Remote-Outlet

Tag Archive: switch

Fantastic Way to See What Anything You Plug in Uses for Energy!

I have an older model and needed more. I really like this Conserve Power Switch and the new style is nice. They are both economical and terribly useful.

I wish the unit could be thinner but it does the job. Three setting; 6, 3 and 30min as I recall. No more leaving my chargers on all the time. I have an old electric razor whose batteries are dead. Leaving it plugged in was a waste of power but this unit allows me to set the charge time for 30min and I can shave with my old razor. It was worth the money. I am thinking about getting one more.

It works as advertised- select the time to charge, hit the top button and it shuts off after charging for that amount of time. What I dislike about this product is that the time spans given of 1/2, 3 & 6 are too ridged for me. Find that I charge my instruments by the half hour several times to keep from having to have it on for the full 3 hours. I only need 1.5 hours to charge most things and think that adding a 1 hour option would have served this product well or to have it shut off automatically after it somehow senses that the charge is full. My other complaint is that my children like to push the ‘on’ button just to see the green light. Probably should have been made so that it doesn’t turn on to charge something when nothing is plugged in. With these two changes I would have given it 5 stars but it would probably cost a lot more as well.

While this is really nice, it’s not really any better than unplugging your device from the wall. Either way, when you want to use the device you have to reach to the outlet, and either plug in your device, or flip the switch. Then, when you’re done, you have to reach to the wall and unplug the device, or flip the switch. Flipping the switch doesn’t really take any less time than unplugging the device. While these outlets do look cool, and do do what they’re supposed to do, I’m not convinced it’s worth the cost.

This can be used for Blueray players, DVD players and similar devices that consume some power even when powered down. A simple flick of the switch to off position will cut off all power to the device. It works as advertised but I prefer the other products such as smart power strips that cut power when you turn the main device off. That type of strip does the turn off automatically of the other devices so you never have to think about it. This device is probably better suited for a kitchen for coffee makers and other applicances that pull power.

I’ve owned many power strips, USB hubs, surge protectors, printer cables, and peripheral-sharing switches. Every single device has performed reliably over time, exactly as advertised. This little energy-conserving device appears to be another fine product. You plug the device into a wall outlet, plug an appliance into the device, and the device turns the wall outlet and the plugged-in appliance on or off, with the flip of a little switch. The switch lights up in green to show that the wall outlet is delivering power to whatever it is that is plugged into the device.

When it is plugged into a wall outlet, the on/off switch is quite close to the wall. This means that it is just as easy to unplug whatever is plugged into the outlet as to flip the switch. So the main use for this switch that I see is to be able to turn off a device that you don’t want to plug and unplug all the time (to avoid wear and tear on the power cord).

As a matter of design, the lighted on/off switch isn’t particularly well-placed–it’s on the right side, not on the front. This means that when the device is plugged in, the lighted switch may be facing away from you or downward (depending on how your wall outlets are oriented), and you won’t be able to tell at glance whether the outlet is on or off.

February 24, 2014 Outlet, , , , 0 Read more >

Coffee Cup Warmer Plate

I wish it had auto shut off, but since it doesn’t, this outlet timer really does the trick. I set it for 30 minutes and never worry about coming home to a hot countertop.

The only thing is that the 30 minutes isn’t long enough for a few things I use it for and the 3 hours is too long. Wish there was perhaps a fourth setting for an hour. But otherwise it works as promised and would have given it a 5.

I have several places where I’ve determined it will pay for itself in about a year’s time (for me, anything that uses about 10W or more). I have the first one hooked to my modem/router.

I recommend using a Kill-a-Watt or similar device to check for devices which have a high parasitic drain (cost money to leave plugged in). New devices are good at using near-zero power when off. How can you tell without such a device? Feel the case or feel the black box that plugs into the socket. If either is warm after the power’s been off for 5 hours or more, it’s probably robbing the bank.

The plug does intrude on the neighbor plug in a few places I want to put it. I also wish it could be turned off with a push of the button.

I’ve verified the power consumption is essentially zero. That’s good news, because most people will use it to save energy usage.

When Amazon took my return, it was easy, quick and gave me lots of options (refund/replacement, shipping methods that didn’t cost me anything). I highly recommend buying items “fulfilled by Amazon”.

I’ve purchased the Simple Touch C30002 Auto Shut-Off Safety Outlet, Single Setting as well as receiving a working replacement. I have to say I like the Simple-Touch product much better. The red LED is much easier to see than the faint green LED. Also, pressing the button a second time turns it back off. It allows me to make better use of the second socket as well. The only downside is it does not have a selector switch, it’s fixed at 60 minutes (a number I like). This other product has so many plusses, I don’t think I’ll be missing the slide switch on the outlet or the extra few buck it cost.

It is ideal for both: my coffee maker does not have an automatic shut-off, but when it is plugged into this device, it will get shut off at the plug in the time frame I choose, in this case the 1/2 hour setting.

