Sockets

How do smart sockets work?

A smart socket is an adapter plugged into a standard 230 V wall outlet. The connected device — a lamp, TV, coffee machine, humidifier or printer — is cut off or powered by a relay inside the adapter, controlled via a mobile app, a time schedule or an automation. No electrical work is required: simply plug in the smart plug, set it up in the app and you are ready.

Smart electrical sockets are useful wherever it is more convenient to control a device remotely than to walk to a physical switch, and for scheduling (turn the coffee on at 7 AM, turn the TV off at 11 PM) and monitoring energy consumption per device.

Energy metering: how much power is your equipment drawing?

Models with a built-in wattmeter display current power draw in watts, total kWh consumption and estimated energy cost in the app. A practical tool for identifying standby-mode devices that waste power unnecessarily:

• BlitzWolf BW-SHP6 — 16 A, real-time power, voltage and current metering, consumption history
• BlitzWolf BW-SHP2 — 16 A, compact energy meter with overload alerts
• Meross MSS310HK — 16 A with Apple HomeKit certification, energy metering visible in the Home app
• Sonoff WS01 — LCD display showing live power, current and voltage readings, WiFi

Energy metering is especially useful when connecting a fridge, air conditioner, boiler or audio equipment, where consumption can be surprisingly high.

Apple HomeKit: sockets compatible with the Home app

For iPhone and iPad users the best choice is an Apple HomeKit-certified socket that communicates locally via the router without the Meross cloud:

• Meross MSS210HK — basic HomeKit smart plug, no energy metering
• Meross MSS310HK — HomeKit with real-time energy metering

Both models integrate with iOS Shortcuts, Home app automations and support Siri without configuring external platforms. These are the only HomeKit-native sockets in the homescreen.pl range.

Tuya and Smart Life: broad compatibility with Alexa and Google

Sockets based on the Tuya platform (BlitzWolf, Gosund) connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Home without additional gateways. Popular models:

• BlitzWolf BW-SHP7 — compact, does not block the adjacent socket, 10 A, Tuya
• BlitzWolf BW-SHP8 — Schuko format, 16 A, energy metering, Tuya
• BlitzWolf BW-SHP10 — 15 A, Tuya, compact housing
• Gosund SP1, SP111, SP112 — popular Tuya models, frequently used by hobbyists for flashing ESPHome or Tasmota firmware for full local control
• Gosund SP211 — dual socket in one adapter, two independent channels

Sonoff sockets: eWeLink app and automations

Sonoff offers WiFi sockets managed through the eWeLink app with extensive automation options:

• Sonoff S26 — basic WiFi smart plug, broad compatibility, simple setup
• Sonoff S60 — compact housing, does not block the adjacent socket in a dual outlet
• Sonoff WS01 — with LCD display, power, current and voltage readings on screen without opening the app

Maximum load: what can and cannot be connected

Most smart sockets support 10–16 A, giving 2300–3680 W at 230 V. That covers most household appliances. However, avoid connecting through a smart plug:

• High continuous-draw equipment: kettles above 2000 W, ovens, dishwashers without parameter verification
• Heating devices running unattended
• Life-support medical devices

Always check the maximum load stated in the specific model's specification and compare it with the rated power of the device being connected.

Outdoor sockets: garden and terrace

For outdoor use (garden lighting, sprinklers, terrace lighting) you need a socket with at least IP44 protection, resistant to splashing and rain. BlitzWolf BW-SHP14 is a model in a sealed enclosure for outdoor mounting. With an outdoor smart socket you can automatically turn garden decorations on at dusk and off at dawn without going outside.

Compact models vs standard

Standard smart sockets have a housing that blocks the adjacent outlet in a dual wall socket. If you want to use both sockets simultaneously, look for compact models with a plug on the side or bottom of the housing. Sonoff S60 and BlitzWolf BW-SHP7 are examples of models designed not to block the neighbouring outlet.

Related categories

Smart sockets complement the home automation ecosystem. Also check: smart power strips for managing multiple devices at one point, in-wall modules, touch wall switches and sensors for condition-triggered automations.

FAQ — Smart sockets

Does a smart socket need to stay plugged in all the time?

Yes, a smart socket must remain connected to power and to the WiFi network at all times to respond to remote commands and run schedules. The connected device is switched off by the relay inside the adapter, but the socket itself draws about 0.5–1 W in standby.

How to connect a smart socket to Amazon Alexa?

BlitzWolf and Gosund Tuya-based sockets require activation through the Smart Life or Tuya Smart app, then linking the Smart Life account to Alexa via the Skills menu in the Alexa app. After linking, you can control the socket by voice. Sonoff models use the eWeLink app and the dedicated eWeLink Alexa Skill.

Smart socket with HomeKit: which to choose?

The only HomeKit-native sockets at homescreen.pl are Meross MSS210HK (no energy metering) and MSS310HK (with energy metering). Both work locally, require no gateway and integrate with the Home app, Siri and iOS automations. MSS310HK is the better choice if you also want to track power consumption.