SAVASOCKET

The new Savasocket is a multi-plug board offering the ability to switch off televisions and peripherals at the same time thus reducing energy wastage due to the use of standby features. The product is Energy Saving Trust recommended.

The first obvious advantage of this product over other similar standby saving devices, was the multi-plug feature which also includes two sockets to be left permanently on. There are four sockets for appliances which can be switched off completely and two for products such as digital set-top boxes which should be left on standby to maintain settings. It has a further advantage of incorporating an infra-red sensor which works with any infra-red remote control, negating the need for yet another remote control to switch everything off.

Obviously, switching appliances off completely at the main socket saves the most energy (this product uses just 0.19 watts in standby), but sockets for TVs and many other products are often difficult to reach. In addition, as the infra-red sensor picks up remote controls, when you switch your TV etc to standby the Savasocket will then automatically switch it off completely so you don’t have to remember to do this!

The instructions were clear and set-up was quick (although perhaps not the 30 seconds they mention). There was some plastic packaging but the majority was recyclable cardboard. At £19.99 the Savasocket doesn’t seem to be overpriced considering the additional functionality compared to some similar products, and, as the Energy Saving Trust claims you can save £37 a year by turning off standby, it will pay for itself quickly.

Thanks to Energy Saving International Ltd for sending us a sample of this product