Is it true that even though something electronic is turned off, if it is still plugged in it uses energy?

Answer 1

Depends on what it is...for example, a coffee maker or microwave will still use power. The microwave usually has a light that displays the time, as does the coffee makers. I know computers, even though they go into power save mode will still use electericity, as well. Things like a hairdryer or toaster will not give off energy, though.

Answer 2

No, that is not true. Sadly, many people have been so badly served by our educational system they know virtually nothing about how electricty works--which is how this myth got started.

Here's how it works: in order for energy to be used, there has to be a complete phycial circuit for the electrical current to flow through. When a device (like a lamp) is turned off, the current cannot flow, and so no electricity can be sued. It's really that simple.

Now--there is one sort of "special case." That is when you have devices--like computers, TV's, etc--that have internal systems (usually a clock) that keep running. That requires an internal battery-which itself is recharged if the device is plugged in. But that type of internal system uses only a very tiny amount of electricity--it really is insiginificant. And they will use that energy anyway--even if the device is unplugged--because the system will keep running the clock off the battery anyway.

ONevarilation on this are things like coffeemakers, which usually have a clock/timer built in these days. These are simple systems, though, and don't include internal battery systems and such. So, when they are "off" they keep drawing a bit of power to run that clock. Again, however, the amount of energy used isn't enough to matter.

Answer 3

It is true for some appliances and not for others.

You can often tell whether an appliance is using some energy because a small light or display (for example a clock) is visible and goes off when you unplug. However computers on standby do not display a light but still use a small amount of electricity.

Pulling the plug out or switching off at the socket (if there is a switch) is generally a good idea to save electricity and to reduce the risk of fire.

Best wishes

Answer 4

In some case, when a device is turned off (like a table lamp), the power is removed and no usage at all is possible.

Other devices, such as a phone charger, still have an extremely tiny current flowing through the transformer primary even when the phone is removed. But the amount of power being consumed is so infinitesimal that it's unmeasurable.

And then devices, such as your TV or stereo which can be turned on/off by remote control, must as a necessity use energy in order to recognize and respond to the remote control.

Answer 5

It depends on what the electronic thing is doing, when it gets turned on. It depends on whether the electronic thing needs energy when it is turned ofrf ... like a computer for example ... it needs to know the correct time when it is turned back on again ... something is using energy to keep track of that.

This should be easy enough for someone familiar with electronics to check out ... just measure the electricity beting drained by what is plugged in.

Answer 6

It DOES count on the gadget! despite if it rather is a straightforward lamp or toaster, etc.; then it does not use any ability whilst became-off. needless to say, if it has a clock or indicator easy or a lighted exhibit, then it does use ability whilst became-off. in spite of the shown fact that, despite if it rather is barely a clock & the circuitry has a solid layout, then the flexibility point might desire to be particularly tiny. (A wrist watch can run for 10 years on a tiny battery.) between the worst offenders is the oftentimes happening CRT based television set. in spite of the fact that it could not have any seen lighting fixtures furnishings or clock, it does must be waiting to stumble on the flexibility-on sign from the distant administration. Worse yet, the CRT works with a warm filament a vacuum tube, resembling an incandescent easy bulb. in many situations, you will anticipate the filament to be thoroughly off whilst the set is off; in spite of the shown fact that this is not. Why? because of the fact the exhibit activates plenty extra without postpone if the filament is stored heat for all time.

Answer 7

Heather and Morphiz make valid points -- If a device has an external display, then it will continue to use electricity to power the display. If a device is in standby mode then it is not turned off and still uses some power. What Morphiz says about the switches is correct.

Stixx needs to take a course in basic electromagnetic physics. That has to be the most incorrect answer ever!

Answer 8

Yes they do. Most use way more energy than you can imagine. Computers, TV's, dvd players, cd players are the worse. They suggest plugging these into the surge protector outlets, then turning the surge protector off when you are done. This will save you quite a few dollars a year.

Answer 9

yes it is very much so true! If you can unplug ur computer, game system, etc. your energy bill will be lowered a lot the next bill. You can also by tide 2x concentrated detergent with the label reading "coldwater" so that you can wash ur clothes in coldwater and still have them clean, while saving energy and ur money. Just some tips to try out.

Answer 10

For most appliances, turning them “off” has the same effect as unplugging it from the wall. Some appliances, like VCRs, have minimal standby electricity usage even when the appliance is turned off. Extra refrigerators or freezers should be unplugged when not in use.