What Is a Smart Plug? 4 Ways to Use Them Around the Home

[Sandi Bo]

My garage door is now "smart" and can be controlled through a smart phone app

As is my new refrigerator! What surprises me, is you have to use an app on your phone.

 

[ScoopKona]

I have loads of Honeywell switches that aren't smart in that they talk to a automation system I don't want. They're smart in that I can program my latitude and longitude, and now they know time dusk and dawn occurs. That means I can have night lights. They also have a random vacation mode. And they can be set to turn on or off at any time I like, multiple times a day -- not as easy to program since they don't talk to a phone/Google/Apple/Amazon. But I'm also not tied to any system and they work because of astronomy, not because I'm paying someone for their continued usefulness.

 

[davidvel]

I have loads of Honeywell switches that aren't smart in that they talk to a automation system I don't want. They're smart in that I can program my latitude and longitude, and now they know time dusk and dawn occurs. That means I can have night lights. They also have a random vacation mode. And they can be set to turn on or off at any time I like, multiple times a day -- not as easy to program since they don't talk to a phone/Google/Apple/Amazon. But I'm also not tied to any system and they work because of astronomy, not because I'm paying someone for their continued usefulness.

We have over a dozen smart plugs/switches/outlets/ceiling fans/TVs/cameras using free Google home app. They can be programmed dusk/dawn (or increments before or after), fan speeds, dimming range, on/off per schedule and random. They can be grouped by room or other related need.

Our house can be controlled by voice like the Jetsons. Easy to program and no monthly fees whatsoever.

 

[Sandi Bo]

We have over a dozen smart plugs/switches/outlets/ceiling fans/TVs/cameras using free Google home app. They can be programmed dusk/dawn (or increments before or after), fan speeds, dimming range, on/off per schedule and random. They can be grouped by room or other related need.

Our house can be controlled by voice like the Jetsons. Easy to program and no monthly fees whatsoever.

My daughter's house is that way - and I watch my grandkids. Yes, I've called and asked her to turn the thermostat up or down for me.

When my Mom was in my house and I had Alexa's and Dots, etc, I had notes on 'em all 'Wake word - Alexa', etc.

For my dogs, I have a note 'Alexa Comfort my Dog' on a sticky.

I have a lot of stickies (yes, I have a few hidden in the cabinets at my daughter's house).

Admittedly, I've yet to download the app for our new thermostat - that is nice to be able to see what the temp is or change from the phone. But I am 'smart enough' to do it manually in my own home and I haven't tackled putting it on my phone (DH did and I've yet to attempt it myself).

 

[Sandi Bo]

I have loads of Honeywell switches that aren't smart in that they talk to a automation system I don't want. They're smart in that I can program my latitude and longitude, and now they know time dusk and dawn occurs. That means I can have night lights. They also have a random vacation mode. And they can be set to turn on or off at any time I like, multiple times a day -- not as easy to program since they don't talk to a phone/Google/Apple/Amazon. But I'm also not tied to any system and they work because of astronomy, not because I'm paying someone for their continued usefulness.

I imagine it might still happen today?

We've been at softball fields that they couldn't turn the fields lights on because they were programmed for dusk (and the time changed).

I remember the parking lot at work being pitch black for a few days after a time change (and someone needing to update a timer).

 

[ScoopKona]

I imagine it might still happen today?

We've been at softball fields that they couldn't turn the fields lights on because they were programmed for dusk (and the time changed).

I remember the parking lot at work being pitch black for a few days after a time change (and someone needing to update a timer).

Not unless something changes the Earth's rotational speed or orbit. This isn't tied into anything other than "when is sunrise/sunset based on lat/long?" Just like the tide doesn't care about "tidal savings time," or what Google says on the matter, neither does the Earth's rotation and orbital position.

 

[davidvel]

Not unless something changes the Earth's rotational speed or orbit. This isn't tied into anything other than "when is sunrise/sunset based on lat/long?" Just like the tide doesn't care about "tidal savings time," or what Google says on the matter, neither does the Earth's rotation and orbital position.

Honeywell switches change for DST, and if DST dates change it will be incorrect. It will be wrong whether or not earth changes orbit or rotational speed.

 

[MOXJO7282]

We use for ours via Alexa for our sauna, outdoor lights, waterfall, multiple lights and a heater for my MIL. They work good for her to turn things on in her room without getting up. Also great for Xmas lights.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Honeywell switches change for DST, and if DST dates change it will be incorrect. It will be wrong whether or not earth changes orbit or rotational speed.

Pretty sure that if the earth's orbit or rotational speed changes, we will have much bigger problems than Scoop's automation not working correctly...