Best Electrical Outlet Switches in 2022

Last update: January 20, 2023

Can a switch and outlet be on same circuit?

A switch and outlet can be on the same circuit if the outlet is wired correctly. The outlet must be wired so that the hot wire is connected to the brass screw and the neutral wire is connected to the silver screw. If the outlet is not wired correctly, the switch will not work.

Do I need 15a or 20A switch?

If you are wondering if you need a 15a or 20a switch, the answer depends on the amperage rating of the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker is 15 amps, then you will need a 15a switch. If the circuit breaker is 20 amps, then you will need a 20a switch.

How do I choose a wall switch?

There are many different types of wall switches, and the one you choose will depend on your specific needs. If you are looking for a switch to control a light, you will need a different type of switch than if you are looking for a switch to control an appliance. You will also need to consider the size of the switch and the style that you prefer.

How do you tell if an outlet is controlled by a switch?

If you have a multimeter, you can test to see if an outlet is controlled by a switch by testing for continuity. First, turn off the power to the outlet at the breaker box. Then, remove the outlet cover plate and unscrew the outlet from the electrical box. With the multimeter set to the continuity setting, touch one probe to the black “hot” wire terminal and the other probe to the brass screw terminal. If the multimeter beeps, then the outlet is controlled by a switch. If there is no continuity, then the outlet is not controlled by


Outdoor Smart Plug, TECKIN Outdoor Wi-Fi Outlet with 2 Sockets, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Wireless Remote Control/Timer by Smartphone, IP44 Waterproof, FCC/RoHS certified Review:


For the price, this is a really durable unit. The device, which plugs into your wall outlet as shown in the image, includes a short heavy-duty chord that allows for ideal positioning of the outlet to get a WiFi signal. The two outlets on this outlet can be controlled separately from one another if you set it up in the app as a multi-outlet. Very simple and intuitive to set up for smartphone control; I haven't tried Alexa or Google Home, but I'm sure it would be just as simple. Given that this is an outside trash can, WiFi signal strength and coverage are important considerations. The device itself doesn't need a strong signal to work; I was able to connect to my garden shed, which is 100 feet away from the house, with just one "bar" of WiFi signal using a smartphone. My router, however, is located on the top level of the building. The capabilities and placement of your router or access point will, in the end, be the limiting factor for range outside. It will function if you can send even a mediocre signal to the receptacle. In light of the foregoing, it will be beneficial to raise the device a little bit off the ground in order to improve signal reception.To answer any questions, this gadget can be controlled even if the controlling device (such as a smartphone) is not on the same WiFi network. For instance, I could use my phone and the cellular network to control the outlets from a town 20 miles away. When you wish to take a hands-off approach, the app also contains timer and countdown functions that are useful. All I can ask for is that these units be robust, economical, and capable of carrying out the task for which they were designed.



Etekcity Wireless Remote Control Outlet Light Switch for Lights, Lamps, Christmas Decorations, Plug and Go, Up to 100 ft. Range, FCC, ETL Listed, White (Learning Code, 5Rx-2Tx) Review:


These outlets with remote controls are great!Pros - Very simple to set up. Each one may be set up in less than 30 seconds.- The remote controls' range is greater than claimed (and they work without direct line-of-sight).Much if these things perform even better than anticipated, I'm deducting one point for the following two drawbacks (none of which is particularly problematic; rather, they are only inconvenient):Cons: These remote control outlets are a tiny bit too big, so anything other than a simple plug won't fit in a wall outlet that is shared with another plug. The size of the batteries is peculiar. They resemble half-length AAAs, but I'm not sure what they're officially known as. Not a major deal, but not the kind of stuff you'd likely just have laying around when it's time to change the batteries, as I've already said.TIP: Because of the remote control's simple appearance, it can be challenging to distinguish between the top and bottom of the device when it's dark. In order to tell which way is up when you're fumbling around in the dark, I've found that putting an elastic band (or a hair band) across the bottom (see photo) is helpful.



Outdoor Smart Plug, Etekcity Easy Setup WiFi Energy Monitoring Outlet with 2 Sockets, Work with Alexa, Google Home, Wireless Remote Control/Timer, 15A/1800W, Anti-Overheat, IP44 Waterproof, ETL Listed Review:


