Wiktor Wise
Many people assume that plugged-in devices that are not in use do not consume electricity. However, chargers are one of the main concerns and are perhaps the most prominent energy vampires in your home. Even when your device isn't attached, chargers continually draw power from a wall socket, and while this amount could be as little as 0.25 Watts of energy, it can add up over time if you have multiple devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it called? | Power strip, power outlet, power point, receptacle, socket, extension cord |
| What does it do? | Provides more electrical sockets |
| Does it use electricity when plugged in but not in use? | Yes, but the amount is minuscule |
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What You'll Learn
Plugged into the wall but not a device: is it a health hazard?
A functioning electrical outlet that has nothing plugged into it is generally safe. However, if the circuit is overloaded or there is a fault with the outlet, the connecting wiring, or the circuit it is attached to, this can lead to the risk of fire or electrocution, even when nothing is plugged in.
Faulty Wiring
One of the most common causes of electrical fires is faulty wiring. Over time, wires and connections can become loose, worn, or corroded, leading to electrical resistance and heat buildup, which can ignite surrounding materials. Faulty wiring can also cause electrical sparks, which can start fires, especially if they come into contact with flammable materials.
Overloaded Circuits
Another common issue is circuit overload, which occurs when too many devices are plugged into a single circuit, drawing more power than it can handle. This can cause the circuit to overheat, melt, or fail, potentially leading to a fire. It is important to distribute high-power devices across different circuits and use heavy-duty extension cords if necessary.
Water Damage
Water in an electrical outlet can create a dangerous sparking risk and is a common cause of electrical fires. It is essential to keep water away from outlets and to use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Old and Outdated Outlets
Older homes may have outdated two-prong ungrounded outlets that do not have a grounding wire, increasing the risk of electrical shock and fire. It is recommended to upgrade to GFCI or three-prong outlets for improved safety.
Signs of a Problem
Some warning signs of a potential electrical hazard include a hot outlet, burning smell, popping or crackling sounds, flickering lights, repeated tripped circuit breakers, and black streaks on drywall or around the outlet. If you notice any of these signs, turn off the circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician to inspect and address the issue.
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What are power strips?
A power strip, also known as a multi-socket or power board, is a block of electrical sockets that attach to the end of a flexible cable, allowing multiple electrical devices to be powered from a single electrical socket. Power strips are often used when many electrical devices are in proximity, such as for audio, video, computer systems, appliances, power tools, and lighting.
Power strips typically feature a mains plug on the other end of the flexible cable, which is plugged into a wall electrical socket. They are used to provide extra outlets when there are more electrical appliances than available wall receptacles. Power strips can be particularly useful in older buildings, which may not have enough permanent electrical wall receptacles to meet modern demands.
It is important to note that power strips do not regulate power flow or provide protection against electrical power surges. While some power strips include built-in surge protectors, this is not a standard feature and power strips should not be assumed to offer surge protection. Power surges can damage electrical devices beyond repair, so it is important to use a dedicated surge protector if necessary.
Power strips often include a range of additional features, such as a master switch to turn all devices on and off, individually switched outlets, and energy-saving features that switch off the strip if appliances go into standby mode. Some power strips also include a circuit breaker to interrupt the electric current in the event of an overload or short circuit, as well as LED indicator lights to show when the power is on.
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What to call a device that plugs into the wall to have more electrical sockets?
There are several names for a device that plugs into a wall to provide more electrical sockets. The most common term seems to be a “power strip”, or “power bar”, the latter being more common in Canada and the UK. In the UK, it is also referred to as a “multi-way extension lead”, “socket strip”, “socketboard”, “extension socket”, “extension cable”, or “plug board”. In Australia, it is called a “power board”, and in India, it is known as an “extension board”.
Other terms for this device include “power squid”, “extension cord”, “power outlet”, “power point”, “receptacle”, “attachment plug”, and “plug adapter”.
It is worth noting that the term “extension cord” is generally used for a single electric cord with a plug at one end and a socket at the other, and may or may not have multiple sockets. A “power strip” or “power bar”, on the other hand, usually refers to a long bar with multiple outlets that attaches to the wall via a chord and has its own on/off switch.
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Chargers: energy vampires in your home
In today's world, many people own multiple devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which need to be constantly charged. This has led to multiple chargers being left plugged into the wall at home and in the office, with the cord ready to be connected to a device whenever it needs charging. However, did you know that chargers left plugged into the wall but not into a device are still drawing power?
Chargers are one of the main "energy vampires" in modern households. They continuously draw power from an outlet, even when your device is not connected. While the amount of energy drawn may be small, it can add up significantly over time if you have multiple chargers plugged in. This not only increases your energy bills but also contributes to energy waste.
The reason chargers continue to draw power even when idle is that they contain a small transformer that steps down the voltage to your appliance's voltage. It takes a small amount of energy to keep the magnetic field in the transformer energized.
To reduce energy waste and save money, it is recommended to unplug chargers when they are not in use. Additionally, you can look for the Energy Star label on products, which certifies that they are energy-efficient and do not draw phantom power. Certain power strips are also being developed to detect when an energy need is present, and if a device is not connected, no power will be drawn.
By being mindful of the devices we leave plugged into the wall and making small changes, we can collectively make a significant impact on reducing energy waste and protecting the environment.
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Electricity meters: testing for unused power
If you're concerned about unused electricity being recorded by your meter, there are several tests you can perform to check for faults.
Firstly, you can take a meter reading, then turn off your power at the fuse box. Wait 15 minutes and take another reading. If your meter is accurate, the reading should not change as no energy is being used. This is known as a "creep test".
You can also perform a "kettle test". Take a meter reading, then boil a kettle a few times and take a second reading. If your meter is functioning properly, the reading should reflect the energy used to boil the kettle.
Another way to test your meter is to turn off all your appliances and take a note of the reading. Then, plug in an appliance that uses a lot of electricity, such as a kettle, and take another reading. If the numbers don't increase, it's less likely that there's a fault with the meter.
If you have a smart meter, it's usually easier to tell if there's a fault. Smart meters give you real-time information about your energy usage, so you can immediately see the effect of turning off your power and reconnecting devices.
If you suspect your meter is faulty, you can request a "Meter Accuracy Test" (MAT) from your supplier. An engineer will visit your property and run a current through the meter to assess its accuracy. If the meter is faulty, it will be exchanged free of charge. However, if the meter is found to be accurate, you may be charged for the test and for removing and installing a replacement meter.
You can also buy a utility multimeter online for less than $15. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach it to your electrical meter, then compare the reading to your meter after an hour. If your meter is accurate, the numbers should be equal or within a 5% range.
If you're unsure, you can always contact your energy supplier directly. They will investigate the issue and propose a solution. If you're not satisfied with their response, you can make a formal complaint and, if necessary, escalate the issue to the energy ombudsman.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it shouldn't be a health hazard under normal circumstances. However, if you unplug your phone and the wire touches your skin, you may feel small shocks from the electricity.
Yes, a small amount of electricity is drawn from the receptacle whether the phone is charging or not. However, the amount of energy is minuscule.
There are a few different names for this, including a power bar, power squid, extension cord, and power strip.
Yes, an electrical short to a device can damage the wall outlet. If the USB input on the phone was damp, it may have prevented the electrical charge from being delivered to the phone, and then fried the capacitor on the phone.
One example is when you have a lot of devices that need to be plugged in but only one wall socket available.
