Unplugging household devices regularly
Unplugging household devices regularly
(OP)
I have a couple of acquaintances that unplug almost every household plug and cord connected device between uses. This includes lamps, electric blankets, computers and toasters that are used everyday.
Are typical American plugs designed for this high level of use, or will the repeated use eventually cause the contacts to wear, thereby leading to a higher fire danger than if the devices were left connected?
Note, some of these devices are also plugged into a power strip, which they will turn off and the unplug everything from it.
Are typical American plugs designed for this high level of use, or will the repeated use eventually cause the contacts to wear, thereby leading to a higher fire danger than if the devices were left connected?
Note, some of these devices are also plugged into a power strip, which they will turn off and the unplug everything from it.






RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
Plugs and receptacles definitely have a limited number of mate/unmate operations. The cable and cable entry is what goes first, though. And when the strands have been broken to the extent that they can't carry current without overheating, you certainly will have a fire. Many fires start because of loose wires in plugs or reduced conductor area due to too much flexing during plug/unplug.
Why do they do that? You asked them?
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
If they want to disconnect power to PC's or TV's, then a power strip with an off switch will do. But for lamps, toasters, etc..., it's a waste of time and will wear out the cords.
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
My grandparents (I'm 56) routinely upplugged any electrical device that wasn't hard wired because "electricity is dangerous".
It drove my Dad nuts because he had to fix the plugs and outlets which wore out. Even his electrical engineering degree didn't convince his parents that electricity didn't pose a threat warranting unplugging appliances.
Dan
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
Poor wiring methods, faulty repairs, overloaded conductors, oversized breakers, the list goes on.
respectfully
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
Yes the devices all have switches. I have heard recommendations to turn off unused VCR's and the like due to the standby losses, but that didn't come up as one of the reasons. The reasons stated were that they were worried about fires and that there parents always did it.
One of them also turns off the water to the washing machine after each use because an acquaintance had their house flood from a broken hose. Any idea how many duty cycles a water valve can take?
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
Also, from my experience having worked breifly for Emerson when they were making power tools and small appliances for Sears, the absolute cheapest junkiest component in the entire system was almost always the switch. Passed UL, no more. $40 power drill or blender, 4 cent switch.
Unplugging from a power strip, then unplugging the power strip does sound a bit OCD however.
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
I can say it lasts about 6 years before I get nervous about the growing looseness and replace it.
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Unplugging household devices regularly
Had my cordless plugged in downstairs and I went down in the evening and found the charger in meltdown mode.
That is one device I would always isolate.
I personaly dont trust all the transformers feding the electronics such as printers, kids games, speakers, etc.
I would isolate those at night if it were easy.
I wonder if that isolation switch exists. Most ideas I have if any good already exist if it is a good idea.
Great stocking stuffers.