Smart Power Strip Not Controlling Outlets

Smart power strips from AOFO, BN-LINK, and ConnectSense provide individual outlet control and USB ports via WiFi. This guide addresses connection and control issues for these devices.

Power Strip Not Connecting to WiFi

Symptoms

• LED blinks but won't connect
• App can't find device
• Setup times out

Solutions

1. 2.4GHz network only - Most smart strips only support 2.4GHz WiFi. Ensure you're connecting to the correct band.
2. Reset strip - Hold the power button for 5-10 seconds until LEDs flash rapidly.
3. Check app - Use the manufacturer's app (Smart Life, Tuya, ConnectSense) for initial setup.
4. Verify password - WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Re-enter carefully.
5. Disable 5GHz temporarily - If using dual-band router with same SSID, temporarily disable 5GHz during setup.

Individual Outlets Not Responding

Symptoms

• Some outlets work, others don't
• Outlet toggles in app but not physically
• USB ports always on

Solutions

1. Check outlet mapping - Verify which outlet numbers correspond to physical positions.
2. Test load - Plug in a lamp to verify if power is reaching the outlet.
3. USB ports - Some strips have always-on USB ports. Check if USB control is available in settings.
4. Maximum load - Verify total connected load doesn't exceed strip's rated capacity (typically 10-15A).
5. Firmware update - Check app for firmware updates that may fix outlet control issues.

Energy Monitoring Not Working

Symptoms

• Power consumption shows 0
• No energy data available
• Readings seem inaccurate

Solutions

1. Check model - Not all power strips have energy monitoring. Verify your model supports it.
2. Enable monitoring - In app settings, ensure energy monitoring is enabled.
3. ConnectSense - Offers per-outlet monitoring. Check individual outlet pages for data.
4. Calibration - Some strips need time to calibrate. Wait 24 hours for accurate readings.

Voice Control Issues

Symptoms

• Alexa/Google can't find outlets
• Wrong outlet responds to commands
• Integration stopped working

Solutions

1. Rename outlets - Give each outlet a unique, easy-to-speak name like "Desk Lamp" instead of "Outlet 1".
2. Discover devices - After renaming, ask Alexa or Google to discover devices again.
3. Check skill/action - Verify Smart Life, Tuya, or ConnectSense skill is linked in voice assistant app.
4. Re-link account - Unlink and re-link the manufacturer account to refresh device list.

HomeKit Issues (ConnectSense)

Symptoms

• Not appearing in Apple Home
• Outlets show as no response
• Pairing code not working

Solutions

1. Setup in manufacturer app first - Complete setup in ConnectSense app before adding to HomeKit.
2. Same network - iPhone and power strip must be on the same network for pairing.
3. Reset and re-pair - Remove from HomeKit and re-add using the code on the device.
4. Check HomeKit firmware - Ensure power strip has HomeKit-compatible firmware.