You’ve probably heard the term “Vampire Power”? It’s the power that some electronic devices “suck”, when they are plugged in, but not being used. One example of such a device is an AC adapter that charges your gadgets. In addition to being a huge waste of energy, Vampire power is something that you pay for on your electric bill each month. The OnPlug is a simple device that will allow you to switch the power off whenever you like. We’ve reviewed power strips with this type of feature, but the OnPlug goes where a power strip can’t. It’s less obvious and bulky than a large strip and has a base that lights up in Blue when power is being used. A small switch on one end gives you the ability to stop the suckage whenever you like. The OnPlug is available through Amazon for $11.99 each or $29.99 for a pack of 3.
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I hope you you know that if you use UL licensed Electronics then vampire power does not occur.
These switches have been available in Europe for decades, and cost about EUR 2 ($2,75 or so). $11,99 is way overpriced!
how hard is it, to make a device pretty much “sleep” when it isn’t charging? When charging, there is a load on the circuit. Can’t be that hard to make a device pretty much sleep, when not being used.
Julie, have you been sleeping last 10 years? 3 years ago I have bought a package of 10 similar switches for 15 EUR!
For the amount of room that this plug takes up, you might as well install an outlet with a switch instead.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202035011/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Alternately, home improvement stores sell very similar products for $4 each.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100129253/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
These are available at any hardware store for a dollar or two.
p51d007: The reason it isn’t easy is because a regular “wall wart” power supply has no electronics in it (besides a transformer, diodes, and caps) so it isn’t “smart” enough to tell something like that. Adding a small microprocessor is the simple solution and many companies are starting to do this, but it does add cost and complexity.
@thsu Great info!
In defense of my Onplug. Unlike the Leviton comparison, the Onplug can plug into either plug hole of an outlet without blocking the adjacent plug. You can even use two side by side on a typical wall plate. Also, the Onplug illuminates to remind the user to switch off. And it goes without saying that the Onplug is better looking.
Consumers will decide if these differences are worth paying for. We are looking into cost reductions to offer a lower price.
Do you not have switched wall outlets in America?
the funny thing is that the OnPlug in itself also consumes power.
This plug solves nothing for me, since I would still have to crawl down under my desk, across the dust bunnies to switch the unit off. At that point I might have as well just unplugged the unit.