Dear Geek,
I’m all about saving the environment, and make sure I turn off my electronics (t.v., computer, etc.) when they’re not in use. However, I recently heard about something called “phantom power”. What is it and what does it mean for me?
Signed,
Phantom-Plagued
Dear Phantom,
In spite of it’s name, phantom power is not the newest superhero power. Phantom power refers to the power that electronics (t.v., computer, etc.) use when turned off, but still plugged in. Most power adapters continuously draw power, even when there is no device connected. So, even when your mobile phone is not connected to the power adapter, the adapter is still drawing power.
To reduce phantom power waste, most new energy-saving surge protectors come with a few “always-on” outlets for devices that require uninterrupted power (clocks, phones, DVRs), but also allow you to cut power to connected devices that don’t need the power (t.v.s, mobile phones, etc). Invest in one of these surge protectors, and you can save up to 15% of your total household power usage!
If you have a question for our Resident Geek, send it to: geek@tbyd.ca. We’ll translate it from Geek-lish to English, so it actually helps!
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