gtag('config', 'G-H7ZLTTHJ49');

Can I use a Smart Plug Outside in 2022?

Can I use a Smart Plug Outside | can smart plugs be used outside

Smart plugs are like switches that we use in our homes.

The only difference between them is they are connected to your WiFi network. As they are switches, you should use them indoors and outdoors.

Now the question comes, can I use a smart plug outside?

Yes, you can use smart plugs outside your home; however, you can find smart plugs specifically for the outdoors. Smart plugs for the outdoors are specially designed and are dust and moisture resistant.

Please note that- Different brands offer smart plugs that you can use both Indoors and Outdoors. Make sure you look over the product description of such a unit.

If you want to know about the best smart plug for the outdoors, check out the- “Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug” on Amazon.

 

Why Use a Smart Plug Outside?

The reasons are quite simple: automate the lighting and other appliances we generally install outdoors. After all, if we are doing it indoors, why don’t we make our outdoors smart.

It will save time and make it more convenient for us to control all the appliances in our home. You might not know what to use smart plugs for, but still, there are quite the things that you can do by installing outdoor smart plugs in your home.

If you are not getting any ideas, then read some of them mentioned below-

  • Smart plug for outdoor lights.
  • Monitor Energy Consumption of Appliances.
  • Automate Garden Irrigation System.

Smart plug for outdoor lights.

Do you know the best part of smart outdoor lighting? You can control it via your Mobile phone or over your voice. You can also schedule the outdoor lighting, so they can automatically shut OFF and ON at the right time.

Can I use a Smart Plug Outside | plug for outdoor lights

This will not only make your home smart, but it also saves so much energy. How can I control it automatically or wirelessly if you don’t have smart lights?

Great question. You can do it via smart plug; all you need to do is install the smart plug outdoors and connect it to your home WiFi. Now you can plug in the lights with the smart plug and control them via mobile or even schedule it.

Monitor Energy Consumption of Appliances.

You can monitor the energy consumption of appliances installed at your outdoors. You can monitor it and even limit the energy consumption of such appliances, which might cause you to pay huge electricity bills.

Automate Garden Irrigation System.

With the smart plug, you can automate the garden irrigation system. However, sometimes you can even do that something more with the smart outdoor plugs.

Do you know about IFTTT? 

You can connect the smart plug to the systems such as Whether forecast using the IFTTT. Now the smart plug will work as per the weather forecast. For example, if the weather is dry, the water sprinkler on your lawn will start working and keep turned off in the condition of Rain.

What is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Smart Plugs?

Outdoor smart plugs are tougher, more water-resistant, and weather-resistant than indoor smart plugs. However, the working of the indoor and outdoor smart plugs are the same.

The main issue with the appliances you use outside is to protect them from the tough weather conditions, whether a smart plug or something else. However, Outdoor smart plugs are designed to meet such conditions.

outdoor outlet plug | Can I use a Smart Plug Outside
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug

They are specially designed to protect the internal components from weather. They come with a protective shell and a bracket, which helps protect the smart plug. 

You can place the smart plug outlets facing down, protecting them from Rain. 

Note- You might think of using smart indoor plugs outdoors, but it is not recommended to use them outside.

Can Outdoor Smart Plugs Be Voice Controlled?

Yes, you can control the outdoor smart plugs over voice. Most of them support smart speakers such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. 

All you need to do is connect the smart plug with the Alexa and then plug in the socket of the appliance to the smart plug. You can check out the blog post on connecting a smart plug to Alexa. 

Are Smart Plugs Waterproof?

Yes, you can consider outdoor smart plugs as waterproof as they are highly resistant to moisture and dust. After all, they will be exposed to tough weather, Rain, and sometimes snowfall. 

However, you might be thinking, How do I know that the smart plug I am using is waterproof?

Yes, your smart outdoor plug is waterproof or water-resistant, and you can decide via the IP rating of the electrical appliance.

Now, what is IP rating?

IP stands for the Ingress Protection Marking, also known as the IP Code. If you purchase a gadget or electrical appliance, you always know its IP rating, showing its resistance.

The EC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard means you can trust it. 

However, how to read this IP reading? An IP code consists of the IP identification and two digits that describes the level of protection.

  • In the first two letters you see, IP indicates the IP code.
  • Then, the first digit, which you see, represents the level of protection against dust.
  • The Second digit you see represents the level of protection against liquids such as water.

For example- Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug is IP64, and the Minoston Outdoor Smart Plug is IP65. 

You can consider the Kasa Outdoor smart plug as Dust-resistant and Splashing or water-resistant. On the other hand, Minoston Outdoor smart plug is Dust Resistant and resistant to Water jets.

Note- Please note that if you Find the X at the place of any digit, you can consider it as it is not tested for that. If you find out 0, it is not protected for that.

Things to Consider Before Using a Smart Plug Outside.

Water and Dust Resistant.

The smart plug you use should be at least IP64 or IP65, meaning it is dust and water-resistant and withstands the harsh climate throughout the year outside your home.

You can also provide some extra resistance to the smart plug by using the sockitbox, which will provide some extra protection from the moisture and dust to your smart plug.

It should be connected to the WiFi.

I know you will use the smart plug outside your home; however, it must be within the range of your WiFi. Then only you can connect to it and control the smart plug from your mobile devices and over the voice.

It is recommended to install the smart outdoor plug at a substantial distance from your router. However, you can consider using an Outdoor wireless access point at your home. 

You can check out the- Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point to extend the range of your WiFi connection.

What to do if the WiFi connection is the limiting factor?

I suggest you use the Z-wave, also known as the Zigbee protocols. If your smart plug supports Z-wave, this could be a great option if WiFi is your home’s limiting factor.

Verdict: can I use a smart plug outside.

While using a smart plug outside your home, remember Whether resistance and WiFi connectivity. Also, consider its compatibility with your smart devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant. 

After all, you are going to control them over voice. 

I hope you have liked our in-depth guide on can I use a smart plug outside. If you have any doubts about using the smart plug outside, let me know in the comments. 

Also, share this in-depth guide with your friends and family who might be interested in knowing about outside smart plugs.

Related Post.

FAQs on can smart plugs be used outside.

Can I use Kasa smart plug outside?

Yes, you can use Kasa smart plug outside, as they are specially designed for outdoor usage.

Can I use a smart plug without Alexa?

Yes, you can use a smart plug without Alexa. But you will only control it remotely via your mobile or schedule it, and no voice control you will get without Alexa.

Do Outdoor Smart Plugs Need Special Wiring?

No, Outdoor smart plugs do not need special wiring during installation—all you need to do is plug in the smart plug to the outlet.

Do Outdoor Smart Plugs Use More Power?

Outdoor smart plugs use little power, equal to 1-2 watts, which is very little compared to the other electrical appliances. 

Leave a Comment