Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

[QC]

I have a Nokia E71x smart (er-than-it-needs-to-be) phone. When I unplug either the AC or DC charger from the phone, it gives me this message: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

First, I prefer that people that intend to sell me stuff keep their opinions to themselves . . . I scream at (and park in) the "Hybrid Parking Only" spaces at my local grocery store. Since when are grocery stores Automotive Technology Deciders?

Second, this seems like total BS. Is there any power drain from a charger that is plugged into a power source, but not plugged into anything that it would be charging?

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I have a Nokia E71x smart (er-than-it-needs-to-be) phone. When I unplug either the AC or DC charger from the phone, it gives me this message: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

First, I prefer that people that intend to sell me stuff keep their opinions to themselves . . . I scream at (and park in) the "Hybrid Parking Only" spaces at my local grocery store. Since when are grocery stores Automotive Technology Deciders?

Since it is their property that they have every right to dictate the use of. It is not public space and they are fully within their rights (i.e. I hope you get towed)

Second, this seems like total BS. Is there any power drain from a charger that is plugged into a power source, but not plugged into anything that it would be charging?

Usually. But a very minor amount. Most chargers have a little green or red light showing they are plugged in.

 

[QC]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

What if they have no light? I understand that load, but this one has none . . .

Thanks for the help.

You hope I get towed . . . I didn't say they didn't have the right, I think they are stupid, and I have the right to get towed if they are even stupider.

 

[joed]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

It has a transformer in it and does draw a minimal amount of power even when not plugged in.

 

[QC]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

OK, so it is legit? Where does that power go? Radiated heat from the charger? The AC one feels cold . . .

And I want to clarify my statement about Hybrid Parking . . . A Hybrid Tahoe emits more GHGs than just about any diesel anything. Waaaay more than a CNG Honda GX, way more than a gasoline Honda GX. It just seems stupid to me to:

a) get it wrong

b) alienate customers

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

OK, so it is legit?

Yes, the transformer draws a minute amount of elec energy and turns it into heat energy. Could you measure it? Yes, but I doubt it's worth it.
If you get towed just tell them you thought "Hybrid" refered to the driver rather than the car!!

 

[QC]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I decided that my pickup has a generator, and a battery and that battery runs my starter motor, so it is in effect, a hybrid. So there . . .

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I work with larger dry type transformers in an industrial setting and the amount of energy wasted by these things sitting around idle is amazing, I mean HEAT.

Using coal power here, they'll make more.

Hybrid parking only, now that a crock of crap. Id park there in my V8 gas guzzler as well.
My attitude toward those ~hybrid snobs~ "look I use enough gas for the both of us" and or "I appreciate you saving that petrol for me"

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

unless your going to unplug, the TV, the cable box, the phone (house), and the anything else besides the fridge, there is no point. the draw is minimal at best. now if everyone did this it may add up to some savings.
I started unpluging things one at a time and then going to look at the electric meter (im a CHEAP sob).
I think the cable box made the biggest difference. not counting the fridge.

 

[QC]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I think the cable box made the biggest difference. not counting the fridge.

Wow, and that flippin' thing is on 24/7 . . .

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

Its actually amazing how much power those little wall warts plugged in everywhere will consume in a year.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I have four cell phone chargers plugged in in my house, three for me and one for the fiancee (I wouldn't mind not having a phone at all, to be honest). I started unplugging them sometimes after seeing some commercial about it one day, and I tend to unplug lamps and things that I know I never use. My main deal is wondering why my fiancee likes to leave every light on in the house, now that I'm out of town, there is a huge spike in my electric bill because I'm not there to turn the lights off behind her.

As for "hybrid-only" parking, well, that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Handicap parking is one thing, although it does slightly annoy me when they are in motorized scooters and should have to park further back, but now they're going too far. I would park there also, why should they have that special privilege above everyone else? Pretty soon, you're gonna see "no clunker parking" signs, and then where am I gonna park my mudding truck?

 

[mscher]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I have a Highlander Hybrid. I'd be happy to park in the spot.

Like them or not, hybrid technology is currently the best game in town, for lower emissions and higher fuel mileage (relative to a similar sized non-hybrid). They can be re-fueled anywhere.

Natural gas, electric and even hydrogen are great, but where are you going to get a fill-up?

Diesels are continually fighting the tougher emission standards, that are also getting tougher, especially in CA.

 

[QC]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I don't have a problem with Gasoline Hybrids, but diesels are simply more efficient on an energy basis like for like. Pick your poison, NOx, GHGs, Particulates, Sticking it to the Man (Oil Companies), Recycling, Hydroelectric Dams, Coal Power Plants, Nukes, etc. etc. etc. not one of the technologies noted is good at everything.

I find it particularly annoying that my grocery store thinks they have this figured out when I have been in the engine biz for 30 years and I can't . . . I do have a very biased opinion that Natural Gas is closest, yes including fuel infrastructure issues.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

Perhaps driving a hybrid is prima facia evidence of .........mental handicap.

The charger takes about .0000000034% as much power in a year as Al Gores plane takes to spool up.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

OK, so it is legit? Where does that power go? Radiated heat from the charger? The AC one feels cold . . .

And I want to clarify my statement about Hybrid Parking . . . A Hybrid Tahoe emits more GHGs than just about any diesel anything. Waaaay more than a CNG Honda GX, way more than a gasoline Honda GX. It just seems stupid to me to:

a) get it wrong

b) alienate customers

WOW!!! I Guess if you are a moderator you can just delete messages that dont make your original message look intelligent. I am a political follower conservative and follow a lot of the noise the the libs are talking about and I think Its bunk! But, the bottom line is you are wrong. I'm sorry that you are wrong and that you are a moderator but you can save money by unplugging your charger when you leave the house. It might not be much money but eather way you are wrong. And about the car thing, Id park a tank there and walk across the street and wait to see who was willing to tow it. My guess is that some liberal owns the store and thinks that global warming is a real thing even though it was just proved that in the last 3 years that the earth has cooled and more ice is forming and what not!!

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

Diesel Is a cleaner burning motor for your motor but the emissions are fat worse than a regular unleaded gas car! I hate it and I want a Diesel truck but thats just the fact of the matter!!

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

I scream at (and park in) the "Hybrid Parking Only" spaces at my local grocery store. Since when are grocery stores Automotive Technology Decide

Wow you have Hybrid parking only in your parking lots. I haven't even seen a Hybrid in my neck of the woods. The power cords wont go that far. Plus i think we just got Handicap parking. Boy are we behind the times. A simpler life

 

[QC]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

WOW!!! I Guess if you are a moderator you can just delete messages that dont make your original message look intelligent.

I haven't deleted anything . . . WTF
I also asked the charger question because I wanted to know . . . And I did get that one wrong.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Unplug charger from power supply to save energy

where did the quotes that tackel has posted gone? They were deleted! Thats all I was saying.