Plug Loads or electricity usage from devices and appliances that are plugged into electric sockets can account for electricity usage even when not in use or even when they are turned off. This energy usage by plugged-in appliances is often referred to as “phantom loads”. These can account for over $100 of energy bills over a year.
There are a number of advanced power strips that are available to counter these phantom plug loads. These power strips and controls can be plugged into the electric socket, and the appliances in turn can be plugged into the power strip. These strips can be driven by an occupancy sensor (senses the absence and turns-off), or a timer (based on pre-set schedule (e.g. post 10pm)), or remotely controlled, or just be a simple master strip that can be turned off manually. Controls from companies such as WeMo and TP Link can be accessed from your mobile phones and are Wi-Fi enabled.
Plug load controls can reduce the 'Phantom Loads' by ensuring the appliances are switched off
Here are the best plug load controls available in the market today, based on our analysis, and feedback from customers and contractors:
Company | WeMo | SmartSwitch | Wattstopper | TP Link | SummitLink |
Rating* | 8 | 9 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
Price** | $39 | $38 | $70 | $30 | $18 |
Model Name & Basics | WeMo Switch, Wi-Fi Enabled, | Smart Strip 4940 LCG3 LCG3M Energy Saving Surge Protector with Autoswitching Technology, 10-Outlet | IDP-3050 - Surge Suppressor with Occupancy Sensor - 8 Outlet - 740 Joule - Dark Grey | HS100 Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled | Motion Activated Power Socket Electrical Outlet |
Watts | 1800 W | NA | NA | 500 W | 1800 W |
Model Details (from Manufacturer) | - Turn appliances and electronics on or off from anywhere - Set schedules and receive customized notifications |
- Ten-outlet surge protector with six-foot cord |
- 8 Outlet | - Turn electronics on or off from anywhere with your tablet or smart-phone using the free Kasa app (iOS, Android)
|
- Automatically switch on the power supply when human motion detected
|
Product Link | Click to get More Information & Buy | Click to get More Information & Buy | Click to get More Information & Buy | Click to get More Information & Buy | Click to get More Information & Buy |
* Smart Zero Home overall rating based on customer and retailer feedback and our 5 parameter market analyses
** Price is the best price available online, and may include discounted/bargain prices that may not be available everywhere
Also see our post on Connected Home 101 and Target's smart connected home.