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Plugged-In Adaptors Consume Power Always

A plugged-in power adaptor is a COMPLETE CIRCUIT, continuously drawing current, whether or not a secondary device is attached to it.

You may be suprised to discover just how MANY of these devices you have around your home, powering such things as your DSL Modem and Wireless Router, and other computer peripherals, such as your Printer, the external CD-RW unit, Powered USB Hubs, or even a Camera Dock.

Do you have amplified speakers attached to your computer? Often they have power adaptors. When you turn off the music, do you unplug these adaptors?

If you're like most of us, probably not.

Don't forget your laptop computer, your iPod charging station, the Baby Monitor - both receiver and transmitter, the Phone Answering Machine (admittedly Old School), and the VHS tape rewinder (ditto).

And then there's your collection of rechargeable tools, such as screwdrivers, drills and flashlights. Don't forget the DustBuster.

You get the idea. These things are ubiquitous.

Do you remember to unplug the adaptors when they are not in use? Not only will you save power, you will extend their serviceable life, saving you multiple replacement costs over their lifetimes.

My advice: When powering down your computer, don't forget to turn OFF the power strip / surge protector, into which all these devices are plugged. If you don't, you're contributing to wasted electricity - and, the pollution inherent in it's production.

As for designing "smart" adaptor units which turn themselves off, wouldn't they always have to be in "stand-by" mode to sense when they are once again needed? This would defeat the purpose.

Besides, it is a matter of economics. The logic circuits necessary to turn these devices off - and then on again - would escalate the cost of the power adaptors and thereby the overall cost of the devices with which they are packaged.

In this scenario, ALL OF US would have pay MORE for our gadgets so a select few can be intellectually lazy. I find this concept to be repugnant.

Wisdom is the application of knowledge.

You have been informed. Now Go. And be wise.

Posted by: Goshen.Guy   Posted on: 09/21/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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