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Posted by terry on February 3, 2008, 3:00 am
> On Feb 2, 2:09=EF=BF=BDpm, info_at_1-script_dot_...@foo.com (DA) wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone,
>
> > Does anyone know how many test/reset cycles normal duty GFCI outlets are=
> > designed for?
>
> > I have an outlet that is located on the kitchen isle and is convenient f=
or
> > charging cellphones. So, I have the chargers plugged in and when we leav=
e
> > the house I would like to simply push the "Test" button to kill the
> > chargers. When we come back, I would press "Reset" and start charging
> > again. I am trying to eliminate the phantom loads but if it will wear GF=
CI
> > outlet out too soon it would make no sense, so I'm trying to find out if=
> > this would be a good idea.
>
> > Thanks!
>
> i got curious once and checked the amp draw of a couple cell phone
> chargers, with nothing charging... not plugged in to phone the load
> was in the low milli amp area, basically nothing
>
> now the cable box we had was 50 watts.
>
> your better off chasing loads that matter
An instant on TV set may use more than a cell phone charger. Don't
know your cost of electrcity but these small items even if they use 10
watts (most don't even come close) your cost per continuous 24 hour
day is a couple of cents. Hardly worth switching off if wear and tear
causes one to buy another $10 GFCI and then have to wire it in (ten
minute job?) and donate the old GFCI to the landfill?
BTW this bsiness of eliminating phantom loads maybe makes sense if you
are in hot climate. This where Air Conditioning use more energy to to
remove heat and pump it outside! But in our cool climate where
electricity is used for home heating any 'wasted' heat from using old
fashioned incandescent light bulbs etc. is merely offsets by less
energy used by our electric heaters! And it is in the evening when
lights are likely to be on that heating is required.
Where 'good' lighting is essential, e.g. work shop; we use fluorescent
tubes anyway. Even recycled tubes and fixtures last a long, long time.
Also energy conservation makes sense for outside lighting where wasted
energy dissipates into cold air; but we haven't yet found an
economical CFL that works reliably, is robust and gives good light in
minus 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (around zero Fahrenheit).
Ideas welcomed.
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