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Backfill · 2023

#350 of 420

Smart Power Strip

seq 5
SensualistNew product/launchhomedesire
convenience efficiencydigital experience
NoticingActionExploreGroup SecuritySomething Bigger5/9
ImageIllustration/graphic

Illustration: A power strip with individually labeled toggle switches next to each outlet, several illuminated green to show active status, with USB ports on one end.

160 words

I want one of those power strips where each outlet has its own switch so you can kill power to individual devices without unplugging them. The ones I keep seeing have 6 outlets and 3 USB ports. They light up to show which outlets are active. That appeals to me because I never know if my monitor or speakers are actually off or just sleeping and drawing phantom power. Visible energy use matters. My whole desk setup pulls about 120 watts when everything is on. Flicking off 3 switches at night instead of crawling behind the desk to unplug things feels like a small improvement that adds up. Shared apartment electric bill was $180 last month and everyone just shrugged. I think we could cut 15% with better habits. Physical switches right there on the strip, colored and labeled, would make conservation feel easy instead of tedious.