For the home phone charger, I used to plug it in to charge and then forget about it for days. If the phone is charged but the charger or transformer is hot, you know you are wasting electricity, especially since we don’t use a home phone much so it doesn’t need to keep charging. By using this device, I can plug in my phone charger and set it to the three hour mark, knowing I will get a full charge but not leave it on needlessly, wasting electricity.

It doesn’t have any fancy features but at this price, it does exactly what I want it to without the clunkiness and clicking of a manual timer.

February 19, 2014 Outlet, , , 0 Read more >

Great Way to Kill Zombie Power Users

The side switch allows reasonable time periods for live electricity. The light indicates whether the socket is live, and the top button is handy. It seems durable enough, and works best in those outlets that are easily accessible.

Now I hit the button, it charges for 3 hours, and then shuts off. The phone is charged, and the charger isn’t sitting there using up power when I don’t need it. I think it would be great for laptops, or any device that uses a charger. A lot of power in a home is used up by phantom consumers like cell phone, laptop, and other chargers.

I bought this to charge my cell phone after my first battery died from charging my phone all night long. When I needed to purchase a new battery I also purchased this. Your cell phone really only needs 3 hours to get fully charged and when you charge it for 8 hours it actually drains the battery. This device fits into a 3 prong outlet (the top being the better position). You can set it for 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 6 hours. You just have to remember to press the button at the top of the device to turn it on. Also, when this is off it doesn’t suck power. Great energy saver too.

You can set the timer for 1/2, 3 and 6 hours. It is totally quiet when it shuts off – no “click” or any noise that might wake you up if you use it in your bedroom. I only wish that there were a couple of more time settings. It would be nice also if there were a way to either shut off the outlet or reset the timer without unplugging it.

You just have to plug it into an outlet, and then you will be plugin into the monitor everything you have. This thing is addictive and useful, not only because you realize how much energy (and money) an appliance waste, but the carbon footprint too if you are sensitive and know that all we are heating our big home. All this just with the touch of the button with the icon of what you want to display. The cord that came to put the screen not in the outlet but at a place you can see easily the display is one thing that similar products don’t have, and really is very helpful if you don’t want to be on your knees every time you want to see what’s in the display.

Slide the switch to the desired time, push button, and voila! It works perfectly. It’s rated high enough that it will support any item you can plug into a regular outlet. It will even power heaters, toaster ovens, and any other high drain 120V device. It will also handle small items like chargers. It is indespensible to me for charging power tools. I have cooked a few batteries in my day by forgetting to unplug them after 6 hours, sometimes days later. They are then rendered useless, and this is a pricey accident. Set the Conserve to 6 hours, and worry no more. It is also great when I make Crock-Pot meals, cause I’ve never seen one with a timer. 6 Hours on high, roast is done. Now it’s worry free when I’m at work. It will even have had time to cool off to an edible temp by the time I get home. This is great, and I plan on buying more. You will easily earn back the $10 in energy, and definately $10 in lost frustration. I can’t wait for more models with more time settings.

February 18, 2014 Outlet, , , , 0 Read more >

Eats Electricity for Breakfast!!

I have been using it with my heating blanket at night. While the blanket itself shuts off after 8 or 10 hours, I don’t need it on for that long. I plug it into this adapter, hit the green light and it stays on for however long I set it for. I’ve also been using it to charge my cell phone or computer. Things that I often forget are plugged in and get over charged.

The timer is easy to use; there’s a switch to set the desired time, and one obvious button to activate the electricity flow. It’s a good product if you need to shut off an item after a certain period of time, like a phone charger.

The big complaint I will make, however, is that the timer is too crippled when it comes to the length of time setting: you can only choose from 30 mins, 3 hours, or 6 hours. That’s it. If Belkin could add an actual timer that you set your own time in, then that would be a major improvement. For example: I’m using this for my phone charger. I know my phone charges in 2 hours, so I’d rather have the timer shut-off after 2 hours instead of waste electricity for 1 additional hour.

Also, there is no “OFF” button or mechanism on the timer. The only way to shut it off is to unplug the unit. This can be a bit tedious, especially when the plug is in a tight space to reach into.

It is nice for seeing not only what an electical item uses in dollars but even more important it shows what the carbon data, and watts are. It can save us alot of money by showing the wastefull electrical appliances we might have.

Simply, plug it in and then plug whatever electronic device you wish to use with it. It will shut the power off in 30 minutes, 3 hours or 6 hours, depending on your selection. The selection is made via a sliding switch on the side of the unit.

In my case, I use a steamer and sometimes head to work, forgetting that the steamer is still plugged in. When this occurs, I’ve wasted electricy on a relatively high-wattage device for hours. I’ve also come home to find the steamer broken after leaving it on for so long and finally it could present a potential fire hazard (though not too likely). This Belkin device simply shuts down the power after 30 minutes per my selection, which not only saves money, but likely prolongs the life of the steamer.

