Imagine unlocking your front door from your phone, checking a security camera while you are away or asking a voice assistant to turn off the lights. Turning your house into a smart home can make daily tasks easier and give you more control over your surroundings.
Smart devices rely on software, electronic parts and internet connections. If one of those systems fails, the product may not work as intended. Like any consumer product, smart home technology can create safety concerns when a design flaw, manufacturing defect or other problem affects how the device works.
What are smart home devices?
Smart home devices are products that connect to the internet or work with other devices in your home. You can use smart home devices for many purposes, including:
- Monitoring your property through video doorbells and security cameras
- Controlling entry with smart locks and garage door openers
- Automating cleaning with robotic vacuums
- Managing indoor temperatures with smart thermostats
- Operating devices through voice assistants and smart speakers
- Monitoring infants with connected baby devices
- Receiving alerts through smart smoke detectors
These products use apps, sensors and wireless networks to perform tasks on their own.
How can smart home devices create safety risks?
Like other consumer products, smart devices can create hazards when defects affect how they operate.
Some smart products use lithium-ion batteries that can overheat, smoke or ignite if a battery or charging component fails. Software problems can also affect safety features. For example, a smart lock may fail to open during an emergency, or a smart smoke detector may not issue an alert as intended.
Smart devices can also create physical hazards. Robotic vacuums and motorized products may activate unexpectedly and cause trips, falls or other injuries. Connected nursery products and smart toys may raise additional concerns because children can interact with them in ways manufacturers did not anticipate.
Convenience and safety can go hand in hand
Smart home technology can make daily routines easier. A video doorbell may let you check your front door while you are away, and a smart thermostat can adjust temperatures throughout the day. These features are one reason many homeowners are interested in connected homes.
People generally expect consumer products to work safely and as intended. When a product defect causes a smart device to fail during normal use, the result can range from inconvenience to property damage or physical injury. As more households adopt smart technology, questions about product safety and product liability will likely continue to grow.