Swidget Outlets

Don't Use

I bought Swidget Wi-Fi outlets with various modules from a KickStarter campaign. It took a very long time to receive them, and when I finally received them, they performed poorly. I installed them and used them for a few months, but ended up removing them all.

Swidget allows an outlet to use various modules, by popping theem in and out. In theory, it sounds like a unique approach, but in practice it is not very effective.

Perhaps, a future version will be more reliable and cost effective. 

Overview

Swidget makes U.S.outlets with inserts that convert the outlet to a smart device, USB charging station, nightlight or almost anything you can imagine. I backed swidget for $99 while it was on kickstarter. I think I wanted 3 outlets with 3 Wi-Fi inserts. I received those plus 3 more outlets with 3 USB charger inserts.

When I backed the project, I had clear objectives, but it took a while for them to arrive and I forgot how I was going to use them. In addition, I added 20+ smart light switches, which removed the need for many smart outlets.

So, I googled and found the best uses for a smart outlet.

Uses

The Wi-Fi insert allows me to control an outlet and monitor its power consumption. 

Pricing and Description

I've installed many outlets and probably would skip too many important steps. This is a very good and reputable guide for changing out an electrical outlet. Read the instructions for the Swidget and follow the instructions to install the outlet.

I put the inserts in before installing the outlet.

I installed the swidgets as follows:

Swidget Outlet ($64.99):

• • • The swidget outlet is like putting in a regular outlet. 

    • There is a ground, power and neutral wires. 

    • Swidget comes with everything required. However, the yellow wing nuts are too small. My black and white wires are 14 gauge. So, I replaced the yellow wing nuts with Commercial Electric WT52 minimum gauge 2x#14 and maximum of 5x#12 wires. 

    • From an electrical perspective, the color doesn't matter, but the WT52 are red

USB insert ($64.99 + $5.99 for insert):

• • • The USB inserts just pop in and out

    • The Leviton Decora comes with two regular outlets and two USB outlets at a price of ($26.97). So, using a swidget for its USB outlet is not cost effective

    • Installed at: Kitchen: counter, Family Room: Sandy's chair, Sandy's Office: Printer

Wi-Fi insert ($64.99 with outlet and insert):

• • • Swidget's current pricing model isn't competitive: WiFi, USB and two receptacles for $25.99, or TIKLOK for $24.99

    • outlets: Pond, Christmas and Halloween Lights, Christmas tree outlet

      • Swidget outlets require a rectangular outlet cover. My current outdoor outlets have "round" outlet covers. From THD, need rectangular cover: weatherproof outlet cover horizontal gfci.

      • The outdoor Christmas light outlet has two single covers 

      • If outdoor outlets don't work, then try: Exercise Room: elliptical machine, and Movie Room: woofer