Measuring Phantom Loads

Abstract

To prevent a small electrical device from consuming electricity turning the device off is often insufficient; in many cases, it is essential to be sure the device is unplugged. The electricity consumed by an appliance when it is switched "off" is called a phantom load. Some of these phantom loads are so irritating that superstitious energy misers may be tempted to first unplug the devices, and then put them in a trunk and shut the lid, just to be sure they do not manage to connect themselves to the grid. The total phantom load of the average house is probably rising, as more and more small electrical devices hit the market each year.