Smart Breakers Explained: How They Optimise Energy Usage at Home
As energy efficiency becomes a top priority for homeowners and businesses, smart breakers are emerging as an innovative way to monitor, control, and optimise power usage. These advanced circuit breakers help manage electricity consumption, enhance safety, and provide real-time insights into how appliances like pool pumps and hot water systems use energy.
But what exactly are smart breakers, how do they work, and why should you consider installing them? In this blog post, we will explore their benefits, how they integrate with high-energy appliances, and where to find the best options in Australia.
What Are Smart Breakers?
A smart breaker is a circuit breaker with built-in monitoring, automation, and remote control capabilities. Unlike traditional circuit breakers, which only serve as safety switches to prevent electrical overloads, smart breakers offer advanced energy management features.
These devices connect to your Wi-Fi or home automation system, allowing you to:
✅ Monitor electricity usage in real time
✅ Remotely turn circuits on and off via a mobile app
✅ Automate schedules for energy-intensive appliances
✅ Receive alerts about unusual power consumption or faults
✅ Optimise energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs
Smart breakers act as both a circuit protector and an energy manager, giving homeowners and businesses greater control over their power consumption.
How Do Smart Breakers Work?
Smart breakers function like traditional circuit breakers, interrupting power flow when they detect an overload or short circuit. However, they also include smart technology that allows users to track and control power usage remotely.
Key Features of Smart Breakers
Real-Time Energy Monitoring
Tracks how much electricity each circuit is using.
Provides insights into power consumption trends.
Helps detect energy-hungry appliances.
Remote Control & Automation
Allows you to switch circuits on/off via an app.
Supports scheduled operation of appliances.
Helps prevent unnecessary energy use.
Load Balancing & Efficiency
Optimises energy distribution to reduce peak demand.
Helps prevent overloading circuits by managing power usage dynamically.
Safety & Alerts
Sends real-time notifications if a breaker trips.
Detects electrical faults early, preventing damage.
Improves fire safety by reducing electrical hazards.
Smart breakers are especially useful for high-energy appliances like pool pumps and hot water systems, which often contribute to high electricity bills.
How Do Smart Breakers Work with Pool Pumps?
The Role of Pool Pumps in Energy Consumption
A pool pump is one of the biggest energy consumers in a household, often running for several hours a day. If left unmanaged, it can significantly increase electricity bills.
Smart breakers help optimise pool pump operation by:
✅ Monitoring real-time energy usage to detect inefficiencies.
✅ Automating pump schedules to run during off-peak hours.
✅ Preventing unnecessary operation by turning the pump off when not needed.
✅ Providing remote control, so you can start or stop the pump from anywhere.
Example Use Case
Without a smart breaker:
The pool pump runs on a fixed schedule, even when energy demand (and cost) is high.
If forgotten, it may continue running unnecessarily, wasting energy.
With a smart breaker:
The pump operates only when needed, reducing electricity costs.
You can adjust schedules remotely via a mobile app.
The system alerts you to unusual power consumption, indicating potential issues.
By integrating a smart breaker with a pool pump, homeowners can reduce energy waste, lower costs, and extend the lifespan of the pump.
How Do Smart Breakers Work with Hot Water Systems?
Hot Water Systems and Energy Efficiency
Electric hot water systems account for a significant portion of household electricity use, especially if they operate continuously. Many traditional systems heat water 24/7, even when no one is home.
A smart breaker allows you to:
✅ Control when the water heater is active, reducing unnecessary heating.
✅ Schedule heating cycles to match household usage patterns.
✅ Monitor energy consumption to identify inefficiencies.
✅ Prevent excessive power draw, helping to lower energy bills.
Example Use Case
Without a smart breaker:
The hot water system stays on all day, leading to high electricity costs.
If usage is low, energy is wasted maintaining unnecessary heat levels.
With a smart breaker:
The system only heats water when needed, preventing energy waste.
Users can adjust heating schedules based on daily routines.
The breaker provides alerts if there is unusual power consumption, helping detect faults.
By optimising water heating schedules, smart breakers ensure that energy is used efficiently, reducing unnecessary electricity costs.
Additional Appliances That Benefit from Smart Breakers
Beyond pool pumps and hot water systems, smart breakers can be used with a variety of high-energy appliances, including:
✅ Air Conditioners – Schedule usage to avoid excessive energy consumption.
✅ EV Chargers – Optimise charging during off-peak hours.
✅ Home Theatres – Prevent standby power waste when not in use.
✅ Washing Machines & Dryers – Automate operation to reduce peak-hour electricity use.
By controlling and monitoring these devices, homeowners can reduce overall electricity costs and improve energy efficiency.
Benefits of Using Smart Breakers
1. Lower Electricity Bills
Smart breakers prevent wasted energy by automating and optimising power usage. By ensuring appliances only run when needed, households and businesses can save money on electricity costs.
2. Increased Safety & Protection
Smart breakers offer enhanced electrical safety, with real-time alerts and fault detection. This helps prevent overloading, overheating, and potential fire hazards.
3. Remote Access & Control
Through a mobile app, users can turn circuits on or off from anywhere, providing greater convenience and control over household appliances.
4. Smart Home Integration
Many smart breakers are compatible with home automation systems, allowing seamless integration with Google Home, Alexa, and other smart platforms.
5. Better Appliance Longevity
By preventing overuse and power surges, smart breakers extend the lifespan of appliances, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Where to Buy Smart Breakers in Australia
If you're looking for high-quality smart breakers in Australia, Jousto offers a range of energy-efficient smart home solutions.
Jousto provides:
✅ Reliable smart breakers with remote monitoring capabilities
✅ Solutions tailored for pool pumps, hot water systems, and more
✅ Easy-to-install, user-friendly energy management devices
Explore their selection of smart energy solutions and start optimising your electricity usage today!
Final Thoughts
Smart breakers are a powerful tool for enhancing energy efficiency, improving safety, and reducing electricity costs. By integrating these advanced circuit breakers with pool pumps, hot water systems, and other high-energy appliances, homeowners and businesses can:
✅ Monitor and control energy usage in real time
✅ Reduce electricity bills through automation
✅ Increase appliance lifespan by preventing overuse
✅ Improve electrical safety with fault detection and alerts
Ready to make your home smarter and more energy-efficient? Check out Jousto’s smart breaker range and take control of your power consumption today! 🚀
