The smart home market has been booming for several years. One of the easiest ways to participate in this revolution is through smart plugs. Among the cool things that smart plugs can do, they are very versatile for simple electronic devices, lamps and fans. They’re often much cheaper than purchasing a dedicated smart device, such as a smart thermostat, and they allow you to sync with a smart assistant like Google Nest or Alexa for voice control.
However, like all electronic devices, smart plugs have an expiration date. On average, you can expect a smart plug to last three to five years, or even longer if you take good care of it. Since one of the main benefits of a smart plug is the ability to save energy and money, a longer lifespan naturally leads to more savings.
Another major benefit of a smart plug is the durability aspect. However, for a smart plug to justify its green argument, it must save more energy over its lifespan than was used in its intrinsic or total manufacturing. You can meet this requirement by being gentle and strategic in how you use your smart plug to ensure its longevity.
How to extend the life of your smart plug
The main enemies of a smart plug are heat, electrical stress, humidity and mechanical wear. With these threats in mind, avoid operating your outlet at its maximum load when possible. You can begin this process by looking at the wattage/amperage of the outlet. If you approach this value with high-load appliances like heaters or air fryers, the internal circuits can heat up more and wear out more quickly. You should also avoid devices that require continuous, uninterrupted power or manual control, such as medical equipment and some power strips, as BGR’s guide to devices you should never use with a smart plug points out.
Also try to avoid appliances with high power consumption (power surge on start-up), unless your outlet is explicitly designed for them. Appliances like refrigerators or pumps draw a ton of current when starting up, which eventually stresses and wears out the plug. You’ll also want to keep a smart plug as cool as possible by placing it in a well-ventilated space. For example, try to avoid storing it in a cramped area behind your desk and make sure it stays dust-free.
More Tips and Signs to Extend Life: Your Smart Plug Is Having Trouble
Another way to ensure your outlet is working optimally is to make sure it always has the latest firmware from the manufacturer. You don’t need to check daily, but scheduling a monthly check-in is a good idea. Updated firmware can improve thermal management, connectivity stability and fix bugs.
You’ll also want to reserve smart plugs for dry, clean environments. Unless the plug is specifically designed for outdoor use, you should avoid using it in places like bathrooms, kitchens, or near sources of steam. Moisture means corrosion, and corrosion can lead to short circuits, which can pose a fire hazard and shorten the life of your device.
The main signs that your smart plug is reaching the end of its life include discoloration or yellowing around the prongs or plug, unusual sounds (crackling, buzzing), or an ionized electrical smell. Additionally, any intermittent shutdowns or increases in heat output are signs that it’s time to pull your plug. If you need a replacement, check out our expert-tested recommendations.