If You Value Your Money, Don’t Leave Your Charger Plugged in the Wall

You may know that your smartphone’s power adapter is typically connected to the sideboard or bedside table. However, have you considered the energy expenses incurred when the power adapter remains plugged in continuously? Additionally, could this pose a fire hazard?

What is the actual cost of a power supply unit?

It is important to note that every power adapter consumes electricity as long as it is connected to the outlet, irrespective of whether the smartphone is charging. This occurs due to the built-in transformer, which converts the 230 volts from the outlet to a lower voltage suitable for your device, even in standby mode.

The positive aspect is that if you utilize a high-quality power supply from a trusted manufacturer, the costs associated with standby mode are minimal. An EU regulation mandates that power supply units with an output of 50 watts or less can consume a maximum of 0.3 watts while in standby mode. This equates to approximately 2.6 kilowatt hours annually, resulting in a cost of around one euro.

In 2020, this regulation was further tightened: power supply units up to 50 watts are now limited to a standby consumption of only 0.1 watts. This translates to about 0.9 kilowatt hours or roughly 40 cents per year. For power supply units with higher outputs, the maximum standby consumption is set at 0.21 watts.

Individually, the costs associated with each smartphone are minimal and barely noticeable on your electricity bill. However, from a global standpoint, there is significant potential for savings: if all 69 million smartphone users in Germany were to disconnect their adapters after charging, it could lead to annual savings exceeding 27 million euros.

Is a connected power adapter truly hazardous?

When utilizing high-quality power adapters from reputable manufacturers, you can be confident in their safety, as they are engineered to prevent overheating during standby mode. However, caution is advised with generic products, which often compromise on materials and fire safety features. If your power supply unit becomes excessively warm or emits a humming sound, it is imperative to discontinue its use.

Genuine power supply units from established manufacturers are typically safe; however, it is crucial to ensure authenticity when purchasing, as counterfeit products, particularly those imitating Samsung and Apple adapters, are prevalent. In addition to the original manufacturers, brands like Anker also provide high-quality power adapters that can enhance both your safety and charging experience.

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