What Is a Switchable Power Strip and Why Do I Need It?
Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2009
by Dennis Levenhagen
pcinfospace
Numerous components in our home consume power even when they are turned off. These include, but are not limited to, The charger on your cell phone, camera, speakers, printer and many others to numerous to mention. A Computer case contains a power supply. These used to be as low as 100 watts. Do to the need for powerful computers they can upwards of 500 watts. The big power machines may even be higher. Considering this fact it's easy to see how you can use (or waste) a lot of energy. Needless to say this can also get costly. This is why I recommend turning off your computer and component when you aren't using them.
What is the solution?
Manufacturers came up with switchable power strips. These have a similar appearance as a normal power strip. One outlet is set aside as the main outlet and controls the rest. This is an example of the way it works: You can plug your computer into the command outlet and your other devices into the control outlets. When the computer is turned off the rest of your devices will turn off automatically.
These units can be used for home entertainment centers also. You Digital TV along with your DVD and other devices can draw quite a bit of power even when they are not turned on. To solve this plug your TV into the control outlet. When you turn it off everything else you have plugged in will also be turned off.
WARNING! Do not plug in items that have to stay on. These may include emergency weather radios, Wireless phones or other items. Sump pumps must have the power connected at all times. DVD-R units may need to stay on if you record while you're away. These strips do have always on outlets. Be sure you use them for these items or plug them in a separate outlet.
Cost
This is one thing you need to research. At the time of this writing, they were between 35 and 45 dollars. They may be color coded but they don't have to be. Do some research before you buy one. Be sure to understand the number of outlets they have and how many are for always on items. The Joule rating is very important! The higher the rating, the better the protection for your equipment. Don't forget! It is also your surge protector.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Good Article!
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