn off power at the circuit breaker and remove any old outlet or cover plate. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to wire in your new device.
Once installed, connect it with an app on your phone or voice assistant like Alexa or Google Home. From there, you’ll be able to create schedules for when certain devices turn on and off as well as monitor energy usage from each outlet.
Not only will this help streamline tasks around outside areas of your home but also save time by not having manually turning lights/appliances ON/OFF individually every day/night during different times!
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Outdoor Smart Plugs
Maintaining and troubleshooting outdoor smart plugs can seem daunting, but with a little know-how, you can keep your devices running smoothly. As a handyman who is good at fixing things, you understand that prevention is key to avoiding major issues down the line.
Firstly, it’s crucial to regularly inspect your outdoor smart plug for any signs of wear or damage. This includes checking the wires for fraying or breakage and ensuring that the device is securely fastened in its housing.
In addition to routine inspections, keeping your outdoor smart plug clean and dry will also help prevent malfunctions. Dirt and moisture can lead to corrosion on metal parts which could cause electrical shorts or other problems.
If you do encounter an issue with your device despite taking preventative measures, don’t panic! Troubleshooting an outdoor smart plug usually involves basic problem-solving skills such as checking connections or resetting the device.
For instance, if you find that your outlet isn’t working properly when trying to connect it through Wi-Fi after several attempts then try unplugging both ends of power cords from wall sockets before plugging them back into place again – this often solves connectivity issues instantly!
By maintaining and troubleshooting your best outdoor smart plugs accordingly like this example mentioned above ,you’ll be able enjoy their convenience without worrying about unexpected downtime due to malfunctioning equipment.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to find the best outdoor smart plug for your needs, installing and using one is easy. So don’t wait any longer—get ahold of an outdoor smart plug today and start enjoying all its convenience! And if at any point you have questions or need help with troubleshooting, just hop on over to our blog for more helpful tips.
