{
  "id": 16803737,
  "title": "I regret connecting these 4 devices to smart plugs, and I wish someone told me sooner",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/i-regret-connecting-these-4-devices-to-smart-plugs-and-i-wish-someone",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-27T21:30:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/regret-connecting-these-devices-to-smart-plugs-wish-someone-told-sooner/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Smart plugs offer convenience by allowing remote control of devices, but they are not universally suitable. Initially, I connected various devices, including lamps, coffee makers, and speakers, to smart plugs. While these devices functioned well, certain situations made me reconsider.\n\nOne issue arose with TVs, particularly OLED models. Despite the convenience of setting a time limit, smart plugs could not fully power on the TV, leaving the remote necessary. Worse, they could potentially damage the TV by cutting power during critical maintenance routines or during updates. The risk to hardware and software made me remove my main TV from the smart plug.\n\nHeaters, even compact models, should also be avoided. They generate heat, which can cause power surges or damage when interacted with by a smart plug. Safety became the primary concern, and I stopped using smart plugs for heaters.\n\nAnother example was routers. Connecting routers to smart plugs initially seemed beneficial for periodic reboots, but this often resulted in accidental shutdowns during critical tasks. The occasional failures made me realize that smart plugs were not a reliable solution for powering these devices.\n\nIn conclusion, smart plugs are valuable tools when used appropriately. However, caution is essential when selecting devices to connect. Safety and the potential for damage must be considered to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.",
  "summary": "Automation is convenient, but some devices are better left alone.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}