I have a growing array of devices that are controlled via a Wink hub in my home; including lights, thermostats, garage doors, and various sensors. To date I have not tried out any Wink enabled outlets, but they have definitely been high on my list of items to add. I have pictured a Z-Wave outlet being useful for automating Christmas lights to come on at dusk, a fan based on a Z-Wave temperature sensor, a humidifier based on a Z-Wave humidity sensor, or even for remotely power cycling a server that seems to need a reboot. The main reason I have not proceeded with any Wink enabled outlets is that I was looking to make them in-wall replacements instead of plug-in devices, and I could not decide where to install them. Additionally, many hardwired Z-Wave outlets give you one controlled outlet and one always on outlet, and I was looking to have two independently controlled outlets.

The subject of this review will help me with the above situation, and should be of interest to anyone looking to easily add a pair of Z-Wave controllable outlets to their home. The Show Home 2-Channel Z-Wave smart home plug comes from Inovelli, a Kalamazoo Michigan based company that offers a variety of smart home related products. The compact device shown below plugs in to a single 3-prong 120V outlet and then gives you two outlets, each of which can be controlled separately by Wink, or a handful of other home automation platforms.



Before taking a closer look at the unit on hand, lets cover some of the published information on the Show Home 2-Channel Z-Wave smart home plug taken from the official product page on their website...

Features:

Control two separate devices in your smart home with the Show Home™ (from Inovelli™) Z-Wave plug-in smart outlet. Yes, you read it correctly… now you can create wireless lighting, remotely control appliances and more because both outlets on the module are controllable separately, giving you full control over multiple devices from anywhere in the world!

Specifications:

» Type: Smart Plug (2-Channel)
» Model: ZW37
» Power: 120VAC 60Hz
» Loading: 10A Max

Compatible With:

» SmartThings
» Wink (see disclaimer)
» VeraLite (must be running UI7)
» Staples Connect (user verified)
» HomeSeer (user verified)
» openHAB 2.0

As you can see, it is compatible with a variety of popular home automation platforms. It is listed as being incompatible with a few too, including Piper, so be sure your system can handle this device by checking their website. The main item of interest to me in the lists above is that the maximum load for each outlet is 10A. The text initially made me think you had 10A combined, but elsewhere on their website it says 10A each, but that the combined load on both outlets can not be greater than 16A. Since this will most likely be plugged in to a 15A outlet, the total rating of 16A should not be restrictive, but be cautious to not overload this if using two power hungry devices. Things like personal computers, Christmas lights, box fans, and table lamps should be fine - but definitely check first! I definitely wouldn't hook up a space heater or any larger inductive loads (pumps/motors).