Here's What Can Happen If You Plug A Power Strip Into A Smart Plug
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Smart plugs make it simple to automate the devices and appliances you use daily. Once you connect them to the internet, you'll be able to use smart plugs in your home or business to turn on and off devices remotely. Additionally, many companion apps will let you build custom schedules for your plugs, which is great for fooling the neighborhood into thinking someone's home (when you're really in Disney World).
Using smart plugs is also a great way to monitor your property's energy consumption, and could potentially save you money on your monthly electricity bill. While these gadgets are definitely convenient, plugging more than one device into a single smart plug isn't the best move. If you've been thinking about connecting a power strip to one of your web-connected plugs, you may want to reconsider.
According to TP-Link, plugging a power strip into a smart plug isn't a great idea. This is because most plugs have a smaller maximum load capacity than the typical power strip. Unfortunately, there really isn't a way to tell a smart plug how many devices you have connected to a multi-outlet receptacle. If too many devices are connected to a power strip plugged into a smart plug, you run the risk of overloading the latter, which might brick the plug entirely.
Smart plugs come in all shapes and sizes, but you can also invest in a smart power strip
Not only do you run the risk of overloading a smart plug when you connect a power strip to it, but you may also be sowing the seeds of a potential fire hazard. Overloading often leads to overheated tech, which could fry the internals of your plug — and that's one of the best-case scenarios. If you really want or need to connect a bunch of dumb appliances to a smart plug, a better alternative would be to use a smart power strip. The Kasa Power Strip HS300 is a solid example of an internet-powered smart strip, featuring six individually controllable outlets, along with power surge protection and three USB inputs for charging devices.
Reliable brands like Govee also make smart plugs with two AC outlets, both of which are independently controllable. You can literally plug a power strip into a smart plug, and according to this Reddit thread, if you're super-careful about the amperage you're working with, it should work. Still, we 100% do not recommend doing so, and will always suggest a smart power strip or multi-outlet smart plug.