South African Man's Experiment Shows How Much Power Laptop and Phone Chargers Really Use

• A South African man experimented to determine whether chargers consume electricity when plugged in but not in use, sharing his findings in a video
• According to his test, cell phone chargers and laptop chargers' results shocked South Africans
• The man's findings have sparked interest online, with many viewers praising his practical advice and clear explanation, and highlighting the potential for small electrical draws to add up over time

A South African man has put a common household question to the test: Do chargers consume electricity when plugged in but not charging a device?

Electricity prices in South Africa have significantly increased, with Eskom, the state-owned power utility, implementing a 12.74% tariff hike for direct customers starting April 1, 2025. Municipalities are also raising their electricity prices, with some facing increases of up to 14% from July 1, 2025. These hikes are well above the current inflation rate, putting additional strain on South African households and businesses.

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Man tests if chargers use power when not in use

In a video shared on his Facebook account under the handle Wes Reddy, the man known for sharing helpful and insightful tips centred on how to consume electricity wisely, he delivered yet another impactful tip.

He began by asking: “Do your chargers use power when they are plugged in but not in use?” Wes Reddy explained that he conducted a test using three different cellphone chargers and a laptop charger, all plugged into wall sockets but without any devices connected.

According to his findings, cellphone chargers draw no electricity at all when left plugged in without charging.

“When the cell phone chargers are plugged in but not in use or unplugged completely, they use no power whatsoever,” he said in the clip.

Wes Reddy added that people can safely leave their phone chargers in the socket without worrying about wasted energy.

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However, the laptop charger told a different story. Wes Reddy revealed that even when not actively charging a laptop, the charger still drew 0.032 amps, equivalent to 7 watts of power. Over 22 hours a day, this usage amounts to 154 watt-hours daily. Multiplied over 30 days, that totals approximately 4.5 kWh per month.

Based on current electricity tariffs, Wes Reddy estimated this could cost around R18 a month.

“So I would say don’t bother unplugging your cell phone chargers, but do unplug the laptop charger. Hope this helps,” he concluded.

The clip that was published on 6 August 2025 has sparked interest online, with many praising the practical advice and clear explanation. While the savings from unplugging a single laptop charger may seem small, the findings highlight how small electrical draws can add up over time, especially in households with multiple devices.

Watch the video below:

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SA shares their thoughts

People in South Africa took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the man's insightful findings and the electricity issue in Mzansi.

Tyrone Noel said:

"So now throw a spanner in the works, what about a usb c laptop charger, that's a cellphone charger but bigger."

Clinton Scholtz wrote:

"Eskom should sponsor your channel; the whole of South Africa can save a Gigawatt of power per year because of your dedication and research."

Willem Grabe expressed:

"It will be less..loadshedding saves electricity."

McWayne Sam replied:

"Thank you, Wes. Much appreciated your time and knowledge shared."

Deidre Jansen commented:

"I unplug everything lmao. No taking chances. These videos are very informative."

More stories on electricity by Briefly News

• A South African man has sparked conversation online after breaking down the cost of using an electric blanket, showing just how affordable it can be to stay warm during winter.
• One gent in Mzansi took it upon himself to help folk as he broke down two appliances that use more electricity.
• The cost of living in South Africa continues to rise, and many are struggling to make ends meet. One woman in Mzansi showcased just what life has come to in South Africa, where basic needs are not even affordable.

Source: Briefly News