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| Source: http://pioneerec.com/images/VampireElectronics_000... |
The Transformer and the nature of vampire load
We are plugging into voltages such as 220 volts AC or 110 volts AC outlet however inside our appliances the majority used only a maximum of 48 volts DC. The change of voltage level becomes possible by the use of transformer. Therefore we can say that most of the appliances if not all have it's own transformer inside.
Technically speaking a transformer is an electrical device magnetically coupled to transfer energy from one level to another without changing in frequency. The term magnetically coupled means that the wires on the outlet (primary winding) have no physical contact to the appliances (secondary winding) and they are working by the principle of electromagnetic induction. Like magnets that can move things without physical contact.
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| Schematic diagram of a transformer |
Vampire loads happen simply because while the switch is off at the load side, the supply side of the transformer is still working and continue to draw current perpetually until the supply of the power itself is terminated.
To make it clear vampire loads happen when we switched off the appliances without plugging out the supply. Thus if we switched off a certain appliances and at the same time we will pull the plug in the outlet then vampire load does not exist.
Vampire loads happen simply because while the switch is off at the load side, the supply side of the transformer is still working and continue to draw current perpetually until the supply of the power itself is terminated. As mentioned above the wires at the supply side of the transformer is not physically connected to the load side but they are just working by the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Other form of vampire loads
Other form of vampire loads are not caused by negligence but they are also intentionally designed for convenience on the part the user. Examples of these are the "sleep mode" of the computer, photocopiers and majority of the equipments that contain remote control.
How much it costs
There are no definite record how much energy does vampire loads add to our monthly electrical bill but study shows in the some developed countries that vampire loads ranges from 10%-15% of the rated load of the appliances. That is if we are paying 110 dollars every month in our electric bill, 10 dollars of that came from the vampire loads.
How to control vampire loads?
The benefits?- We can eliminate vampire loads if we plug off all of our appliances and chargers for cellphones and laptop if not in use. This is the best way to keep our home free from this vampire.
- Sometime the need for "sleep mode" are necessary just like in photocopiers, since it is impractical to pull out the plug from the outlet after every use because it requires another cycle of heating every other restart. In situation like this choose equipments that contain "energy star" whatever brand it is. Equipments with "energy star" means that the manufacturer of this item follows the international standard for energy efficiency and the vampire loads is minimal.
- Install "Kill A Watt " meter our home to closely monitor our electric billing. By making a simple experiment we can identify which appliances consumes more even when not in use.
In our present time where energy demand are increasing and the prices of oil are in parallel we must find ways to save energy. Saving energy means that we are not only saving money for our family but we are also helping to reduce carbon emissions to due burning of fossil fuels that energized our home. Big things happen when everybody are doing even little things and that will surely counts. Now will you still allow vampires in your home?
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| The benefits of a healthy environment is a thing that money can't buy |
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