Lighting and electricity are critical in our daily lives. We depend on switches and outlets to illuminated our homes, power appliances, charge devices, and run all sorts of electronics. However, most homes still rely on a standard, unmodified light switch and outlet. These can be inconvenient at times or fail to provide some helpful capabilities we may want.
Upgrading switches and outlets don’t require complicated wiring or electrical skills though.
With simple hacks like smart controls, built-in USB charging, cord organizers, weatherproof outdoor covers, and more, you can give your light switch and outlet a major upgrade with just basic DIY skills. These tricks make everyday tasks easier, save energy, reduce cord clutter, and add convenience throughout your home.
Read More: Reduce Your Energy Bill with These 6 Easy Home Tasks
Hack #1: Install Smart Plugs
One of the hottest home automation trends is smart plugs. These outlet adaptors add wireless connectivity and smart controls to standard wall outlets. With just basic wiring and Wi-Fi networking skills, you can upgrade outlets around your home.
What Are Smart Plugs?
A smart plug is a device that plugs into a standard wall outlet. It has its own outlet on the front that you plug lamps, appliances, and other electronics into. The smart plug connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can be controlled via a smartphone app or voice commands.
Key smart plug features include:
- Remote on/off control from your phone even when away from home
- Voice control through smart speakers like Amazon Alexa
- Custom automation based on schedules, sensors, or device usage
- Real-time electricity usage monitoring and reporting
- “Smart” scene coordination with other connected devices
Benefits of Smart Plugs
Upgrading even a few outlets with smart plugs can make your home more convenient and efficient:
- Energy savings – Smart plugs allow remote control to cut phantom loads. You can switch off devices when not in use instead of leaving them in standby mode. You can also program them to turn on/off automatically as needed.
- Added convenience – Remotely controlling lights and devices means no more guessing if you left something on. You can turn electronics on before getting home. You can also automate things like fans, lamps, holiday lights, and more based on set schedules.
- Portability – Smart plugs are very portable so you can move their control capabilities whenever needed. Use them when traveling to remotely access devices left plugged in at home.
- Expanded capabilities – Pair smart plugs with other smart devices for expanded functions like voice control, automatic shut offs based on events, integration into whole home automation systems, and more.
Installing Smart Plugs
Installing smart plugs is a very easy DIY project requiring only basic skills:
Materials Needed:
- Smart plug or smart power strip
- Wi-Fi router broadcasting at 2.4 GHz
- Smart home app on your phone or tablet
To Install:
- Plug the smart plug directly into your desired wall outlet.
- Download the manufacturer’s app and create an account if required.
- Open the app and follow the instructions to pair the smart plug to the app via your Wi-Fi network.
- Once connected, you can rename the device, set schedules, customize controls, monitor energy use, and more all from the app.
- Plug lamps, appliances, chargers, or other electronics into the smart plug outlet to start controlling them remotely!
Smart plugs install in just minutes with a simple plug-in design. However, always make sure to follow the amperage limits noted by the device manufacturer to avoid overloading. With these gadgets installed around your home, you’ll start reaping the benefits of automated, app-based power controls.
Hack #2: Install Light Switches with USB Ports
Another way to enhance a standard light switch is by installing a model with built-in USB charging ports. These combo switch/chargers provide a convenient way to charge phones and other USB gadgets in your home.
USB Light Switch Benefits
The main reasons for installing USB wall switches are:
Charge phones anywhere – USB light switches scattered around your home let you charge phones (or other USB-powered gadgets) in any room. No need to hunt for outlets when battery power gets low!
Reduce cord clutter – Phones always nearby can charge without trailing cables to outlets across the room or through doorways.
Quick convenience – Grabbing your phone to check messages or ask questions is easy when it’s readily charging within arm’s reach.
Guest friendly – USB ports built into a light switch allow guests to easily plug in without intruding by rummaging for an outlet behind furniture.
Enhances home value – Upgrading to modern, smart-capable switches improves a home’s value for tech-savvy buyers.
With built-in charging ports virtually anywhere, dead phone batteries become a thing of the past!
Install Combo Light Switches
The installation process to add a light switch/USB charger is very similar to installing a standard light switch:
Materials Needed:
- Combo light switch+USB charger
- Electrical box with neutral wire
- Basic wiring tools
To Install:
- Turn off circuit breaker to the switch you’re replacing.
- Remove old switch and disconnect wires.
- Connect the new switch’s wires and USB cable per included diagrams.
- Mount new combo switch into wall box.
- Turn circuit breaker back on to power switch.
- Test switch function and plug in USB cable.
- Mount switch’s wall plate and start charging!
Be sure to consult the detailed installation instructions included with any new switch. The overall process is essentially the same as installing a new light switch, but wiring connections can vary. Always ensure all wires are securely connected and tucked safely into the electrical box before restoring power.
With a convenient light switch/USB charger combo controlling your overhead light and charging phones, any room can become a lot more functional!
Hack #3: Create DIY Outlet Organizers
Another way to upgrade outlets around your home is adding your own custom organizers. These keep cords neatly managed and electronics tidy in outlet areas. It’s a simple weekend project requiring only basic DIY skills and inexpensive household materials.
Reduce Cord Clutter
It’s very common for outlet areas to turn into a tangle of power bricks and spaghetti cables that accumulate over time. Devices end up piled haphazardly around outlets since we continually reach for these charging stations.
Outlet cord organizers offer easy solutions:
Control cords – Channels, hooks, clips, and other tools keep cables neatly routed instead of dangling and tangling everywhere.
Reduce clutter – Designated storage around outlets corrals all bricks, chargers, and devices to make areas less cluttered.
Manage devices – Upright stands let devices fully charge while keeping them off the ground and protected from incidental damage.
