Do you leave your Chargers plugged in?

EDC Gear for Flashlight Carriers USB Power Devices
29

My old NiMh charger stays plugged in as it’s very inconvenient to get at it’s wall-wart but otherwise everything else is on surge/power strips, sometimes with a downstream strip for lesser-used stuff at that location.

My desk has a main strip (all PC gadgets and usual lighting) then goes to a radio strip (ham gear and chargers, brighter work-light) so that for almost every use I just hit one or two switches. My old workbench was the similar and when I’m done the new one will be too.

I’m not as worried about “vampire power” as I am fire hazards and damaged equipment from surges/spikes/brownouts. The MOV’s in strips wear out so over time I add a new “main”, downstream ones are usually safe to use longer so I replace them occasionally. I learned from a lightning strike to not leave anything I value plugged in directly when I’m not here to monitor things.

Phil

30

Only when charging something up.

Or when I forget it there. It happens…

31

I always disconnect unused devices.
Mike

32

The chargers are only plugged in when they are in use.

I have a cellphone that needs to be charged only once a week (just a simple 6 year old Nokia with the Original battery).

33

I tested everything in my house back when I got a kill-a-watt and the phone chargers and other wall warts didn’t even register a decimal when not in use. I do unplug most things when I leave on a trip and nobody is home. But otherwise they stay plugged in. Unplugging and plugging everyday can lead to wear on the outlet and stress on the internals of a wall wart as you pry it free.

34

No.
I only plug my charger when i need it, just for saving electricity and avoiding me to buy a new house

35

If you want to save enough power actually see a difference on your bill, here are the real power eaters. Use these less:

Microwave
Oven
Stove
Refigerator/Freezer
Chest Freezer
Home Heater Fan
Kitchen food prep devices
Incandescent bulbs
Internet router
Internet modem
Laptop

36

Raw chicken does not agree with me, especially when left on the counter for a few days before consumption. :bigsmile:

37

:smiley:

38

You’re supposed to take the feathers off, Bort :bigsmile: They don’t digest as well as the chicken lips do.

Phil

39

They are automatically removed and stuffed in the walls and attic for extra free insulation 8)

40

Sounds right. Things that get warm to the touch are using power, but not a lot unless they have a fan or burn your hand. Things that have no certification or testing are hazardous in the event of power surges. Anything plugged in may increase the risk or damage in case of a nearby lightning strike.

41

My internet router + modem take 60w. If you are reading this it’s likely the same for you. That’s a lot… 525600 watts a year, or 526 kWh. That could be reduced 67% by using a timer to shut it off while sleeping or at work.

42

No, never.

43

My router takes 3W and modem take 12W

44

Hmm. That’s not good news for me.

45

It is, you should be able to replace yours and save lots of energy

46

I was looking at the kill-a-watt device. Good to hear the phone chargers are really that low in consumption.

47

You can always check my reviews of usb chargers, I do include a couple of the phone brands and they are often very good.

48

Thanks HKJ, that’s a good idea.
I have the Xtar SP1 charger and looked through your review for standby current for just the Xtar walwart (don’t know the correct name to call it) while plugged into wall but not plugged into charger (12V input) and I see you don’t test that.
It could be a nice addition to your reviews to add this info if you wish.

I’ve plugged the Xtar walwart back in when not in use as it was a slight hassle to plug/unplug into wall when wanting to charge. I do however unplug the charger end (12V input)