275 watts
That’s how much power my house uses “at idle”.
Mostly from:
- server downstairs
- desktop upstairs (monitor powersaved)
- humax PVR
- misc items (oven, microwave, fridge/freezer)
Switching one monitor on jumps it to 317W, switching a light on 362W.
I’m now going to have to keep track of how much each appliance uses.
I can’t quite bring myself to switch off either PC yet though 
Update: switched kitchen lights on, 750W (9×50W halogens).
Posted: June 12th, 2008 under Life.
Comments: 4
Comments
Comment from andy
Time: Friday 13 June, 2008, 18:21
Interesting, how are you measuring — just from the meter?
PS I like “Update: switched kitchen lights on” 
Comment from adrian
Time: Friday 13 June, 2008, 19:44
Using one of these: http://www.currentcost.com/ which I got from Southern Electric’s shop (but I can’t find a link now). It wraps around one of the cables from the incoming electricity feed and has a wireless transmitter to that display panel (which you can hook up to a PC). Note that it can therefore only do the entire house, not an individual appliance. Max so far is 2.3kW (300W background and 2kW from the electric grill).
Comment from chris
Time: Tuesday 1 July, 2008, 11:38
We got one of those free by switching to Southern Electric’s ‘Better Plan’ tariff (eco-electricity).
Our house uses about 180W at standby
I think the meter thing itself must use a few watts, judging by the power brick getting pretty warm. And I wonder whether the clamp around the incoming mains causes some inductive load.
Comment from chris
Time: Tuesday 1 July, 2008, 11:39
Here’s how you really want to do it…
http://www.bwired.nl/Stroom.asp
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