I bought it with the intention of being able to track the energy consumption of a pool pump because I was interested in how much it truly cost to run one. I also had plans to schedule and track the energy use of outdoor lighting over the holidays. Although I haven't tested it for the latter, the pool pump has been using it for nearly two months. The setup was simple, the software is good, and I haven't experienced any connectivity problems. The few times I have used it to turn the pump on and off, it has always done so quickly and without any issues. I like that it has two outlets that can be controlled individually (I'm only using one right now, but I'll love having the option to control circuits on different timers when the holidays roll around).My main goal was to keep an eye on electricity utilization. There are a few graphs in the app to view usage over time, and it does provide real-time power draw in volts and watts. The biggest issue I have, though, is that there are extremely few opportunities to review historical data. For instance, you can switch between a "weekly," "monthly," and "yearly" view, but you cannot scroll backward in time within any of those. Therefore, there is no opportunity for me to view a weekly graph for the previous week. Likewise, there is no ability to scroll past months if I wish to compare one month to another. I do enjoy the option to include a fee per kWH so that usage can be shown in actual monetary limitations rather of just kWH, but locating this feature was not simple.There is an option to switch off an outlet when a particular amount has been spent, but what about an option to send a notification instead of turning off a device when criteria are met? An option to send an alert if it goes outside of a predetermined range but keep the pool pump running would be nice in my case because I can see that the power usage on my pool pump drops significantly over a period of 1-2 days if the filter is getting clogged or dirty and otherwise remains very stable when it is clean.I'm satisfied with the end result overall. The fact that this is being used as a "energy monitoring" gadget makes me wish it had more energy monitoring-specific functions, as it looks to be primarily a smart outlet that also happens to record very little consumption information. But I've continued to use it because it serves my needs well enough.



BN-LINK Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch for Lights, Fans, Christmas Lights, Small Appliance, Long Range White (Learning Code, 3Rx-1Tx) 1200W/10A Review:


This product is excellent. Simple to set up, program, and utilize. The three outlets are already pre-programmed. However, it is simple to reprogram them such that they are operated by the same buttons. Simply insert the outlet into the wall, push the side-mounted "learn" button until it flashes, and then hit the appropriate remote control button. The instructions are thorough and simple to follow. Now that all of my additional lighting on walls and beneath cabinets turns on with only the push of a button, I can light up my garage.Range is outstanding. I've even used my garage door opener to open my garage door and this remote to switch on the lights inside the car. I now have two more remotes that I can use in my own vehicles because I purchased three sets. The third one may be found and used at any time because it is installed on the wall inside my garage, next to my main lighting switches.The remote's dimensions are 3-1/2" long by 1-1/2" wide, and it just measures 1/2' thick.All nine of the additional units I bought are set to the same remote button.There is space to put something else into the lower socket after the remote outlet has been inserted into the upper socket.



DEWENWILS Outdoor Indoor Remote Control Outlet Power Strip Weatherproof, Expandable Wireless Electrical Plug in Light Switch, 15 AMP Heavy Duty, 7-Inch Extension Cord, 100 FT Range, ETL Listed, Black Review:


This is the third or fourth outdoor remote I've tried from Amazon, and it's been the longest-lasting and most reliable thus far!I believe a significant portion of this is because you plug whatever you need to control into the unit's bottom. Because it faces down, the outlet on the device doesn't get wet. I've even gone so far as to use silicone sealer to prevent interior moisture in previous units. This one has been in heavy rain and below-freezing conditions here in Wisconsin, but I haven't done that to it. When the dogs are out back, I use it to turn on a light in my garage. Additionally, only this one had an on/off button on the device. When pushed or activated with the remote, that button turns green. The previous remotes I tried would usually break in the rain or the cold, but this one is still working great! Highly suggested.



Fosmon C-10683 Wireless Remote Control Outdoor Electrical Outlet Switch Weatherproof Heavy Duty 3-Prong Plug-in ETL Listed (Battery Included), 1 PACK Review:


I bought this switch so I could use a shop vac to collect dust in my store. This switch seemed like a decent value because there are switches that are specifically intended for this use, but they cost three to five times as much and don't have greater amperage ratings.It was sent swiftly, and I set it up as instructed, but the switch wouldn't work. I took the battery out and cleaned it, but nothing changed. I looked through my supply of batteries and discovered a matching one, a CR-2023, if I remember properly. I inserted my batteries and again followed the instructions to plug in the wall unit and press the remote's button to couple the devices while the LED was blinking. This time, everything went smoothly.So my dust collection system now has a functional remote. If it arrived with a good battery, I'd give it five stars. That appears to be a problem with this unit frequently.



