Energy Saving Socket

[efiste2]

I quite a lot of AV equipment in a closed cupboard that Id like to turn off when the actual TV is in standby, My question being, do these energy saving multi plug sockets work with TV's switching in and out of standby, ie: will the socket see the TV go into standby and therefore switch the other sockets off ?

 

[Lucid]

About 3-4 years ago I got an Energenie IR controlled power socket for a customer who was concerned that his TV never fully switched off. That worked fine except he realised that he wasn't getting the over-the-air night time updates for his TV because the TV needs to be standby. That's less of an issue now as a lot of TVs have smart features, so the updates are much larger and delivered via the internet connection. I think I still have that device kicking around unused in a box somewhere and gathering dust.

 

[Sam Gangee]

ie: will the socket see the TV go into standby and therefore switch the other sockets off ?

If the manufacturer states that's how it works then I don't see why not. It will need to detect the lower current draw when the TV is in standby. As Lucid states, however, there could be repercussions. For example, HDMI handshaking failure.

 

[ericmark]

I would agree with problems switching off items, Sky box it the largest user of power in stand-by, but it receives program updates so when a program runs late or early it still records. I got many years ago an extension lead for the computer, which was designed to switch off printer and monitor when you switched off the PC, after they did away with the output from the PC, yes it did work, however found every time you switch printer off and on it goes through cleaning cycle so uses more ink. And I found monitor uses something like 0.2W in stand-by and the socket bar used 0.5W in stand-by so not worth it.

The older units measured current used by master unit, i.e. the TV, the newer units as switched by the TV remote, so need line of site to get signal, but also switches off TV. However my sky box has auto record, my TV has auto record, my set top box has auto record, so can't really switch off if I want to record programs. Except for Sky which because it powers the LNB uses over 1W all others are required to use less than 1W in stand-by mode, unlike years ago when the tube heaters were kept warm in TV's, so today stand-by is not a problem.

 

[big-all]

in general as said if it uses more than 1w on standby it needs to operate to record or update but even then unlikely to to repay the cost off a bit off kit costing say £12 in less than 2 years

iff you assume your tv and connected audio not in use consume 10w an hour at 14p a unit that's 50p a year for every hour its turned off so turned off for an average 10 hrs a night will be £5 over the year
i leave my freeveiw boxes and tv on standby but unplug the printer as it uses 8w but is seldom used
replacing a say 60w "normal" bulb for a 7w led will save far more at around 25-£35 a year assuming on for 10-12hrs a day

 

[Lucid]

Yep, as pointed out a lot of this stuff is tinkering around the edges for marginal benefits. Unless you've nailed every other high consumption device then there's probaby easier ways to save money.

 

[big-all]

Yep, as pointed out a lot of this stuff is tinkering around the edges for marginal benefits. Unless you've nailed every other high consumption device then there's probaby easier ways to save money.

some off the hype and modern thermal insulation levels are daft 270mm off insulation the last 200mm saves about 15-25% off the total loss through the insulation but cost far more not only in lost storage space but money and time spent
draught proofing 'lighting changes and turning the heating down by one degree will save far more than tinkering around the edges

 

[ericmark]

Since my first post I have bought a remote control socket, I got an Energenie MiHome double socket, it is to be able to remotely turn off the alarm used to protect my mother. The socket is a tight fit, but it has a number of functions, timer, remote control, and IFTTT, the latter stands for if this then that and there are loads of pre-made applications you can use with it, many linked to phone, so it can switch on when within so many miles from home, or when the weather gets to a pre-set temperature, but I see nothing linking it to TV being on.

Some are really odd, like switch on when there is a new mention of me on twitter. Since there are energy monitors in the range there is no reason why and application should not be written to switch off when power drops below a set figure. It would seem there is very little you can't do with IFTTT however still not sure it's worth the effort.

 

[big-all]

you and me really enjoy tinkering around the edges often finding out useful information
we often spend far more time than is good on a subject but enjoy the challenge
thanks for sharing