Smart WiFi extension leads: control sockets by app and voice

A smart WiFi extension lead combines several mains sockets with smart control functions. Connected devices can be switched using the brennenstuhl®Connect app and, depending on the setup, controlled automatically with timers and schedules or by voice command. This can be useful wherever devices need to be controlled conveniently without having direct access to the extension lead.

brennenstuhl®Connect WiFi extension leads connect to the existing WiFi network, so no additional smart home hub or gateway is required. Depending on the model, individual sockets or groups of sockets can be controlled separately, while other sockets may remain permanently powered.

What is a smart WiFi extension lead?

A smart extension lead performs the same basic function as a conventional multi-socket extension lead but adds network-connected switching. This allows suitable connected devices to be controlled from a smartphone or tablet rather than only by a physical switch on the extension lead.

Smart control is particularly useful for devices that are difficult to reach, need to operate at particular times or should be switched together according to a routine. The available functions depend on the individual extension lead and its socket configuration.

How does a WiFi extension lead work?

The extension lead is connected to the local WiFi network and set up using the brennenstuhl®Connect app. Once configured, the switchable sockets can be controlled through the app. With an internet connection, compatible functions can also be used remotely, allowing connected equipment to be controlled when you are away from home.

brennenstuhl®Connect WiFi products use a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection. If a device cannot be added during setup, it can therefore be useful to check whether the router and smartphone are configured so that the 2.4 GHz network is available during installation.

What can I control with a smart extension lead?

A smart extension lead can be practical for electrical devices that can safely be switched through their mains supply. Typical applications can include lamps, selected entertainment equipment, desk equipment and other devices that do not need to remain permanently powered.

Before using automatic or remote switching, check how the connected device behaves when its mains supply is interrupted and restored. Some equipment requires continuous power for functions such as updates, timers, recordings or network connections, while other devices may not automatically restart when power is restored. The manufacturer's instructions for the connected device should therefore always be considered.

Can I set timers and schedules?

Yes. The brennenstuhl®Connect app supports time-controlled switching, allowing compatible sockets to be switched according to defined times and schedules. This can be useful, for example, when a device should only receive power during certain periods or when a regular routine should run automatically.

Schedules can also help avoid devices remaining powered unnecessarily simply because someone forgot to switch them off. Whether this actually reduces electricity consumption depends on the devices connected and their own power consumption.

Can a smart extension lead be controlled by voice?

brennenstuhl®Connect WiFi products can be integrated with supported voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. After the devices have been set up in the brennenstuhl®Connect app, compatible sockets can then be included in voice-control routines.

Clear names for individual sockets or devices can make voice control easier. For example, naming a controllable socket after the connected device or room can help the voice assistant distinguish between several smart sockets.

Do I need a hub or gateway for a WiFi extension lead?

No additional hub or gateway is required for brennenstuhl®Connect WiFi extension leads. They communicate through the existing WiFi router and are managed using the brennenstuhl®Connect app. This distinguishes these WiFi products from smart home devices that use other wireless standards and may require a separate gateway.

Can individual sockets be controlled separately?

This depends on the extension lead. Some smart models provide separately switchable sockets or socket groups together with sockets that remain permanently powered. This can be useful when certain devices should be controlled through the app while equipment such as a router needs a continuous power supply.

Always check the socket configuration of the individual product before purchasing, as not every socket on every smart extension lead necessarily offers the same switching function.

Can a smart extension lead help save electricity?

A smart extension lead can make it easier to prevent suitable devices from remaining powered unnecessarily by using remote control, timers or schedules. However, the potential saving depends on the standby consumption of the connected devices, how the automation is configured and the power required by the smart electronics themselves.

Smart control should therefore be seen primarily as a convenient way to manage connected equipment rather than as a guarantee of a particular energy saving. For devices that only need simple manual switching, a conventional switched extension lead may already be sufficient.

What is the difference between a smart extension lead and an individually switched extension lead?

An individually switched extension lead allows sockets to be controlled directly using physical switches. A smart extension lead adds network-based control and, depending on the model, functions such as remote switching, schedules and voice control.

If devices only need to be switched independently while you are nearby, physical individual switches may be the simpler solution. If automatic routines or remote control are useful, a smart extension lead provides additional flexibility. More information on the conventional alternative is available under Individually switched extension leads.

What should I look for when choosing a smart extension lead?

Start by considering which devices you want to connect and which of them actually need smart control. Check how many sockets are switchable, whether permanently powered sockets are required and whether the available app, timer and voice-control functions fit the intended application. The number and arrangement of sockets, cable length and additional features such as surge protection should also be considered.

As with every extension lead, the combined power consumption of all connected equipment must remain within the maximum electrical load specified for the individual product. Smart switching changes how the sockets are controlled, but it does not increase the electrical capacity of the extension lead.

When is a smart WiFi extension lead useful?

A smart WiFi extension lead is particularly useful when several electrical devices need to be controlled from one location and remote or automatic switching provides a genuine practical benefit. It can combine conventional power distribution with app control, schedules and voice control without requiring an additional hub for the WiFi connection.

For a simple setup where devices only need to be switched on and off together or individually at the extension lead itself, a conventional switched model may be sufficient. The best solution therefore depends less on having as many smart functions as possible and more on how the connected devices are actually used.