Smart plug, Gosund Mini Wifi Outlet Works With Alexa, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control Your Home Appliances from Anywhere, ETL Certified,Only Supports 2.4GHz Network(4 Pieces) Review:


None of my plugs responded to Procedure 1, the supposedly "simple" method. Simply said, it would never identify them. So I switched them to AP mode on the plugs, and it worked flawlessly. Using the Smart Life app, AP mode was really simple to use, and I had no issues.When you first install the app, you must create a Smart Life account, which is simple to do. I have four plugs that control the holiday lighting in my home. In the Smart Life app, I made a group and added a timer to it so that all of my holiday lights turn on at 4:30 and go out at 10:30. Utilizing the Smart Life app is quite easy.I then used my Alexa app to activate the Smart Life skill and link it to my Smart Life account so that I could also activate them using voice commands. However, Alexa is unable to recognize the group name. She simply observes the distinct gadgets. Therefore, voice commands must be used to turn on each device individually. For the time being, that's okay because I only use voice instructions for the Christmas tree. Because the "simple" way didn't work and I had to use AP mode, I was torn between rating it four instead of five stars. However, AP mode was really simple, I love that I can control everything with Alexa, and the cost was also extremely reasonable. I received five stars as a result. Hope they endure!



Smart Switch, Gosund Smart Light Switch Works with Alexa, Google home and IFTTT, with Remote Control and Schedule, Neutral Wire Required, Single-Pole, No Hub required, ETL and FCC listed Review:


To replace the worn-out timers I had on my four outdoor lights, I purchased these WIFI smart switches. They were just what I was looking for and extremely affordable, so I bought them on a whim. When I first received the switches, I noted that they were packaged luxuriously, much like an iPhone. The switches inside appeared to be functional. I began to study the directions for installing the switches and establishing their connection with the Smart Life App. When I saw instructions such, "First, long press the button for around 5 seconds," I felt apprehensive. It is obvious that the instructions were written by a person who does not speak English very well. When it comes to its English explanations, the software exhibits the same issue.Having said that, the switches went in just as promised and functioned once they were put after deciphering the instructions. Similar to that, after getting to know the software, I was able to automate the switches in any method I could think of. In terms of programming and manipulating switches, the Smart Life App appears to be a really solid piece of software that is both simple to use and highly powerful.The last challenge was connecting my switches to my Echo, and once more, the instructions proved to be the largest obstacle. Alexa was able to operate my four light switches after I figured out what the instructions were trying to teach me.I'm quite happy with this buy. The switches provided automation without the need for a hub or bridge, which was just what I needed. The switches were inexpensive and simple to install. The Smart Life App, which I used to manage my home automation project, ended up being a helpful and well-made app. Don't let the directions deter you. They are a little difficult to understand, but that is the one drawback to an otherwise top-notch product.



Mini Smart Plug Outlet Compatible with Alexa Google Assistant IFTTT, No Hub Required, ETL and FCC Listed Only 2.4GHz Wifi Enabled Remote Control Smart Socket by Gosund Review:


Okay, I just took it out of the package, read the instruction booklet, downloaded the app, and it basically guided me through the process! Even though I'm not terrible with technology, sometimes it might be confusing. NOT THIS! Super simple setup I intended to buy a couple more because I think it's great but now I see that they're sold out and others are selling it for around $40! It cost me less than $8. Even if it's fantastic, I wouldn't suggest them at that price. Instead, I'll wait for my vendors to return; I absolutely adore this.



Etekcity WiFi Smart Plug, Voltson Mini Outlet with Energy Monitoring (4-Pack), No Hub Required, ETL Listed, White, Works with Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT Review:


Okay, I just took it out of the package, read the instruction booklet, downloaded the app, and it basically guided me through the process! Even though I'm not terrible with technology, sometimes it might be confusing. NOT THIS! Super simple setup I intended to buy a couple more because I think it's great but now I see that they're sold out and others are selling it for around $40! It cost me less than $8. Even if it's fantastic, I wouldn't suggest them at that price. Instead, I'll wait for my vendors to return; I absolutely adore this.


How do you tell if switch is 15 or 20 amps?

How many receptacles can be on a 20 amp circuit?

There is no limit to the number of receptacles that can be on a 20 amp circuit, as long as the total amperage draw does not exceed 20 amps.

Is it OK to put a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to put a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit. The 15 amp outlet will only draw as much power as it needs, so there is no danger of overloading the circuit.

Is it OK to replace a 15 amp outlet with a 20 amp?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to replace a 15 amp outlet with a 20 amp outlet. In fact, doing so may even be beneficial as it will allow you to plug in devices that require up to 20 amps of power.

What amp are most home outlets?

Most home outlets in the United States are 110-120 volt outlets. These outlets are designed to work with small appliances and electronics. Larger appliances, such as washers and dryers, need 220-240 volt outlets.

What are the 3 types of switches?

There are three types of switches: 1. Single pole switch – this switch controls one circuit and is the most common type of switch. 2. Double pole switch – this switch controls two circuits and is often used for 240 volt applications. 3. Three-way switch – this switch controls two circuits and is used in three-way or four-way lighting applications.