Which appliances can go on a smart plug, and which cannot
Updated
Lamps, fans and holiday lights suit a smart plug. Refrigerators, space heaters and medical devices do not. Check wattage, device type and failure risks before you automate an appliance.
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Two questions before you plug anything in
- How many watts does the device draw? Find it on the label or the manual. A standard smart plug is commonly rated for 15 A at 120 V, which is 1,800 W. The total on that plug must stay below its rating.
- What happens if power is cut at the wrong moment? A lamp does not care. A freezer, a sump pump or a computer does.
The U.S. Fire Administration says to plug major appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers directly into a wall outlet, and never to use an extension cord with a major appliance. It also warns against overloading outlets and power strips. A smart plug is an adapter between the appliance and the outlet, so apply the same caution.
Good candidates
| Device | Why it works | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Table and floor lamps | Low wattage, simple on/off | Switch must stay on at the lamp |
| Holiday lights | Schedules and sunset triggers | Total wattage of the string; holiday lights on a smart timer |
| Fans and air purifiers | Run on a schedule | Device must restart by itself after power returns |
| Phone and tablet chargers | Stop standby draw overnight | Use low-power chargers; devices charge fine |
| Coffee makers with a mechanical switch | Start brewing from the app | Only for models that start when power is applied, and only when you are home |
| Window air conditioner | Remote on/off | Rated amps within the plug; see window AC smart control |
| Entertainment center | Cut standby power | Keep the DVR or router on an always-on outlet |
Devices to keep off a smart plug
- Refrigerators and freezers. If a plug fails, goes offline or gets turned off by mistake, food is at risk. FoodSafety.gov says a refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours without power if the door stays closed, and a full freezer for about 48 hours. Plug these directly into a wall outlet.
- Space heaters and other high-heat appliances. The Fire Administration advises plugging heaters directly into a wall outlet. See smart plug and space heater.
- Medical equipment. Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines and similar devices should not depend on a plug that can turn off remotely.
- Sump pumps, well pumps and security systems. A lost power command can lead to flooding or lost alarms.
- Computers, NAS drives and routers. Cutting power can corrupt files. Use a proper shutdown or an always-on outlet.
- Washers, dryers, ovens and stoves. These draw too much power or run on 240 V, which a standard plug cannot handle.
Motors, heaters and surge currents
Devices with motors, compressors or heating elements can draw a surge when they start. Check that the plug’s rating covers the running wattage with room to spare. A plug marked 15 A for resistive loads may have a lower rating for motors, so read the label. If the plug gets warm, discolored or smells like burning, unplug it and stop using it.
Reading the label and keeping it safe
Choose plugs that show a safety certification mark from a recognized testing laboratory. Keep the plug fully inserted, avoid stacking plugs on one outlet, and replace worn outlets. Plug-in energy monitoring models also show the actual watts, which helps you check the load: see energy-monitoring smart plugs. Outdoor use needs a weather-rated plug and a GFCI outlet: outdoor smart plugs.
Simple automations that earn their keep
- Lamp on at sunset, off at bedtime, with a vacation schedule that varies the times.
- Fan off after two hours.
- Holiday lights on at sunset, off at midnight.
- Notify when a washer or dryer finishes: four ways to set it up.
Shop by need
Lamps, fans and chargers
What to look for: 15 A rating, safety certification mark, compact body, Matter or your ecosystem, schedules and timers
Typical price: $10–$25
See options on AmazonWant to see the load
What to look for: energy monitoring that reports watts and kWh, 15 A rating, local control
Typical price: $12–$30
See options on AmazonOutdoor lights and decorations
What to look for: weatherproof rating (IP44 or higher), outdoor-rated, two controlled outlets, plugged into a GFCI outlet
Typical price: $20–$40
See options on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Can I put a refrigerator on a smart plug?
It is not recommended. If the plug is turned off or loses its connection, the food can spoil. Plug refrigerators and freezers directly into a wall outlet.
How many watts can a smart plug handle?
Most are rated for 15 A at 120 V, or 1,800 W. Check the label on your plug, because some have lower limits for motors and heaters.
Are smart plugs safe to leave plugged in all day?
Certified plugs used within their rating are designed for continuous use. Do not overload them, and replace any plug that is warm, damaged or discolored.
Can I use a smart plug with a space heater?
Fire safety agencies advise plugging heaters directly into a wall outlet, so a smart plug is not recommended. A heater with its own thermostat and tip-over shutoff is a better route.