Many countries in the world pride themselves in providing stable electrical Voltage to their citizens. However, it is not unusual for citizens in those countries to experience surges in Voltage from time to time.
This might be because of an overload of an electrical circuit, faulty wiring, or even uncontrollable events like lightning. Voltage surges are unpredictable and can result in severe damage to electrical appliances hence the need to take the compulsory precautions to ensure that those appliances are protected.
Yes, you can use smart plug with a surge protector, this helps to control multiple devices with single smart plug. For example, if you want to connect your laptop, monitor, and your mobile charger to single surge protector and connecting surge protector to smart plug will help you control all the devices and once you are done with your work. you can simply say, Hey Google, turn of my work plug. This is so cool feature that I use for my work.
You can use the surge protector in two ways, I have been using this for more than a year now and I didn’t see any issues it works perfectly.
Smart Plug -> Surge Protector -> Multiple Devices
See the image below, it works perfectly without any issues, until unless you are using this for some heavy electricity consuming devices.
In the following image, I am using one smart plug for my two laptops, one monitor, xbox, fire tv stick and my wireless charger, its been working perfectly fine from the past one year.
Surge Protector -> Smart Plug -> Single Device
As show in the image you can use the following way, which is simple and you might have tried this already.
These following surge protectors smart plugs are designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes and are especially useful in smart plugs.
Surge Protectors for Smart Plugs
The following surge protectors are recommended for smart plugs:
- Kasa Smart plug surge protector power strip
- APC smart plug surge protector
- Wemo smart plug surge protector
- SurgeCube 1 Outlet Surge Protector
Kasa Smart plug surge protector power strip
As this name implies, this surge protector comes in the form of a smart plug that also offers protection against surges. It is designed as a power strip, giving the user several outlets in which electrical appliances or devices can be connected. The smart plug power strip, in this case, has an inbuilt surge protection feature. One trendy brand of this type of surge protector is the Kasa smart plug power strip.
The Kasa smart plug power strip comes in a simple design, making it very easy to use. Experts say it gives six times the value for less. This surge protector power strip also comes with features that are the envy of its competitors. Some of the popular features of this particular smart plug surge protector are indicated below:
Surge Protection
This smart plug power strip is ETL certified, making it appropriate for shielding sensitive electronics and devices from sudden power surges that can occur during weather storms, resulting in severe damage to the electrical appliances
Energy Monitoring
To ensure that the user understands the amount of energy consumed, this smart plug power strip comes with an energy monitoring function. To check the energy consumption, the user needs to log on to the Kasa smart app and check the devices that are consuming energy. This makes it possible to track appliances responsible for excessive power consumption and turn off such devices.
Control from Anywhere
The design of this smart plug makes it possible for the user to control the power strip from any part of the world. The user needs to log on with the Kasa smart app, and the controls are readily available.
Set schedules
While protecting the electrical devices connected to it from surge, this power strip also makes it possible to set schedules for appliances connected to the smart plug to turn on or off. This means that lights can be set to automatically turn off at dawn and switch back on at dusk.
Voice control
This is highly esteemed as one of the most impressive features of this power strip. The Kasa smart plug power strip is compatible with popular voice commands like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. This makes it possible to control these devices with just the sound of your voice.
Product Information for Kasa Smart Plug Surge Protector Power strip:
The manufacturer has provided the following details for the Kasa smart plug surge Protector Power strip
| Item Weight | 1.55 pounds |
| Product proportions | 14.17 x 2.49 x 1.48 |
| Number of Outlets | 6 outlets with 3 USB ports |
User reviews for Kasa Smart Plug Surge Protector Power strip:
Users of the Kasa smart plug surge protector power strip offer very positive reviews on their experiences with this particular power strip
One user on amazon.com says that he uses the surge protector to operate all of his different saltwater reef equipment. The scheduling option makes it possible for him to individually set timers daily for all of the pumps and powerheads. He is also able to switch on or switch off each outlet.
Another user on amazon.com also said that he would not recommend this power strip for an off-grid situation. He did not have much success in this regard. He said the monitoring capacity is minimal when the power strip is used for this purpose.
APC smart plug surge protector
APC is a known brand when it comes to surge protection devices. The APC smart plug surge protector effectively protects electrical appliances from damaging power surges in residential, business, and industrial purposes.
