Smart Power Strips

Why should I use a smart power strip? Consumer electronics account for an average of 15% of U.S. household electricity use. Unbeknownst to many consumers, many electronics and appliances — including computers, printers, VoIP routers, battery chargers, power adapters, cell phone chargers, toasters, televisions, DVD players, and stereo equipment — use energy even when switched off. This often overlooked electricity load has many names: standy power, phantom load, idle current, even "vampire power." For home office equipment alone, this wasted energy can range from a few watts to as much as 20 or even 40 watts for each piece of equipment. But unplugging individual pieces of equipment when not in use is not exactly convenient. The easiest way to control phantom load — and electronics energy use — is by plugging equipment into standard power strips. Shutting off the power strip avoids unnecessary power consumption by completely disconnecting the power supply from the power source. Your power strips should have an on-off switch and sufficient space between the outlets to accommodate all of the differently shaped power adapters you want to attach. To maximize the benefit, plug all of the equipment in the same area (A/V center, home office, kitchen) into single power strips. You may want to strategize by spreading a few power strips around your house and plugging in gadgets in groups based on how and when they are used. "Smart" power strips do all of the above plus monitor power consumption. The smart power strip eliminates power to a devise if it's drawing below a base level of electricity, , effectively cutting off the wasteful phantom load. These strips also have a "control" outlet; power down your computer, for example, and the printer, speakers, and scanner will all power down as well. Yes, the power strip itself does consume a couple of watts of energy, but the net savings from the three or more adapters that you plug into it more than offsets its power use.