I wish they made a double unit and maybe they do. But this items does what you expect it to and I recommend it.

it shut down like a drunk on New years Eve, just as advertised!!! Just make sure the outlet doesn’t get hot, test it every half hour or so as a safety precaution. Then after it’s off wait until the heater gets cool again. And there you have it, a truly deserving five-star product.

February 17, 2014 Outlet, , 0 Read more >

Excellent Power Saver

It lacks any sort of archival features such as memory to save results or USB to computer data transfer, but for testing devices one at a time, this is an excellent device. The inclusion of a carbon-footprint mode seems silly, but for those that care about such things, it can be interesting to see. Overall, the product is excellent and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to gain insight on their electric bills.

It’s very helpful with something like a space heater or a vaporizer that you want to make sure is off after a certain amount of time. We’ve been using it with our space heater in the bedroom to warm up the bedroom while we’re getting ready for bed and after we go to bed, then it shuts off after we’re asleep. It has a half-hour setting, 3-hour setting, and 6-hour setting. Very handy, except I wish it had an 8-hour setting.

Some efforts have been quite expensive like installing all new heat pump and air conditioners while others have been small and simple such as power strips etc…

When this came up, I decided to give it a try as every little bit adds up. It’s super simple to install..plug it in, plug in the appliance or item, hit a small switch that acts like a timer. That’s all there is to it. It’s a great way to reduce those vampire watts without the headache or hassle of having to always unplug items.

Unfortunately there were two problems we encountered – one is with appliances without a solid memory storage that require reprogramming if shut down entirely. That is NOT the problem of this device but limited the use on some items.

Next, like many households we actually have a LOT of little items that could use this but even at a relatively low price, it would add up significantly to change over. Also, negating a plug was a little problematic in some areas. All in all, a nifty little device that works as advertised and is simple to install.

Most days I notice it, but still worry on the days I don’t look before I leave the house. The Belkin Conserve Socket is a robust timer that can run some heavier loads (such as a hair iron) without issue. In the morning, my wife presses the button on the top of the Conserve Socket and it allows her to power-up her iron and do her thing. When she is done, she shuts it off normally, but if she forgets, we don’t have to worry because the Conserve Socket will kill the power after 30 minutes (a value that you can select) For the money, it was nice because it eliminated a worry of mine and wasn’t too complicated to upset my wife.

February 14, 2014 Outlet, , , , , , 0 Read more >

It Did What I Needed It To Do

I didn’t realise it would come with an earth pin attached (yes, stupidly I did not deduce this from the fact that there are three holes in the front). Not the end of the world, though – the hollow earth pin was made of copper so I just cut it off with a hack saw in a couple of minutes. It’s a nice-looking little doover-lacky, and the action of the switch although not exactly crisp is sufficiently robust. No regrets. I’d buy another if I ever needed it.

When the switch is on, you get a dim light reminding you that the switch is on. Turn the switch off and it shuts down the outlet completely. Turning the switch off is essentially the same as pulling the plug out of the socket. You have to decide if the convenience of a switch (vs pulling the plug) is worth the cost of this gadget. Personally, I think the price is kind of high for the limited functionality. Also, the device is kind of big, so it may block 2 outlets (depending on the layout of your socket).

It measures power with 3 significant figures. I tested my laptops, desktops, and other stuff. It shows that desktop computer consume much more energy than laptops. This one give me a reasonable precision power of my stuff. It is good for home use.

Once activated by the start button on top of the timer the, power runs to whatever is plugged in until the set time elapses. Perfect for single uses like a battery charger or portable heater. But, and I’m deducting one star for this, you cannot renew (extend) the timed cycle midway through by pushing the button again. You must wait for the cycle to time out or unplug the timer and restart it. Otherwise, great device for safety and conservation. Doesn’t block the lower plug-in on wall outlets. Made in China, of course.

Plug something into it and it will display how many watts are being sucked out of the wall. Push a button and it will display the dollar cost.

I always wondered how much energy the space heater used. How much energy does the computer use when it is in energy save mode, does the phone charger suck energy when the phone is not plugged in?

I work out of the home and run several computers all of the time. I also have a room full of aquariums. After finding the biggest electricity hogs and changing to using them only when needed I have cut my electric bill down significantly. This unit has fulfilled it’s purpose.

I use it when charging our cell phones so that the battery won’t get ruined by being charged excessively. It elimintes the phantom energy consumption, but I like the idea of having my cell phone battery last longer as well. It is also really handy for a device that didn’t have a switch. Now it does. It would be useful for any heat produciing fire hazard like a curling iron or coffee maker that doesn’t turn itself off.

This thing is well built, can be set for 30 minutes, 3 hours or 6 hours, and can handle any device drawing up to 1800W.

February 12, 2014 Outlet, , , 0 Read more >