We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Outlet Switch?

By Ken Black
Updated: Feb 26, 2024
Views: 7,658
Share

An outlet switch is a device that regulates the power to an electrical outlet. It works the same way a light switch does, allowing power to flow, or cutting it off as needed. The outlet switch may be located directly on an outlet, or may remotely send a wireless signal to the device that is plugged into the wall.

While most devices, such as coffee makers, stereos, satellite boxes, and computers, can be turned off, there may still be some power flow going to these items. This electricity is used for appliance features such as standby mode, clocks, timers, or similar functions that use energy even when the device is seemingly dormant. To save energy, or to prevent fire hazards, some people like to completely cut off the power to such items. In the past, the surest way to do this was by unplugging the device from the wall. The outlet switch offers an alternative.

The outlet switch works by being plugged directly into a standard electrical outlet. It will have one or more receptacles into which devices can be plugged, along with a switch, usually on top of the device. The switch be backlit, so that it is easier to see in the dark. It will also usually be clearly marked with "on/off" on opposite sides of that switch.

Those who wish to use outlet switches, may find they are somewhat inconvenient, especially if installed on hard-to-reach outlets. To help counter this inconvenience, there is also an option for a wireless electrical outlet switch. This device will usually not have any cutoff on the physical wall unit, but will have a remotely-operated switch. When triggered, the switch will send a signal to the device directing it to open or close the circuit.

In addition to the convenience factor of outlet switches, some also serve a safety role. Some switches come with a built-in surge protector, which will protect appliances from electrical surges in the wiring. Without this protection, a power surge could render expensive appliances and electronics useless.

Outlet switches can be purchased cheaply online, and in many retail hardware stores. Many come in pairs, or even packs of four, depending on what the consumer wants. There is usually no setup required, other than simply plugging them in. The remote portion of a wireless outlet switch usually runs off a standard AA or AAA battery, which may or may not be included.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-an-outlet-switch.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.