Do appliances use electricity while off?
Even when switched off, many home appliances consume small amounts of electricity. This continuous electric current is normally used for functions other than the device’s primary purpose.Phantom LoadThe Department of Energy describes this current as “phantom load” or standby mode. Electronic devices may draw only a few watts, but they drain electricity 24 hours a day.Electronic DevicesElectronics with digital displays such as clocks and indicator lights use phantom loads. Devices include computers and printers, VCRs, televisions, cable boxes, answering machines and microwaves. When plugged in, energy-stealing culprits such as battery chargers and AC adapters continue drawing power regardless of whether they are connected to electronic equipment.Power UsageA Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study showed most devices draw less than five watts in standby mode, but digital cable boxes and DVRs can use upward of 30 to 45 watts. LBNL estimates that phantom load accounts for almost 10 pe
