In order to function, electrical appliances by definition need to be connected to electricity via a power outlet. But any connection involves energy consumption, even if the devices are not turned on. You can remedy this with a simple accessory: the programmable plug. It is available in electric or mechanical versions depending on your budget and preferences, and is very easy to use. With it, you decide when your devices will actually be powered, even if they are continuously plugged in. This saves on electricity and reduces the risk of overheating or accidents, due to a short burst of juice or failure. If you want to equip yourself, take a look at our suggestions for programmable sockets to buy online.
Our selection of the best programmable plugs:
Digital Programmable Plug, Novkit
Amazon
€20.99
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ManoMano
€25.36
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eBay
€37.27
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For your radiators, string lights, fans and many more, use this digital programmable socket from Novkit. It offers 3 on/off slots per day that you can configure according to your needs and devices. This socket is very quiet, so it can be installed in a bedroom. It is equipped with a safety system for children.
- 3 on/off slots per day
- Silent
- Widescreen
- Child Safety Lock
- Versatility
Digital Programmable Socket
Cdiscount
€14.97
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ManoMano
€20.50
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Amazon
€25.89
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Darty
€32.52
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Fnac
€56.98
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If you want to save energy, use this digital programmable plug. Thanks to the timer, you can be sure that your devices will turn off, even if you forget to do it yourself. This outlet offers 10 different programs so you can choose from 16 daily program combinations according to your needs. It has a large, easy-to-read LCD display.
- 10 different programs
- 16 Daily Program Combinations
- Digital Timer
- Large LCD display
- Energy Saving
Daily programmable socket
Cdiscount
€10.04
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Don't leave your electrical appliances plugged in for no reason by powering them through this daily programmable outlet. It can be programmed to run and shut down for 24 hours depending on your needs and what you plug into it. This outlet is inexpensive and has a light that tells you when it's programmed. It is easy to use and very versatile.
- 24-hour programming
- Price
- Operation light
- Easy to use
Programmable thermostat socket
ManoMano
€30.39
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Rakuten
€34.25
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Cdiscount
€36.68
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eBay
€46.79
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Is your radiator not sold with a thermostat? So bet on this programmable thermostat socket that can replace it to make your life easier. It has many features like synchronization, reset, cooling, memory, but also temperature correction. To make your settings easier, you'll appreciate the LCD screen. On the other hand, the leaflet is only in English, a French version would have been useful.
- Synchronization function
- Reset function
- Heating & Cooling Function
- Memory Function
- Temperature correction function
- LCD
- Leaflet only in English
Programmable Plug, Aulaya
Amazon
€35.99
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eBay
€60.49
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This Aulaya programmable socket has a 24-hour countdown timer for your programming. There are 10 programs to choose from, and there's a random mode to simulate a human presence, which is very useful when you're away. An indicator light lets you know when an adjustment is made. Despite the control panel in French, the programming is a bit complex.
- 10 programs
- Countdown timer up to 24 hours
- Shuffle Mode
- Control panel in French
- Indicator light
- Programming a bit complex
MecaProg Indoor Mechanical Programmable Plug, SCS Sentinel
Amazon
€7.00
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ManoMano
€7.00
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Cdiscount
€19.89
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Fnac
€19.93
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Rakuten
€21.39
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Programmable for 24 hours, this MecaProg Indoor mechanical socket from SCS Sentinel can withstand up to 3,500 watts over a day. It's very solid and easy to program. However, it lacks precision since the adjustments are made with the dial. The power light could get stronger and this plug is a bit noisy.
- 24-hour programming
- Up to 3,500 watts
- Easy Programming
- Solidity
- Quite noisy
- Low light
- Unclear
Why equip yourself with a programmable socket?
Programmable sockets do not require any special electrical skills, and have many advantages:
- Energy saving: A programmable outlet automatically shuts off power to devices when not needed, reducing unnecessary power consumption. This way you can save on your electricity bill;
- Fire safety: by automatically deactivating appliances such as radiators, irons, or water heaters, a programmable outlet limits the risk of fire caused by unattended appliances;
- Reduced wear and tear on devices: by automatically turning off devices when not in use, you extend their lifespan;
- Comfort: You can set the outlet to turn devices on or off at specific times for greater comfort. For example, you can program a coffee maker to brew coffee just before you get up in the morning or the heater to turn on just before you return in the evening;
- Surge protection: Quality programmable plugs often come with a surge protection feature, which can extend the life of your electronics in the event of voltage fluctuations;
- Charge management: If you regularly charge electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops, a programmable plug can help you detect when these devices are being powered to stop charging and extend their lifespan;
- Automating repetitive tasks: watering your garden, turning on outdoor lighting, or turning on your ventilation systems, you won't be likely to forget.
What are the different types of programmable plugs?
In stores, you will have the choice between two types of programmable sockets, mechanical and digital. Let's take a look at what makes them different:
- The mechanical programmable socket: Can be used indoors or outdoors, as long as you have a protection factor of at least 44 to resist the elements, the mechanical programmable socket works using a graduated dial allowing you to program hourly, daily or weekly operating slots. This way, your devices will only be powered when the mechanical programmable plug is set. For daily adjustments, the accuracy is usually within a quarter of an hour, and about 2 hours for weekly settings. Mechanical sockets consume very little power, you can know when they are programmed thanks to an indicator light that lights up. The maximum power allowed for a day is about 3,000 to 3,500 watts.
- The digital programmable socket: Here too, the use can be indoor or outdoor, also with an IP44 rating. However, a digital programmable socket will be much more versatile and accurate, down to the minute, than a manual model. It will also be a bit more expensive. This unit is equipped with an LCD screen so you can view your settings. You can make different schedules from one day to the next and save them. Random modes are also often present to simulate a human presence in a home, which is very useful for deterring potential intruders. A digital programmable socket has buttons to access the various functions and perform the programming.
- With remote control: The last option, a little less known to consumers, is the programmable plug with remote control. No scroll wheel or LCD screen with buttons, it's all done via the remote control. This is a home automation accessory that you can usually also control via your smartphone by installing a mobile app.
Read alsoWhich smart plug to choose to control your devices?