In many households, chargers for smartphones, tablets and other devices remain permanently in the socket – often for convenience or forgetfulness. What many do not know: Even without connected end devices, these power supplies continue to consume electricity and also use potential security risks.
The hidden power consumption of chargers
Even when idling – i.e. when no devices are connected – chargers pull electricity out of the socket. The reason for this is the built -in transformers that continuously convert energy as long as the charger is connected to the power grid. Modern chargers often consume less than 0.1 watts in idle, with a current price of, for example, 30 cents per kilowatt hour, this still adds up to around 26 cents per year – per charger. That sounds little, but older or inferior models can need significantly more energy. According to calculations by the Energy Group Vattenfall, the total current consumption of all permanently inserted chargers in Germany corresponds to the consumption of over 2,000 two -person households annually.
Security risks through permanently inserted chargers
In addition to the electricity consumption, the chargers are inserted. In the worst case, defects. Older or qualitatively inferior devices in particular should therefore be checked regularly and replaced in the event of damage. Dust collections or poor ventilation also increase the risk of a technical defect.
Tips for everyday life
With a few simple measures, both electricity costs can be reduced and potential dangers can be avoided. It is most effective to consistently pull chargers out of the socket after use – a short move with great effect. If you want to separate several devices from the network at the same time, you can use switch -off socket strips that can be conveniently switched off by switch. Timmering or smart sockets are suitable for even more comfort. These automate the power supply and enable certain devices to only supply energy at fixed times – ideal for charging processes overnight or regular recurring usage patterns. Such small changes in everyday life can not only noticeably reduce electricity bill, but also significantly increase the safety in the household.
Editor finance.net