Being green is a lifestyle choice, but modern living often dictates that seconds count, at least thats my wifes excuse for not turning off the telly when she goes out or leaving the ch running full tilt.
I was thinking about some system, like an isolator switch that I have in my Joinery workshop, I just switch off the consumer unit and I know everythings off and no electrical fires.
But what would be good at home would be a switch next to the final exit door that kills everything 'cept the fridge and freezer and answerphone? Anyone done anything like that?
I mean that would be a good building reg, for reducing energy use, seperate circuits for essentials, easilly killed circuits for energy conservation of luxury appliances?
Mike George
posted on 02-07-06
Great idea, maybe something as simple as a ring main dedicated to necessities. The other non-essentials could then be isolated as you suggest. I think something like this would have a very short payback and would really contribute to CO2 savings.
arnold w
posted on 03-07-06
don/t be silly lads whilst a good idea, not very practical.
how long are you going to have to spend setting up timers on *****, cooker, alarm clocks, central heating boiler controls to name but a few.
I'm sorry but you have got to teach her to change her ways!
Mike George
posted on 03-07-06
Don't know about Richy but I wasn't thinking about any timers. I was thinking about two seperate ring mains - one which is dedicated to items which are never turned off and one for all the other sockets. A simple on/off master switch at the point of entry/exit to the house. Lighting circuits could be wired in the same way.
Maybe not practical as a retrofit, but if your house is being rewired anyway.... why not?
Does anyone actually use all these 'timers' ? Most of my appliances survive a power cut, so switch the lot off in one go seems to make sense, I've already hard zoned my heating by 2 valves that isolate the upstairs of my house and my wife is unaware of their existance!
