Which devices should be unplugged and which can be left plugged in?

Why do you need to unplug the power cord?

A device plugged into the network consumes energy even if it is not in use and is idle. Therefore, it is more economical to de-energize devices, especially if you want to save your family budget.

Another reason to unplug devices is safety. Small fluctuations in electricity do not cause any harm, but if the voltage suddenly increases, the equipment may fail. The surge should be more than 1000 volts – this is possible when lightning strikes a power line during a thunderstorm.

Electrical devices should also be de-energized when leaving for a long time. This will help protect the equipment from catching fire during a power surge and protect the house from fire. The risk is especially high if you use cheap, low-quality devices with a low level of protection against voltage fluctuations.

Which devices should always be turned off?

Some electrical devices operate constantly, while others operate only intermittently. If the instructions state that the device should be unplugged after each use, you should follow them. Such equipment includes:

• Iron – if it is not equipped with an auto-off function, the device can burn the fabric and cause a fire.
• Heater – this is one of the most “gluttonous” devices that cannot be left unattended and kept on for a long time.
• Hair dryer – a small malfunction can cause a short circuit in the electrical wiring.
• Smartphone – after it is fully charged, a long connection to the network is fraught with damage to the battery.
• Electric razor and brush – when charging in a damp bathroom, they increase the risk of a short circuit.
• Vacuum cleaner – the device is not used for long and is not turned on every day, but a wire from the outlet stretched along the floor increases the risk of injury and spoils the interior.

Which ones can be left on?

You shouldn’t unplug a refrigerator, router, or air conditioner that operate 24/7. Manufacturers make this equipment with the expectation that it will be on all the time.

To ensure your safety, read the instructions for the device: the operating instructions will indicate whether the device needs to be turned off and whether the product complies with GOST. Certified equipment should not cause concern.

As for surge protectors, they should not be de-energized, since they are not consumers. It is better not to turn off expensive devices from trusted manufacturers using a button, so as not to create current surges.

What about the TV and computer? They have their own feedback circuit, so they do not consume energy if not in use. You can safely leave the devices in the socket, and frequent pulling out of the plug wears out the device faster.

You can also keep a smartphone charger in the socket: nothing will happen to a quality device. It is easy to check the “charger”: the case of a dangerous fake heats up even when the smartphone is not connected.

Some electrical appliances do not suffer at all if they do not “rest”, while others need to be disconnected frequently. The main document that should be followed when using equipment is its instructions.