Everyday tips

Why should we unplugging the unuse appliance? 

1. Saving Your Wallet (Reducing Phantom Load):

Yes, unplugging appliances and devices when not in use can help save money on your electricity bill. This is because even when switched off, some devices may still draw a small amount of power, known as "phantom load". Unplugging eliminates this phantom load, reducing overall energy consumption and saving you money.

You're absolutely right about "phantom load," also sometimes called "vampire power" or "standby power." It's quite surprising how much energy some devices consume even when they seem to be off. Things like:

Televisions: Even when turned off with the remote, they often continue to draw power to maintain standby functions.
Phone and Laptop Chargers: If left plugged in without a device connected, they still use a small amount of energy.
Microwaves and Coffee Makers: These often have digital clocks or displays that constantly draw power.
Game Consoles: In sleep or standby mode, they can still consume a significant amount of energy.

While the amount of power each individual device draws might seem small, when you add up all the devices in your home that are constantly plugged in, it can lead to a noticeable increase in your electricity bill over time. Unplugging them is a simple habit that can lead to real savings.

2. Protecting Your Appliances (Especially from Power Surges):

Especially with the weather we often have here in Malaysia, rainy weather and thunderstorms is crucial. Power surges caused by lightning strikes are a significant risk to electronic devices.

Direct Lightning Strikes: A direct hit is incredibly powerful and can fry even unplugged appliances. However, unplugging removes the direct electrical connection to the power grid, reducing the pathway for the surge to travel through your device.
Indirect Lightning Strikes and Power Fluctuations: Even nearby lightning strikes can cause significant voltage spikes in the electrical grid. These surges can damage the sensitive electronic components within your appliances. Unplugging them disconnects them from this potentially damaging flow of electricity.
"Phantom Load" and Vulnerability: As you mentioned, the small amount of power still flowing through devices due to phantom load can make them slightly more vulnerable to damage during a power surge. By completely cutting off the power, you eliminate this risk.

How can we protect our appliances with our laziness by not unplug just switch off the power of socket?

Yes, by using reTouch 13A Flat Pin Socket which come with Double-Pole safety-features.  
You're right, the key benefit of a double-pole switch is that it doesn't just interrupt the live wire; it cuts off both the live and the neutral wires. This provides a much more complete isolation of the appliance from the electrical circuit compared to a standard single-pole switch
Eliminates Phantom Load: Just like unplugging, switching off the double-pole socket completely stops the flow of electricity to the appliance, thus eliminating that sneaky phantom load and saving you money.
Enhanced Protection Against Power Surges: While not as absolute as physically unplugging, switching off both poles offers significantly better protection against power surges than just turning off the appliance itself. When both live and neutral wires are disconnected, it creates a larger gap in the circuit, making it harder for a surge to find a path to your device. The double-pole switch acts as a more robust barrier.
Increased Safety During Electrical Work or Maintenance: If you ever need to do any minor electrical work near the socket or clean around it, switching off both poles provides an extra layer of safety by ensuring the circuit is truly dead.

In short, using a double-pole switch is a very effective and convenient way to achieve many of the benefits of unplugging, especially for those of us who appreciate a bit of ease. It tackles phantom load and provides a good level of protection against most power surges.

So, if laziness is a strong force in your life (and let's be honest, it visits us all!), investing in sockets with double-pole switches is a smart move for protecting your appliances and your wallet!