Automation

Is a smart plug worth it?

Short answer

Sometimes. A smart plug uses power itself; new networked devices may use up to 2.00 W in networked standby. A simple energy-saving plug uses 0.1 to 0.3 W.

Explanation

A smart plug can measure and switch remotely. Handy to find standby consumption or put an appliance on a schedule. If it only switches off something that has little standby itself, the plug uses more than it saves.

Rules of thumb

• Simple energy-saving plugs use 0.1 to 0.3 W themselves; networked standby of new devices at most 2.00 W. [SW-S55, SW-S54]
• Worked example: 2 W day and night is about 17.5 kWh per year (2 W × 8760 hours). [SW-S54]
• Use a smart plug first to measure; then choose a permanent solution. [SW-S55]

Pitfalls

• Not suitable for high-current appliances or appliances that must not switch off unexpectedly (fridge, heating); check the maximum power. (practical tip, not a source value)

Search terms

These search terms are in Dutch; only terms that also find a topic in English are links.

slimme stekker sluipverbruik meten schakelen

Read also

• How much power do devices use on standby?
• Do smart bulbs use power when they are off?

Sources

1. SW-S54 Verordening (EU) 2023/826 — off-modus, standby en netwerkstandby — Europese Commissie (EUR-Lex) (Reference date 2026-09-27)
2. SW-S55 Voorkom sluipverbruik — Milieu Centraal (Reference date 2026-09-27)

Reference date: 2026-09-27 · Translated with AI from the Dutch original.