Smart power strips cut electricity by shutting off outlets to devices in standby mode when your main appliance turns off.
That standby power — sometimes called phantom load — quietly runs up your bill even when gear looks off. A smart power strip takes the decision out of your hands: plug a TV into the control outlet, connect the console and speakers to the switched outlets, and the strip kills their power when the TV goes to sleep. The result is automatic savings with zero daily effort.
What Makes a Strip “Smart” About Energy?
A smart power strip, also called an advanced power strip, senses when the main device switches into standby mode. That triggers the strip to cut electricity to the peripheral outlets, stopping the small but constant draw from things like game consoles, printers, and speakers.
The savings come from eliminating these phantom loads. The strip doesn’t make your TV more efficient — it stops the gear around it from sipping power all day. For example, the TP-Link Kasa HS300 gives you six smart outlets, letting you control each device individually through the Kasa app while monitoring how much energy each one uses.
The Energy Math: What Standby Power Costs You
The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that standby power can account for 5% to 10% of residential electricity use.
| Device | Typical Standby Draw | Smart Strip Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Game console | 1–5 watts idle | Cut to zero when TV off |
| Speakers / soundbar | 2–10 watts | Cut to zero when TV off |
| Desktop computer | 3–15 watts idle | Cut when monitor off |
| Printer | 1–4 watts | Cut when workstation off |
Setting One Up the Right Way
Setup is straightforward, but the wiring matters. Put the main device on the control outlet and connect only peripherals that are safe to lose power when the main device turns off.
- Entertainment centers: TV on the control outlet; console, soundbar, and streaming box on the switched outlets.
- Home offices: Desktop or monitor as the trigger; printer, speakers, and phone chargers on the switched outlets.
- Configuration: Some models like the Kasa HS300 let you set automation schedules in the app, while simpler strips detect power draw automatically.
Know the limits. Never put a refrigerator, medical device, or anything that must stay powered on a switched outlet. And check your strip’s ratings — the Kasa HS300 handles 15A and 1,875W maximum, while the Eve Energy Strip, which requires iOS 12.1 or later, tops out at 15A and 1,800W.
What Smart Strips Don’t Do
App-based remote control is not the same as automatic energy saving. Turning a lamp off from your phone is convenient, but the energy win comes from the automatic cutoff behavior. A strip with smart features but no automation saves little on its own.
Wi-Fi-enabled strips can also be picky about networks. The Kasa HS300 needs a secured 2.4 GHz connection and won’t work on 5 GHz-only networks. If you’re checking out options for your home, our roundup of the best energy-saving power strips covers models that fit different setups.
FAQs
Are smart power strips worth the money?
The value grows if you have gaming consoles, home theater gear, or an office setup that sits idle most of the day.
Can I use one for a refrigerator?
No. Refrigerators and medical devices must never be plugged into switched outlets because interrupting their power can spoil food or create safety risks. Smart strips are designed for electronics and peripherals, not appliances that need constant power.
Do I need an app for smart strips to save energy?
Not always. Many advanced power strips sense power draw automatically without any app. App-connected models like the Kasa HS300 add scheduling and energy monitoring, but the core savings come from the automatic shutoff feature, not from the app itself.
References & Sources
- Harvard Gazette. “Higher-IQ power strips will save Holyoke energy.” Documents smart strip cost and workplace savings.
- HowStuffWorks. “How Smart Power Strips Work.” Explains the sensing mechanism behind advanced power strips.
- OPPD The Wire. “Smart Power Strips: How They Work.” Utility explainer on standby power reduction.