What this guide covers
Write down the result you want: automatic switching, remote control, dimming or energy measurement. These are separate functions. A smart plug that switches power on and off does not automatically dim an ordinary lamp. Some models do not record energy use.
A small module remains part of the electrical installation. Shelly specifies a qualified electrician for mains installation of its 1 Mini Gen3. This guide therefore does not provide in-wall fitting or wiring steps. Shelly user and safety guide. Start with one undamaged, straightforward plug-in lamp where both manufacturers permit the combination. Do not use this approach to switch medical equipment, alarms or essential services. Heating, cooking, motors and anything that could create danger when unattended need a separate assessment of instructions and use. Is switching off in the app enough before maintenance? No. An app command does not provide safe isolation for electrical work. Follow the appliance's maintenance instructions.
Copy or print your summary
Write down the result you want: automatic switching, remote control, dimming or energy measurement. These are separate functions. A smart plug that switches power on and off does not automatically dim an ordinary lamp. Some models do not record energy use.
Compare the everyday result
| Option | Potential use | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Smart plug | A compatible plug-in appliance | Load type, physical space, range, controls and optional energy metering |
| Smart bulb | A replaceable light source | Fitting, bulb compatibility, bridge requirements and existing switch behaviour |
| Built-in switch or module | Fixed lighting or wall controls | Circuit arrangement, required conductors, space, heat and protection; assessed by an installer |
A small module remains part of the electrical installation. Shelly specifies a qualified electrician for mains installation of its 1 Mini Gen3. This guide therefore does not provide in-wall fitting or wiring steps. Shelly user and safety guide.
Electrical compatibility comes before app features
Check the permitted load type as well as the headline rating. A motor can behave differently at start-up from a lamp. TP-Link identifies restrictions for certain inductive loads and directs users to the exact model and hardware-version specifications. A general power rating does not approve every appliance. Tapo's supported-load guidance.
Start with one undamaged, straightforward plug-in lamp where both manufacturers permit the combination. Do not use this approach to switch medical equipment, alarms or essential services. Heating, cooking, motors and anything that could create danger when unattended need a separate assessment of instructions and use.
Check the space around the socket too. The smart plug should not strain the connection or require a stack of adaptors. Choose a product intended for its environment. Outdoor use needs a separately assessed arrangement.
Purchasing and preparation list
| Item | Quantity | Selection condition |
|---|---|---|
| Smart plug | Start with 1 | Dutch connection, exact load compatibility and required functions |
| Suitable plug-in lamp | 1 existing or new | Undamaged; controls and behaviour after power interruption appropriate |
| Phone with supported app | 1 | Supported software and your own account where required |
| Network or bridge | As the model requires | Check radio/network requirements, range and additional purchases |
| Instructions and notebook | 1 set | Record model, settings, schedule and manual controls |
Compare options at GAMMA and HORNBACH. Their categories may contain different device types. The Tapo P110 manufacturer page provides one example with energy recording; check the specific version being sold. Prices and availability change.
Start with one predictable setting
Turn the lamp off using its normal control and follow the smart plug's setup instructions. Pair it using the official app. Use your own strong password and install available security updates.
Give it a recognisable name, such as ‘living-room reading lamp’. First check normal on/off operation while present. Then create one straightforward schedule and confirm that it runs at the intended time. Read what happens if the network fails or power returns after an interruption. Do not test this by switching off an entire circuit or interrupting essential equipment.
Make sure other residents know how to operate the lamp manually. Delete old schedules before moving the plug to another appliance. A setting that suited a reading lamp may be inappropriate for its replacement.
Will it save electricity?
In an illustrative example, a schedule avoids 3 W of standby use for 18 hours a day: 3 ÷ 1000 × 18 × 365 = 19.71 kWh. Suppose the smart plug itself averages 0.5 W. Its annual use is 0.5 ÷ 1000 × 24 × 365 = 4.38 kWh. The calculated difference is 15.33 kWh, or about €4.60 at €0.30 per kWh.
These are example inputs, not measured specifications for a product. Use your own readings and purchase cost for a fair comparison. Convenient control can be worthwhile without producing a large energy saving.
Common questions
Will everything work without internet? That depends on the product and function. Check local controls, schedules, bridge dependency and cloud services separately.
Can I fit a module behind the wall switch myself? Have that arrangement assessed and installed. A photograph or wire colour cannot establish the existing conductors' functions.
Is switching off in the app enough before maintenance? No. An app command does not provide safe isolation for electrical work. Follow the appliance's maintenance instructions.
For control across several rooms or integration with existing switches, discuss your lighting with CAS Elektrotechniek. Describe what residents need to do each day so the proposal can address those tasks.
Sources
Checked on 5 October 2026: Tapo load guidance, Tapo P110 and the Shelly manual linked above. Functions and compatibility depend on the model and version.
Materials and specifications
Before buying, check that the size, type and specification suit your installation. Use the article list and tools to work out the quantities you need.
Smart plug
- Quantity and unit
- Only where appliance and plug limits permit
- Specification
- Consumer plug-in type; power/load class, controls, privacy and failure behaviour; not built-in relay wiring.
Manuals and model details
- Quantity and unit
- One current manual per exact product
- Specification
- Use exact model/revision, with conflicting instructions unresolved until manufacturer/installer clarification.
Energy use and cost
An estimate using your own tariff. Excludes fixed charges, export and changing tariffs. A measurement period must represent future use. Nameplate power is not annual consumption. This does not assess the connection.
Worked example and formula
2.4 kWh over 7 days at €0.30/kWh: €0.72 measured cost. Projected over 365 days: 125.1 kWh and €37.54.
kWh = W × quantity × hours × days / 1000; measured projection = kWh / elapsed days × projection days; EUR = kWh × EUR/kWh
Formula version 2026-10-05.1
Sources
Would you like CAS to carry out the work?
Tell us about the room, equipment and changes you need. Agree the work, checks and warranty terms before the job starts.
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