Remember that smart plugs use power too
A connected smart plug draws a little power all the time; use one to shift or schedule an appliance, but to cut standby a switched power strip or a plain timer does the job for less.
Do it yourself
Sources checked on .
A smart plug stays connected to your Wi-Fi so you can reach it from your phone, and that costs power. In a 2016 measurement study, Wi-Fi smart plugs drew between 2.6 and 4.1 W around the clock. Newer models may use less, but it adds up for a plug that is always on. A plain energy-saving plug draws about 0.1 to 0.3 W, and a power strip with a switch draws nothing when it is off.
Smart plugs are useful when you want to shift or schedule something, for example starting an appliance remotely or at a set time, which can help keep your capacity peak low. A simple mechanical timer does the same for appliances that only need fixed hours. For fire safety, let appliances run only when someone is at home.
To cut standby, a switched power strip is usually the cheapest and most reliable choice.
Details
| Impact | Indirect · This saves no energy by itself: it is a rule, a service, a contract, or a health or safety item. How we rate impact |
|---|---|
| Estimated saving | A 2016 measurement study found Wi-Fi smart plugs drawing 2.6 to 4.1 W in standby; a plain energy-saving plug draws about 0.1 to 0.3 W. (confidence: low) |
| Who acts | You (tenant) |
| Needs landlord's agreement | No |
| Type | Action |
| Constant or subject to change | Constant · Good practice that barely changes with new laws, prices or services. |
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Sources
- Energy Efficiency of the Internet of Things, technology and energy assessment report · IEA 4E EDNA, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (2016) (research) · checked on
- Voorkom sluipgebruik (in Dutch) · Milieu Centraal (Netherlands) (other source) · checked on
- Tips om je verbruik te spreiden met een digitale meter (in Dutch) · Vlaamse Nutsregulator (official source) · checked on