Enhance safety – Prevent tripping hazards from cords strewn across the floor in high foot traffic areas.
Improve appearance – A clean, neatly organized outlet area simply looks better instead of a tangled wire mess!
Building your own custom organizer is a very easy way to tidy outlet areas around your home.
Make Your Own Outlet Organizer
Creating a custom cord organizer requires some simple planning to meet your space and needs. But it’s an easy DIY using basic hand tools and scrap materials:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Container for storage (e.g. small bin, drawer, box, cloth bag)
- Cable channels/clips
- Hooks for wrapping cables
- Charging stand/dock (optional)
- Tools: drill, hot glue gun, tape, screws, cable ties
To Build Your Own:
- Measure the area to understand sizing and layout requirements.
- Gather storage containers and hardware to organize cords/devices.
- Affix cable channels, hooks, and other hardware with glue, screws, or high strength tape.
- Arrange chargers, devices, cables, etc. into the organized space.
- Set up stands to neatly stage phones/tablets upright while charging.
- Use clips, ties, laces and wraps to route cables through channels and onto hooks
- Attach removable covers as needed for a clean appearance.
- Test organization system by charging devices. Make any adjustments needed.
Customizing your own outlet organizer using thestuff you already have makes getting organized quick and easy. And putting things back in order only takes seconds!
Hack #4: Install Outdoor Outlets with Safety Covers
Outdoor outlets are incredibly useful for plugging in holiday lights, landscape tools, entertainment gear for patio parties, and other outdoor power needs. However, being exposed to the elements can cause outlets to fail prematurely.
Adding weatherproof safety covers protects outdoor outlets so they can keep working smoothly for you year after year.
Benefits of Outlet Covers
Key advantages of weatherproof covers include:
Prevents moisture damage – Rain, sprinklers, snow, and irrigation can corrode outlets over time. Rubber gasket seals prevent moisture from reaching delicate internal connections.
Stops dirt/debris – Dust, leaves, grass clippings and other debris can also gradually damage outlets. Covers block particle intrusion.
Safety protection – Waterproof barriers prevent electric shock risks from wet plugs or excess exterior moisture. Covers guard users as well as the outlet.
Extends outlet lifetime – By protecting internal components from both moisture and particles, outlets stay fully functional significantly longer.
Enhances home value – Upgraded outdoor outlets show much better to potential home buyers compared to old, weathered units.
Affordable investment – Outdoor outlet covers range from only $5-20 so they offer inexpensive protection to save much costlier outlet repairs down the road.
Installing protective weather barriers on all outdoor outlets provides very valuable defense against premature failure.
Adding Outlet Covers
Installing weatherproof covers on outdoor outlets is a very quick and easy upgrade:
Materials You’ll Need
- Weatherproof outlet cover
- Electrical tools (screwdriver, wire cutters, wire strippers)
To Install Covers:
- Switch off breaker supplying power to the outdoor outlet.
- Unscrew and remove the old cover plate if present.
- Unscrew faceplate screws to remove outlet from the electrical box.
- Clean exterior buildup and visually check for internal corrosion.
- Place supplied gaskets over the outlet.
- Align weatherproof cover and screw into place using included hardware.
- Verify tight, snug fit of the cover for proper sealing.
- Restore power and test outlet function.
The improvement only takes about 5-10 minutes per outlet. But it extends useful life for years while also enhancing safety. Adding weather barriers to exterior outlets is quick and easy!
Hack #5: Install Smart Light Switches
A smart light switch takes upgrading your electric outlet even further. These internet-connected switches allow custom lighting control from smartphones and voice assistants.
Smart Light Switch Benefits
Reasons to upgrade traditional switches with smart light switches include:
Remote/voice control – Flip lights on/off from anywhere via phone apps or voice commands for added convenience.
Smart automation – Program lighting to turn on/off automatically on set schedules or other events like motion detection as you arrive/leave home.
Groups/scenes – Set up customized groups of lights for one-touch control. Program sunset lighting scenes or nighttime path lighting.
Energy savings – Smart automation ensures lights get turned off even when forgotten for potential energy savings over time.
Home system integration – Connect smart switches into broader smart home ecosystems and lighting scenes for even more capabilities.
Enhanced home value – Smart home upgrades like internet-connected light switches increase resale value.
Integrating smart switches builds a more automated, energy efficient, and convenient home through lighting automation.
Installing Smart Switches
Installing a smart switch follows the same process as a standard light switch but with a few extra wireless connectivity steps:
What You’ll Need:
- Smart light switch
- Hub/bridge (for some brands)
- Electrical tools for wiring
Installation Guide:
- Shut off circuit breaker to switch wires.
- Remove old switch and disconnect wires.
- Connect new smart switch wires per diagram.
- Download app to interface smart switch with Wi-Fi.
- Mount switch into wall box and restore power.
- Connect smart switch to home Wi-Fi network through app.
- Test by controlling lights via app and/or voice.
- Connect switch into any smart home systems/assistants as desired.
Always carefully follow instructions included with the specific smart switch model for correct wiring and wireless setup. While connecting smart switches takes a little longer, it enables so much more intelligent control over home lighting.
Conclusion
A light switch and outlet are essential home infrastructure we interact with constantly. Enhancing these with any of the five easy DIY hacks above makes controlling lights, charging devices, and managing cords considerably more convenient. These tricks also add capabilities that save energy, money, and effort over time.
So explore smart plugs to digitize outlets, light switch/USB combos to charge devices anywhere, outlet organizers to control cord clutter, weatherproof outdoor covers to protect exterior plugs, and smart switches to customize lighting.
Upgrading these common electrical components is truly one of the simplest ways to make daily home life far more functional and efficient through automation. And the projects mainly just require basic tools and DIY skills for quick upgrades. So put these simple light switch and outlet hacks to work for you!