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Smart Plugs & Sockets

Smart plugs and sockets let you switch an appliance from an app, a voice assistant, a schedule or a remote instead of the switch on the wall. This collection holds plug-in smart plugs, such as the Ajax Socket Type G, the ESP Fort ECSPSP and the Pyronix SMARTPLUG, and Knightsbridge wall sockets that replace a 2G switched socket: the CU9KW Wi-Fi socket, the OP9KW outdoor socket and the CU9R with an RF remote.

Choosing Smart Plugs & Sockets

Decide first whether you want a plug-in adaptor or a replacement wall socket, then which app or system will control it.

Plug-in smart plugs

A plug-in smart plug sits between an ordinary socket and the appliance. The Ajax Socket Type G plugs pair only with an Ajax hub or range extender over Jeweller radio, and switch from the Ajax app, a local button or automation scenarios. The Pyronix SMARTPLUG works only with the Pyronix HomeControlHUB app over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and the ESP Fort ECSPSP has Wi-Fi controlled 13A and USB sockets controlled and scheduled from an app.

Smart wall sockets

The Knightsbridge CU9KW replaces an existing 2G switched socket with a 13A Wi-Fi version that works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri Shortcuts and shows power use in the app. The OP9KW does the same job outdoors: a 2G socket rated IP66 and IK08 for outdoor lighting and water features, controlled through the SmartKnight or Smartlife apps on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Neither is suitable for EV charging.

Remote control without Wi-Fi

The Knightsbridge CU9R is a 13A 2G switched socket with an RF key fob that controls either outlet from up to 30m away. The CU9R carries a maximum load of 2990W and needs a mounting box of 25-35mm, depending on wiring conditions.

Energy monitoring and protection

The Ajax Socket Type G models measure voltage, current, instantaneous power and cumulative energy, and cut the supply when a current limit you set between 1 and 16 A is passed. Both Ajax plugs have child-safety shutters.

ProductModelControlNote
Ajax Socket Type G32632.34.WH1Ajax hub, Jeweller radio13A/3kW, energy metering
ESP Fort smart plugECSPSPWi-Fi app13A and USB sockets
Pyronix smart plugSMARTPLUGHomeControlHUB app2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Knightsbridge smart socketCU9KWWi-Fi app, voice2G, power monitoring
Knightsbridge outdoor smart socketOP9KWSmartKnight or Smartlife appIP66, IK08
Knightsbridge RF socketCU9RKey fob remoteUp to 30m range

Brands we stock in Smart Plugs & Sockets

Ajax, ESP, Knightsbridge and Pyronix.

Ajax plugs join an Ajax hub, the Pyronix plug uses the HomeControlHUB app, the ESP Fort plug works with Click Smart+ devices, and Knightsbridge makes the wall sockets.

Related categories

Build a wider system from smart home and automation, compare standard plug sockets and outdoor and weatherproof sockets, add wireless controls, or read our Help & Support guides.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a smart plug or a smart wall socket?

Choose a plug-in smart plug to add control without touching the wiring, and a smart wall socket when you are replacing the socket itself. Plugs such as the Ajax Socket Type G and the Pyronix SMARTPLUG go into an existing socket, while the Knightsbridge CU9KW replaces a 2G switched socket indoors and the OP9KW an outdoor 2G socket.

Do these smart plugs need a hub?

Some do. The Ajax Socket Type G plugs pair only with an Ajax hub or range extender and join an Ajax alarm system over Jeweller radio. The Pyronix SMARTPLUG connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and works only with the Pyronix HomeControlHUB app, and the ESP Fort ECSPSP and the Knightsbridge CU9KW and OP9KW connect to Wi-Fi and are run from an app.

Can I switch a socket with Alexa or Google Assistant?

Yes, with the Knightsbridge Wi-Fi sockets. The CU9KW indoor 2G socket and the OP9KW outdoor 2G socket are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri Shortcuts, and both can switch on a schedule and show power monitoring in the app.

Which smart plugs monitor energy use?

The Ajax Socket Type G plugs have a built-in energy meter that reports voltage, current, instantaneous power and cumulative energy, with 1 W resolution on the 32631. The 32632.34.WH1 is rated 13A/3kW and lets you set a current cut-off from 1 to 16 A. The Knightsbridge CU9KW and OP9KW also show power monitoring in their app.

Is there a smart socket for outdoor use?

Yes, the Knightsbridge OP9KW is a 13A 2G outdoor socket rated IP66 and IK08 that you control from the SmartKnight or Smartlife apps or by voice. The OP9KW uses 0.8W on standby, connects on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only and is not suitable for EV charging.

What is an RF remote control socket?

It is a wall socket you switch with a small radio remote instead of a phone app. The Knightsbridge CU9R is a 13A 2G switched socket whose key fob controls either outlet from up to 30m, with a maximum load of 2990W. The fob comes with 2 x 3V CR2016 lithium batteries, and the CU9R can still be switched by hand.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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