Will Ac adaptors only take electricity when connected ?

Billman

I have often wondered if AC adaptors for example with my mobile phone when disconnected from the device keep using electricity ? Is the electricity still live ? Or will electricity only be used when it is connected to the phone or battery assisted device. If I could avoid taking the adaptor out of my 4 way extension lead, for other devices kept on, I would.

While I am still here is it true to say that when charging things you use less electricity than if a device uses it directly.

Thanks.

property.advert

Over the years I've heard about "leakage" but I'd like it clarified as well.

hunsbury0

Billman wrote: »

I have often wondered if AC adaptors for example with my mobile phone when disconnected from the device keep using electricity ? Is the electricity still live ? Or will electricity only be used when it is connected to the phone or battery assisted device. If I could avoid taking the adaptor out of my 4 way extension lead, for other devices kept on, I would.

While I am still here is it true to say that when charging things you use less electricity than if a device uses it directly.

Thanks.

It will still consume energy as the windings of the transformer are still live, but will consume less than if it was connected to a device that was charging.

hannahO_2

hunsbury0 wrote: »

It will still consume energy as the windings of the transformer are still live, but will consume less than if it was connected to a device that was charging.

I guess if I used one of those 3-way adaptors and switch it off it won't use any?

rogerblack

if you switch it off, with another switch, it doesn't use any power.
The easy answer is - if it's not cold, it's using over a watt.

ROY47

On a safety note , if you ain't using it unplug it

Haven't heard of a fire started by a dodgy phone charger ...... yet

Insurance would have a great big NO to say if it ever happens

but there again a quick google says

http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=fire+caused+by+phone+charger&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&channel=suggest

quick read of them seems to say the phones were on charge at the time ?

deshepherd

I think mobile phone companies have put a fair amount of effort recently in trying to ensure that their chargers use as little power as practical when not connected to the phone ... think EU was instrumental in bringing pressure on them to sort it out as once you scale amount of power used by chargers plugged in but not used across Europe the amount of power wasted (and thus extra power stations needed) started to be significant!

Billman

Hi I looked on ebay for the switchable socket I need a four way. I have a clock radio and no other socket hence not switching it off and having to re-set the time with my current no switch lead. Saver0811 can I ask where you got the hong kong one and was it £1 or just a humours anecdote. I think B&Q would be my next stop otherwise. Thanks.

Swipe

Billman wrote: »

Hi I looked on ebay for the switchable socket I need a four way. I have a clock radio and no other socket hence not switching it off and having to re-set the time with my current no switch lead. Saver0811 can I ask where you got the hong kong one and was it £1 or just a humours anecdote. I think B&Q would be my next stop otherwise. Thanks.

Wilkos do them for around £6, also saw some for £5 in poundland last week. B&Q do one for £10.

David1105

A few years ago I remember seeing some adverts on TV telling you to unplug your phone once it had finished charging to save power but I didn't really think it mattered, Is it actually worth unplugging things in monetary terms? I mean, would you actually notice any difference on your bill?

Pincher

What about a USB hub?

You can have it plugged into your computer, so it's not on all the time.

You can also have an adapter powered version.
They are designed for standby operation, so are very good for when nothing is being charged.

My mobile came with a USB lead anyway, so it's a no cost alternative.