BG Electrical 822/HC-01 Smart Power Socket, Alexa Compatible Double 13 Amp, White Moulded

When I first bought the 800 series round-edge 2-gang socket, it had more bugs than an Amazon rainforest. Issue after issue and frequent calls to the tech team. However, persistence pays off and after a few discussions, the product is working as it should. So if you do get one that drops out after 20 seconds or constantly says it’s unreachable... speak to the Tech guys and mention the Meerkat.First tip... unless you have a big-screen mobile. Use a tablet to set up your sockets, it’s far easier... trust me!The second tip... do not use direct connection... use alternative connection method. It will save you a lot of time and stress!The third tip... if you use a VPN.. disable it. You can reconnect once the service connection has been established and it will function perfectly fine.5 ⭐️ For build quality and product finish4 ⭐️ For the app - direct connection fails more than once during setup, alternative setup is better.5 ⭐️ Firmware updates as soon as you are connected to your router to provide you with the latest security updates.5 ⭐️ Tech Support from James and MarkI have openly stated on previous reviews that this product is not fit for purpose. I can honestly say that testimony from recent issues was escalated to product development and the product management team. By doing so has provided results in both product improvement in both software and hardware.Such is my confidence now in this product, I have purchased a couple for a disabled homeowner. Installed, they now provide both verbal and remote control of various appliances. Assured by British Standards, CE and ROHS quality assured. I know they are safe as well.Overall rating is 4/5⭐️As excellent... get the app sorted with auto-configuration and it may well make 5⭐️ as outstanding!Update #2 17 Jan 2020Since my first purchase, I installed the sockets in a third party location for a disabled user. Initial setup went like clockwork. Set up to work with Alexa, no issues there, the only issue I did find was that because I was using the same app on my own mobile, the app software somehow created a bridge between my hive and that of the hive in the third-party property - result being that Hive can will (according to various other forums) shut down one of the thermostats. Which one nobody can determine. On top of that, installing the second 2 gang faceplate in property #2 the app software insisted it was installed as 'Slave' not 'Master' socket. This issue has been forwarded on to both Tech and Product Development to look at a solution.The third tip - should you find this to be an issue (as a workaround solution) when setting up additional sockets, set them individually via the app and disconnecting negative from the back of the faceplate. Once each socket set as Master, then reconnect the negative and screw the faceplate to the backbox - job done.**Remember** set up in AP Config Mode to ensure each socket becomes a Master Socket... if it becomes the slave and if the Master socket fails, it will take out ALL the slaves connected in series, so if you have 1 Master and 3 slaves running in series - all dead. If you have 4 Masters, only the failed Master remains as failed, the others remain operational.

The BG Electrical 822/HC-01 Smart Power Socket is a versatile and user-friendly addition to any smart home. This double 13A socket is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Siri, and IFTTT, allowing for convenient voice control and integration with other smart devices. It can also be managed via the BG Home app, which supports remote operation, scheduling, and timers, adding flexibility to its functionality.Notable features include individual control of each socket, parental locks to prevent tampering, and energy usage tracking to promote efficiency. Safety measures like surge protection and a child-resistant shutter system enhance its appeal for families. It fits standard 25mm back boxes, making installation straightforward without requiring extensive rewiring. The sleek white design ensures it blends seamlessly into most home décors​For a cost-effective smart home solution without subscription fees or hubs, this socket is a practical choice. However, some reviews mention occasional connectivity hiccups, so a stable Wi-Fi connection is essential​.

Ever had a power socket in the wrong place and then have to leave it on when you have an extension plugged in and fed round the cabinet, so you have power next to /Infront of cabinet?I did and it annoyed the hell out of me, as i couldn't switch the dam thing off or unplug the 4gang when we went on holiday (paranoid it will burn house down).This is one solution to all those people that feel like me and are techie minded but don't care if a hackers can switch plug off and on again! Woo go hackers!I'm a confessed DIY'r and are not afraid to replace light fittings or plug sockets I've cracked, scratched, broken in my heavy handed equipment moves/ constructions.*** Warning *** you will need a sparky to install this 'officially'. Failure to do so can invalidate your house insurance if your house catches fire due to your electrical attempts, unless you electrocute yourself which will more than like result in you never touching another electrical device again in fear (it will hurt, a lot!) or ending up on a slab of cold metal with a tag on your toe.Right with that out of the way - This is very easy for 'your electrician' to install, so easy you could do it yourself, if you don't care about the above warnings.Once installed by your lovely 'electrician' (or you) its very easy to download the BG app and let it scan for the plug and configure the socket to the WiFi. Out of the two that have been installed by my 'electrician' both were recognised straight away and allowed me to name the plugs (how cute) I called mine Left and Right... (imaginative, i know! but you can change them anytime you like to anything you like - Electric chair and cold fusion). Then i plugged in my 4-gang extensions and watch all devices go off and on as i pressed the picture of the socket on the app (Sweeet!). I then put the cabinet against the wall, filled it up and i haven't seen those two sockets since!Now if i'm out and about and i'm wondering if i switched off my 4gang and all the devices connected to it, i can now save myself worry and switch them off via the app on my phone/tablet/work computer from anywhere there is 3g or above signal or wifi.Other bonus that i never thought of when i <cough> electrician installed these was saving money. These cost roughly 2-3p while off (standby) a day to run compared to the 20-65p a day of the devices i have on the 4gang that are in standby/ top up charging. Doesn't sound much but over a year that's £10.95 for the BG smart socket verses £237.25 for stuff on standby/top-up charging. Its not rocket science math or magic numbers either...Enjoy life worry free, that your house is going to burn down or that your using electricity while your not there. Just don't connect your router/broadband to it, as that would be silly! and you would have to move everything to switch it back on again as there is no Bluetooth connectivity backup...PS - you can also set a timer on these via your phone. All off at 8am when you go to work and all on at 5pm when you get back :)** update Nov23 ** - Had this some time now and i was going to populate the whole house but... found they dropped the network to many times for my liking and thus don't respond to timers or you turning them on/off by app (this happens to my Amazon/TP-Link TAPO smart plugs as well, so not unusual in this house). Only way to re-initialize them that i can see, is to move everything and press the buttons on the socket itself (Not going to happen with a big cabinet in front of it) or don't have anything in front of your plug so you can manually push the button to connect or switch the house power off at the fuse box. Which I've now done more than a few times now. All of which i don't think i should need to do. Now looking into replacing the sockets with standard 2 gang wall socket and getting short (1m) 1gang 13amp extensions and plugging in a smart plug to it before plugging in the 4 gangs into that. At least if it drops the wi-fi i don't have to move anything or bounce the house electrics to reinitialise connection. Fire brigade wont like me or you if you do this, as extension into extensions are not recommended and looked on as fire hazards... So you have been warned, but i cant see any other solution to this issue of plugs behind big cabinets. Other than moving the plug socket which can be destructive and expensive! Shame really as they look good and performed as expected when new... Possible wifi ariel degrading... Not sure, MESH AP is less than 2m away from it, so signal shouldn't be a problem.Update 07/24 - 1.5years of use and it’s now not working at all as of April 24. Tried pretty much everything suggested on web site and a few things google has suggested without any luck. Even when reset, nothing sees it. Now looking to do plan b. Replace with a normal socket, with extension and smart plug plugged in on the end.