How to Set Up Your Kasa Smart Power Strip EP40

What's in the Box

The Kasa Smart Power Strip EP40 comes with the power strip unit, a power cord, and a quick start guide. The EP40 features six individually controllable smart outlets and three USB charging ports. Each outlet can be managed independently through the app, giving you granular control over every connected device. The strip includes surge protection to guard your electronics against voltage spikes. No smart home hub is needed.

Prerequisites

Before setting up the EP40, ensure you have:

• A wall outlet or power source within reach of the included cord
• A 2.4 GHz WiFi network (the EP40 does not support 5 GHz bands)
• A smartphone with the Kasa Smart app installed (available for iOS and Android)
• A TP-Link account, which you can create in the Kasa app during setup

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Place the EP40 in a convenient location near your devices. Behind a TV stand, under a desk, or next to an entertainment center are common spots. Keep the strip accessible and in a ventilated area for safety.
2. Plug the EP40 into a wall outlet. The WiFi indicator LED will begin blinking to indicate the strip is ready for setup.
3. Open the Kasa Smart app and tap the "+" icon to add a new device. Navigate to "Smart Power Strips" and select the EP40.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the strip with your 2.4 GHz WiFi network. Enter your WiFi password when prompted and wait for the connection to establish, which typically takes 20 to 30 seconds.
5. After the strip connects, name each of the six outlets individually. For example, assign names like "TV," "Speaker," "Router," "Monitor," "Lamp," and "Charger" so you can identify and control each device separately.
6. Plug your devices into the outlets and USB ports. The USB ports supply power but cannot be toggled individually through the app.

App Pairing and Configuration

The Kasa app displays all six outlets as separate controls on one screen, making it easy to manage each device. You can set independent schedules for every outlet — turn the desk lamp on at 8 AM, the monitor on at 9 AM, and the speaker off at midnight. Countdown timers let you automatically power off specific devices after a set time, which is useful for things like phone chargers or seasonal decorations. Create outlet groups to control multiple outlets with one tap, such as an "Entertainment" group that includes the TV, soundbar, and game console. The strip also supports "Away Mode" to randomly cycle outlets for a lived-in appearance while you travel.

Smart Home Integration Tips

The EP40 works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Each individually named outlet appears as a separate device in your voice assistant app, so commands like "Alexa, turn off the game console" or "Hey Google, turn on the desk lamp" control specific outlets. Build routines that combine the EP40's outlets with other smart devices — a "Movie Night" routine can turn on the TV and soundbar while dimming smart lights. The EP40 is also compatible with IFTTT for automations based on triggers such as time of day, your location, or other connected services.

Quick Troubleshooting

If the EP40 does not appear during app setup, press and hold the reset button on the strip for 5 seconds until the WiFi LED blinks rapidly. Restart the setup process in the Kasa app. Verify your phone is on a 2.4 GHz network during pairing. If specific outlets stop responding through the app, try pressing the physical button on the strip for that outlet to confirm it works mechanically. If the entire strip becomes unresponsive, unplug it for 10 seconds and plug it back in to reboot. Avoid overloading the strip by exceeding the total rated wattage — check the label on the back for the maximum power rating and ensure your combined device load stays below that limit.