UPS - Connected Cables

[Hi P]

Does it do any harm if I leave unused cables plugged in the UPS? (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

 

I'd like to charge my phone since the UPS is literally next to me, so I wonder if I can leave the charger connected to the UPS for whenever I need it, or is it not recommended to do so?

 

Thank you

[manikyath]

why would it be a bad thing?

[Hi P]

2 minutes ago, manikyath said:

why would it be a bad thing?

I don't know, I just don't want to commit a mistake lol

 

is it safe?

[manikyath]

1 minute ago, Hi P said:

I don't know, I just don't want to commit a mistake lol

 

is it safe?

its equally safe as plugging it into a normal outlet, because it *IS* a normal outlet.

[Kalm_Traveler]

2 hours ago, Hi P said:

Does it do any harm if I leave unused cables plugged in the UPS? (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

 

I'd like to charge my phone since the UPS is literally next to me, so I wonder if I can leave the charger connected to the UPS for whenever I need it, or is it not recommended to do so?

 

Thank you

There's always a chance that leaving a power cord connected will summon Cthulhu to devour your soul, but other than that you'll be fine. 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Even an unused charger is a parasitic load on your electrical system. Enough parasitic loads can really run up your electric bill. Also, a charger that's kept plugged in will not last as long. You should unplug a charger after using it, no matter where you plug it in.

[manikyath]

50 minutes ago, Lady Fitzgerald said:

Even an unused charger is a parasitic load on your electrical system. Enough parasitic loads can really run up your electric bill. Also, a charger that's kept plugged in will not last as long. You should unplug a charger after using it, no matter where you plug it in.

good point. not that the parastic load of a modern charger is noteworthy..

[Velcade]

56 minutes ago, Lady Fitzgerald said:

Also, a charger that's kept plugged in will not last as long.

What is the lifespan degradation?  Are we talking 40yrs down to 39.95yrs?  I have never had a charge die because it's been plugged into the wall.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

3 hours ago, manikyath said:

good point. not that the parastic load of a modern charger is noteworthy..

True, one idling charger doesn't doesn't draw that much, although it can build up a bit over time, but multiple parasitic loads (also known as standby or vampire loads) can quickly add up to a significant anount. Most are hard to eliminate, such as stand by current drawn by TVs, anything with an electric clock, etc. For more on this, see:

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2011/09/03/top-26-home-energy-hogs-turned-off/#2df87e7453fe

 

 

3 hours ago, Velcade said:

What is the lifespan degradation?  Are we talking 40yrs down to 39.95yrs?  I have never had a charge die because it's been plugged into the wall.

You may be just lucky or are using high quality chargers. How long a charger will last will depend highly on its quality and dumb luck (or the lack of it). It stands to reason that the less something is powered up, the longer it will last. It's an individual choice whether to choose between ensuring longer life and choosing convenience.