Sinrace Power Supply Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

There are a few simple methods to reduce standby power. The easiest way to do that is to simply unplug the unused devices. To switch off several devices that are often used together such as a PC, a monitor and a printer it is advisable to use a switchable power bar or surge protector with multiple sockets. Another alternative is to consider buying energy saving devices or devices that offer a real off switch.

Identifying a real off switch can be difficult though, as even devices with a hardware off switch, e.g. TVs, often still do have standby consumption if not taken fully off energy supply. Replacing battery powered devices, such as cordless phones or rechargeable razors with corded alternatives not only cuts down on the standby power required to charge the battery, but also reduces energy lost in battery charging and discharging inefficiencies. It should be noted that many devices use standby power to retain configuration settings and unplugging them will cause these settings to be lost either immediately or shortly after.

Switching devices on or off can be automated. Timers can be used to turn off standby power to devices that are unused on a regular schedule. Switches can turn the power off when the connected device goes into standby (e.g. Standby Plug), or that turn on/off other outlets when a device is turned on or off are also available (e.g. USB Eco Powerstrip, Mini Power Minder, SmartStrip, IntelliPanel. Switches can turn on/off based on activity sensors (e.g., Wattstopper). Home automation sensors, switches and controllers can be used to handle more complex sensing and switching. However, many of these devices in their turn require standby power (for instance, the SmartStrip uses 0.28 watts in standby; the Standby Plug uses 0.4 watts), as well as requiring energy and resources to make and recycle the device, so care should be taken to assure reduction in power use.