Countries in Europe have an on and off switch for an outlet, how come there are no switches. Also, I don't think people realize that even if something is connected to an outlet, electricity is still flowing, regardless if an appliance is on or off. So next time, when your electricity bill comes, and its sky rocket, now you know why.
2006-11-06 14:31:38 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have an on off switch for an outlet, it's what my computer is plugged into.
2006-11-06 14:34:46 · answer #1 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it is not a common practice much anymore, I still teach my students how to make outlets split where half is controlled by a switch and half is hot all the time. I am an Electrical Technology Instructor.
There are still places where it is done and can be done anytime at the request of the consumer.
Also, electricity requires a complete path for current flow. Plugging anything into an outlet does not cause the electricity to flow unless said item is turned on. A lamp that is plugged in and off uses no electricity.
2006-11-06 14:39:07 · answer #2 · answered by Ron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some outlets are controlled by a light switch, It depends how the house was wired up.
Your second thing is incorrect....If there is nothing plugged into that outlet, and turned on or running, then nothing is drawing from that source and u arent using electricity from that outlet. You need to have a draw on that electricity for it to be using electricity. So if the only thing running in your home using electric is say your refrigerator....the bill will be small. Once you start using other things in the house, you will be using more electric. Meters here that are read from the electric company people, will spin faster , the more you draw on the electric. When things are in the off posistion, it will spin slower and I can actually go from home to home and see a difference of who uses more.......
2006-11-06 14:39:34 · answer #3 · answered by Thumper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If an appliance is turned off, it uses no power. TVs and computers are the exception, they use a tiny amount of electricity so they can start up quickly. Try this, turn everything in your house off and go outside and check your electric meter. The wheel inside will not be moving. Then, plug in an appliance and check the meter, the wheel will be moving. Turn off the appliance and check again. That should convince you. Be sure that all the heating and hot water circuits are off if you try it. You need to verify that the meter is still before you conduct this test. And lots of houses have switched outlets, they're very convenient for controlling floor lamps.
2006-11-06 14:50:35 · answer #4 · answered by gone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Often switches are used in conjunction with outlets, as for a living room light. Your statement that electircity is flowing even if the appliance is off is misleading. You are only billed for electricity consumed. If an appliance is off no energy is consumed therefore it does not affect your energy bill.
2006-11-07 03:20:42 · answer #5 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually there are cases where the outlet is switched. Switched outlets are used in this country mainly in lighting circuits. But for general purpose outlets the plug is considered to be the disconnect..
2006-11-06 14:45:14 · answer #6 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some circuits in homes that are controlled by wall switches.Especially in homes where there are few overhead lights, one of the receptacles in a room is usually controlled by a wall switch.
The only time current is flowing in a circuit is if there is a completed path. Some, not all, devices can draw current even when turned off. IE. instant on devices like TVs, but non-electronic devices (lamps, toasters, irons, etc etc.) do not use electricity when not turned on but are plugged in.
2006-11-06 14:42:48 · answer #7 · answered by Traveler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably the contact terminal of the switch had been welded together due to the sudden voltage surge. When you plug something on the outlet which cause it to short circuit a high current will flow on the terminal switch.. This will make the metal become soft and joint together as you flick the switch. The spark will cause the metal contact terminal to weld to each other.
2016-05-22 05:58:47 · answer #8 · answered by Melissa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are plenty of switch leg receptacles installed in the USA. Usually in rooms without overhead lights, or large rooms expected to have multiple use areas.
Secondly, the meter on your house works like a light bulb, in order for it to work, power must flow in and out. So even if a TV is plugged in the power comes in but does not go out because the gate is closed, so it is stopped. it can't get out the negative side, which goes to the busbar in you panel box, which goes out the other side of your meter. Sorry if that doesn't help, I can't explain it any simpler.
2006-11-06 14:45:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
MY old apartment had one. I had to tape it to the on position cause my company would sometimes flip it and shut off my computer. That was a Pain In THE A**. trust me. There is no need for a switch since you can just unplug the appliance.
2006-11-06 14:41:04 · answer #10 · answered by Popcorn Playa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