Electricity

[wornoutwaitress]

Is it true that appliances still use a small amount of electricity even if the appliance itself is switched off but you have not turned the socket off at the mains?

Depends on the appliance.

A TV with an 'instant on' function is probably using a small trickle charge all the time. Computers are usually still drawing a small amount of power also.

Mobile phone chargers left plugged in after the phone is fully charged are also a culprit, but you are talking about a tiny, tiny amount of power.

Yes. The socket is still active and sending electricity into the plug.

What about microwaves, ovens, kettles, toasters, dvd players etc.

Yes. If they are plugged in, the socket switch is on but they are not being used then they will have electricity going into them. Hence the fact that you can be electrocuted if one is faulty even though it is not switched on.

No, they don't.

TV - no
Computers - no
Phone charger - no
Microwave - possibly, if it has a clock/LCD display
Oven - again, only if it has a clock
Kettle - no
Toaster - no
DVD player - possibly, usually has a display

Obviously, things left on Standby will be using power though.

Yes. They all do.
I switch everything (bar freezer/fridge) off when not in use.

No really, they don't.

If the appliance is switched off, the circuitry within that appliance is open circuit, and by definition cannot use any power.

Unless you're talking about the skin effect losses. If you are, the losses are so small to be immeasurable by an electricity meter, and anyway will include losses from the power cabling within your house.

oooooh who to believe

mobiles phones chargers are at the plug still warm, so i would say yes, and anything with a display.