One prevalent model of this brand is the APC Home Office Surgearrest
The APC Home Office Surgearrest is a surge protector that has been configured to also function as a smart plug. The truth is that it is part of the APC brand, gives it recognition amongst other surge protectors. There are some key features that this surge protector possesses that make it one of the best in the market. Some of these features are outlined below:
It can be commanded from anywhere in the world
The APC brand has introduced the APC home app, making it possible for users of APC smart devices to control their appliances from any part of the world. This means that it is possible to switch off turn off or turn off devices from anywhere in the world.
Scheduling
The equipment connected to the smart plug can be scheduled to switch on or switch off at scheduled times.
LED Control via App or Voice
This smart plug surge protector also makes it possible to turn smart outlets, and USB ports LED lights on or off by utilizing the APC Home app or Amazon’s Alexa.
Connect Multiple Smart surge protectors
The group together function of APC smart plug makes it possible to connect multiple smart surge protectors. With this function, up to six smart surge protectors can be connected and used to control multiple outlets.
Surge Protection
This is the selling point of this smart plug. The APC smart surge protector provides up to 2160 Joules of real surge protection. This means that expensive electronics are protected against sudden surges in electrical Voltage.
One thing that users always point to is the ease at which the smart surge can be set up. No smart hub is required, and once set up, this device can be controlled through the APC Home app or Alexa.
Frequently asked Questions
Can this device be used Outdoors?
When using this device, the manufacturer recommends that it be used indoors as it was not manufactured for use in outdoor conditions. It is not water-resistant.
What is the maximum current tolerated by the Smart Surge?
The device supports up to 15Amps for all devices plugged in the smart plug.
How many smart plug outlets does this device have?
This device contains three surge-protected smart plug outlets and two smart USB charger ports.
Product Information
Product weight: 2.05 pounds
Product proportions: 10.5 inches x 4 inches x 1.44 inches
Reviews from Users of APC smart plug surge protector
One user from amazon.com said that he appreciates the scheduling feature of the smart plug. It also works well with Alexa, and it is very easy to setup
Another user from amazon.com said that he found the APC smart plug surge protector to be the most reliable Wi-Fi-equipped Power strip.
Safety tips when using APC smart plug surge protector
The following tips apply whenever one is making use of the APC smart plug surge protector
- Only make use of this smart plug indoors as it was not designed for use in the outdoor environment as the internal components are not sealed from the environment
- The surge arrestor should not be used in areas where there is excessive heat or humidity
- The surge arrestor should not be used with extension cords
- The surge arrestor should never be installed during a lightning storm
- The Surge arrest should be plugged into a three-wire, grounded receptacle only
- Do not plug the smart plug surge protector into another relocatable tap
Wemo smart plug surge protector
Wemo is known for providing smart solutions, especially for residential and office applications. As one of the champions in this field, it is not unusual for Wemo to venture into the fabrication of smart plug surge protectors. These electronic pieces of equipment are easy to set up and also easy to operate. Below are some of the most used models of the Wemo smart plug surge protector.
Outlet Surge Protector
The means of connection is quite simple. You plug your smart plug into any AC wall outlet and connect your device to protect it from spikes in electrical current or Voltage, lightning strikes, and AC contamination.
Some of the features of the Wemo smart plug surge protector:
Durable construction and Wall Mountable design
The Wemo smart plug surge protector is designed with high quality and durable design. It also features damage-resistant housing, protecting the smart plug surge protector from rust, impact, and fire. It is very easy to establish and is ideal for use when going on a journey or trip. The surge protector comes with a green indicator that lights up to show that the connected device is protected.
Protects against Spikes and Fluctuations
Devices can easily be damaged if they are exposed to sudden voltage fluctuations or low-level spikes and drop, as well as short circuits and lightning strikes.
Surge Protection
The surge protector of this particular product is rated at 306 Joules and is designed to shield small electrical devices against surges, damaging voltage fluctuations, and energy spikes. Two components in the smart plug are responsible for providing this protection. The first is the Oversize metal oxide varistors (MOVs), which absorb excess electricity and release heat energy. Fiberglass metal oxide varistors (MOVs) contain or smother fire if a massive surge ignites a MOV.
Complete three-line AC protection
The Wemo smart plug surge protector keeps electrical devices and appliances safe through the three-line AC protection. This type of protection protects against surges that occur between hot, neutral, and ground lines
In summary, this smart plug has the following features:
- Gives small electronics protection from dangerous power surges and spikes
- The damage-resistant circuit gives circuits protection from fire, impact, and rust.
