Strip it! APC's Power-Saving Surge Protector
The APC Essential SurgeArrest promises guaranteed protection from power surges and electrical spikes. Their new Master-Controlled outlets are designed to help conserve energy and save money from “ghost drain” when your computer system is plugged in but not in use.
I decided to check it out and see if I could really save or see a difference since I usually forget to turn off my power cord and conserve energy that way. The verdict: if you have one computer attached to one printer and/or don’t mind the inconvenience of having to turn on the master computer every time you want to print wirelessly, it’s a great find.
I actually thinks it’s the perfect solution for TV/DVD/TIVO systems. Plug your (energy efficient) LCD into the “Master Control” outlet and when it’s on; so is the DVD player or TIVO – whatever you plug into the following outlets will turn on only when the Master is on. When the Master is off, the outlets automatically cut power to idle equipment to conserve electricity.
The claim is that one strip can help you save up to $25 per year and it comes with a Lifetime Warranty for your connected equipment. Available for $35 (you’ll make that up in a year and a half) at Office Depot.
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Better not plug the TiVo into a switched outlet if you want it to record things while the TV is off. And, if you leave the TiVo on, you’ll need to leave the cable box or satellite receiver on, too.
Better not plug the TiVo into a switched outlet if you want it to record things while the TV is off. And, if you leave the TiVo on, you’ll need to leave the cable box or satellite receiver on, too.
I am sure a TiVo records nothing when it’s off. At least that is how mine works.
I am sure a TiVo records nothing when it’s off. At least that is how mine works.
As I understand it, their is still a small amount of power running on the circuit board to protect the components from the stress of turning everything off and on. Years ago they found that TVs that were always “on” lasted longer then ones that were turned off and on.
Maybe that no longer applies – but that fact certainly explains the need to leave some parts of the appliance on. Comments?
As I understand it, their is still a small amount of power running on the circuit board to protect the components from the stress of turning everything off and on. Years ago they found that TVs that were always “on” lasted longer then ones that were turned off and on.
Maybe that no longer applies – but that fact certainly explains the need to leave some parts of the appliance on. Comments?
As I understand it, their is still a small amount of power running on the circuit board to protect the components from the stress of turning everything off and on. Years ago they found that TVs that were always “on” lasted longer then ones that were turned off and on.
Maybe that no longer applies – but that fact certainly explains the need to leave some parts of the appliance on. Comments?