How do Smart Power Strips Work?

Smart power strips are a simple way to save—both on the amount of electricity you use in your home, and on the cost of your energy bills. Just switching one standard power strip to a smart power strip can save you an average of $30 a year. Imagine how much you could save if all of your power strips were energy efficient!

How a Smart Power Strip Operates

A smart power strip has three types of outlets that help you reduce phantom energy that hikes up your electric bill. In this article, we'll talk about how Smart Strips® from BITS Limited LLC work, since these are the strips we provide to residents that receive free energy upgrades from our Community Connections program.

There are seven outlets on a BITS Limited Smart Strip®. The "control outlet"controls whether the four "automatically switched" outlets are switched on or off. Electronics like computers or TVs that have accessory items are plugged into the control outlet. Accessory items, like DVD players, game systems, or speakers, are plugged into the "automatically switched" outlets, and are only turned on when the control outlet is activated. This way, accessory items are only ever turned on when control items are on.

Imagine your DVD player and speakers are plugged into the "automatically switched" outlet, and your TV is plugged into the "control" outlet. When you use your remote to turn on your TV, your speakers and DVD player are automatically turned on as well. By using a Smart Strip®, all three of these electronics are prevented from using energy while in "standby" mode. When electronics are plugged into a standard power strip, they still use energy even if they're turned off. Smart Strips® keep this from happening, leading to reductions in your energy use and savings on your bills.

"Always on" outlets are for electronics that are always turned on, like clocks or cable-boxes. It's important to never plug in high-powered electronics (like extension cords, hair dryers, or kitchen appliances) into a power strip, or else you may start an electrical fire.

Start saving

Now that you know how smart power strips can cut back on pesky phantom energy and reduce the burden of your monthly electric bill, are you ready to start saving? Income eligible homeowners and renters can access FREE Smart Strips®, carbon monoxide detectors, LED lightbulbs, and additional energy upgrades through our Community Connections program. Not sure if you're eligible? No worries! Send us a message or give us a call—we're happy to chat!