- It can handle power surge up to 306 joules, making it ideal for use in small electrical appliances
- It comes with three-line protection against surges between hot, neutral, and ground lines
SurgeCube 1 Outlet Surge Protector with a 2 x 2.4A Shared USB Charging
This surge protector is very similar to the SurgeCube 1 Outlet Surge Protector. However, it comes with two USB ports, giving the user options for charging electronics that utilize a USB cord.
Some of the features of this surge protector are as outlined below:
Durable construction and Wall Mountable design
The Wemo smart plug surge protector is designed with high quality and durable design. It also features damage-resistant housing, protecting the smart plug surge protector from rust, impact, and fire. It is very easy to configure and is ideal for use when going on a journey or trip. The surge protector comes with a green indicator that lights up to show that the connected device is protected.
Protects against Spikes and Fluctuations
Devices can easily be damaged if they are exposed to sudden voltage fluctuations or low-level spikes and drop, as well as short circuits and lightning strikes.
Two 2.4A USB Ports for Charging
This smart plug has been designed to charge portable devices quickly while also giving them the necessary protection from damage and data loss that results from a surge. It is ideal for smartphones and tablets. Impressively, these USB ports charge at 2.4A, offering faster charging than traditional USB ports, with an added layer of protection.
There are different product range for the Wemo smart plug surge protector, specifically the Belkin Surge Protectors
The key features for most of them are outlined below:
High Capacity Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV)
Depending on the device, this smart surge protector offers surge protection within the range of 300-900 J.
Overcurrent Protection on USB ports
The smart surge protector comes with USB ports that offer protection against surges. It also charges the connected devices faster than regular USB ports
Underwriters Laboratories approved rating of 500V
This smart plug surge protector comes with the Top Voltage Protection rating, attesting to the high quality.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)/ Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) Noise Filtration
This feature reduces the noise disruption and provides a clean and protected flow of power to the connected devices.
Frequently asked Questions
If the MOV is burned out, would the surge protector still provide power?
If the MOV is burned out, the surge protector would still provide power. Nevertheless, it will not be able to protect the connected devices from power surges.
Understanding the Indicator lights on the Wemo smart Plug surge Protector?
The current operating conditions of the smart plug surge protector are shown using the indicator lights. This feature helps the user to know if the smart plug surge protector is functioning normally, or if there are wiring issues with the outlet.
The different indicator lights and their meanings are indicated below:
- Protected
The protected light shows that the surge protection function of the smart plug surge protector is functioning correctly and giving all connected devices or appliances the necessary protection.
This light is expected to remain ON as long as the surge protector is plugged into an electrical outlet and turned on. If this light turns OFF at any point in time, it means that the smart plug surge protector has served its purpose and is no longer providing surge protection. At this point, it is advised that the surge protector be replaced.
- Grounded/Earth
This indicator light shows that the smart plug surge protector is connected to a properly grounded outlet. The manufacturer advises that an electrician should be called to inspect and properly ground the outlet whenever this light does not come ON.
- Not Grounded/Earth
This indicator light shows that the surge protector is not connected to an outlet that has been properly grounded.
- Over Voltage and Under Voltage
This indicator light comes on whenever the surge protector detects an issue with the incoming voltage levels of the wall outlet. It gives two indications- either an Overvoltage or an Under Voltage
For an Over Voltage, the Over Voltage light will come on if the surge protector detects a voltage spike that is above the average voltage level (120V or 240V depending on the region)
For an Under Voltage, the Over Voltage light will come on if the surge protector detects a voltage spike under the average voltage level (120V or 240V depending on the region).
- Inrush Current/ Over Current
This indicator light shows that the surge protector has detected that an appliance connected to the surge protector draws a large amount of current from the device. The surge protector turns on this indicator light to warn you of appliances that can damage your device.
There are several options for anyone desiring to purchase a smart plug with a surge protector has to check the pros and cons of each of them and also weigh the cost implications of the smart plug with a surge protector when compared with others in the market
Sam has been a Smart Things expert for years and the author of DIY SmartThings. Recently he’s really more into Nest smart devices and has a lot of experience with all sorts of projects from converting a regular Home to completely a smart home with the background degree in Electronics.