The likely culprit resulting in '
phantom current loads'
in the home are electronics. When a TV or monitor are plugged in they
are in standby mode requiring some electricity. These devices, as well
as any chargers you might have are always on, even if the device is off
or not charging resulting in the phantom current load or current load
leakage. Electronics are dc not ac and thus requite a transformer to
lower the voltage from 120 to around 9V and they all have one. Stereos,
DVD players, printers, etc. all contain transformers and as a
result are on even while they're off. Standby mode on devices implies
that a small current passes through a device to allow it to be turned on
by a remote, so if it gets turned on by a remote, it is
costing you money even when it is 'off.'
Ever get a new cell phone and after only 7 or 8 months later the
battery needs to be replaced? Most people don't realize that a cell
phone battery is designed only to last that long before they stop
holding a charge and need to be replaced. It has definitely happened to
me and quite a number of friends. A Verizon Wireless employee has even
told me batteries are designed to fail. So how can we make our cell
phone battery last, follow these simple tips to keep your cell phone
battery like new, mine is over 2 years old and holds a charge like a new
phone.