TP-Link has introduced a new smart outdoor plug for the European market, the Tapo P410M. The new device is Matter-certified and connects via Wi-Fi, but its standout features are a set of advanced energy monitoring and safety capabilities, including the ability to track solar power generation.
Advanced energy and safety features
Unlike standard energy monitoring plugs, the P410M’s advanced hardware can detect the direction of the electrical current, like Eve Energy Outdoor and EcoFlow Smart Plug. This makes it uniquely suitable for use with balcony power stations, allowing it to accurately measure power generation (feeding back into the grid or local storage) as well as power consumption.
The Tapo app uses this data to calculate your solar power benefits and help predict when the solar equipment may pay for itself.
The plug also introduces several industrial-grade safety features. The most notable is “Zero-Crossing Detection,” which addresses “relay contact welding” – a common failure point in smart plugs and in-wall modules. By intelligently switching the relay at the optimal point in the AC cycle, this technology reportedly increases the relay’s lifespan by more than 10 times, preventing it from getting stuck on or off.
Another advanced feature is “Anti-Overcharging.” This allows a user to set a low power threshold. When the plug detects that a charging device has dropped below this wattage, it automatically cuts the power, which can help prevent overcharging. This is in addition to standard overload and overheating protection.
The plug is rated for a maximum load of 3,680W/16A, which is enough to handle heavy appliances.
The Tapo P410M is designed specifically for outdoor use in gardens, patios, or backyards. It features a robust IP54 splashproof and dustproof rating to protect it from the elements. Internally, it uses high-quality, nickel-plated phosphor bronze contacts for better conductivity and corrosion resistance, along with a child safety shutter.
Smart features and compatibility
As a Matter-certified product, the P410M can be integrated directly into any major Matter ecosystem, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings. It connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and uses Bluetooth for a simplified onboarding process, so no additional hub is required. CSA certifications suggest the device is using a family certification, with Matter 1.3 specification. There are no compliance files available on the website though to unpack its detailed Matter capabilities.
P410M Plug also supports power monitoring via Matter. There are at least six Matter platforms that support power meters, including Home Assistant, Aqara, SmartThings, Ikea, Homey, and Ecoflow. However, the supported clusters – such as real-time voltage, current, or total consumption – may differ across these platforms. Usually, you can check and monitor power, voltage, currant, and energy usage via Matter platforms.
Home Assistant generally takes the lead in comprehensive support. Recent contribution from the community also helps Home Assistant to support the clusters previously Tapo P110M adopts.
When the plug detects power generating/grid feeding, the readings from these platforms would display a negative value if supported. It is helpful to monitor and automate power generation from devices like balcony power stations.
Within the Tapo app, it supports all standard smart plug features, including direct remote control, scheduling, timers, and an “Away Mode” that toggles the plug randomly to simulate a human presence.
Availability
The Tapo P410M is for the European market. It is now available on Amazon, priced at 26.15 euro ($30.27).
(Source: TP-Link, Amazon; Image Source: TP-Link)
