This review dives into the FEIT Electric Triple Outlet Outdoor Smart Plugs, Costco item #1718603, a two-pack designed for convenient and weather-resistant control of outdoor devices. We'll explore the setup process, app functionality, and most importantly, the crucial test of water resistance. The plugs boast a right-angle design and rubber covers for protection against the elements, but lack individual outlet control. Discover whether this limitation outweighs the benefits of convenient smart home integration and robust construction.This in-depth assessment covers the unboxing experience, ease of setup using the FEIT Electric app, compatibility with major smart home systems (Alexa, Google Home, and Siri), and the crucial test of submersion to evaluate its water resistance. We'll examine the available features including scheduling, timers, and a unique power-locking mechanism. Ultimately, we determine whether these smart plugs offer sufficient value for controlling outdoor appliances and lighting, considering both their strengths and limitations.
Pros And Cons
- 2-year limited warranty
- Simple to follow instructions
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Echo
- Supports scheduling and timers
- Water resistant enough for outdoor use (withstood 6 hours of water exposure)
- Only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks
- All three outlets operate in unison (not individually controlled)
- No outlet covers when in use
- Two pairing modes (Simple and Easy) are confusing
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The FEIT Electric two-pack of outdoor smart plugs arrived in standard packaging. The box clearly displays the item number (1718603) and boasts a 2-year limited warranty. Initial impressions are positive; the plugs themselves are well-constructed with a right-angle design, ideal for outdoor use.
Each plug features three outlets and rubber covers for added protection from the elements. However, the lack of outlet covers while in use is a notable omission. The design also recommends hanging the plugs to prevent water ingress, a crucial aspect for outdoor application.
Connectivity and Setup
The smart plugs support only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. This is a limitation for users with newer Wi-Fi 6 (or 6E) routers, although my Wi-Fi 6 router successfully recognized the 2.4 GHz band without issue. Setup through the FEIT Electric app was straightforward and well-guided by the detailed instructions, using either 'Simple Pairing Mode' or 'Easy Mode'.
The app interface is user-friendly and allows easy integration with Amazon Alexa and other smart home systems. While I tested with Alexa, the product description suggests compatibility with Google Home and Siri as well. The app allows for individual naming of each plug; for example, naming them "Costco" for easy voice control.
Water Resistance Test and Performance
A crucial test for outdoor smart plugs is water resistance. I submerged one of the paired plugs for approximately 6 hours to assess its performance in wet conditions. After this extended period, the plug continued to function flawlessly, indicating a sufficient level of water resistance.
However, it's important to note that the plug itself is not completely waterproof, hence the recommendation to hang the plugs to avoid direct water exposure. The reviewer's experience suggests good outdoor functionality provided basic precautions are followed.
Features and Functionality
The smart plugs offer several features, including independent on/off switching, timer functions, and scheduling options. The app allows the creation of multiple schedules. One can easily schedule the plugs to power on and off at specific times, repeating daily or only on weekends.
A unique feature is the ability to lock the power switch on or off by pressing it four times consecutively. While all three outlets operate in unison (not individually), the combination of features provides decent control over connected devices.
Conclusion and Overall Assessment
The FEIT Electric triple outlet outdoor smart plugs offer a solid solution for controlling outdoor devices. The plugs are relatively easy to set up and integrate with various smart home ecosystems. The water resistance testing proved promising. However, the lack of individual outlet control is a significant drawback, limiting their overall usefulness.
Despite the limitation of simultaneous control, the robust construction, straightforward app, reliable warranty, and impressive water resistance make them a decent choice, particularly for those needing to control a single appliance or light fixture outdoors. The overall value is somewhat reduced by the unified outlet control.