Can you tell me whre I can find a reputable resource to confirm that a plugged in item still pulls electricity even if the item is unplugged (ie a computer, radio or tv, etc). My family thinks that a plugged item in the off position is not draining electricity
hope that helps

as was said, anything that works with a remote has some power draw..anything that is %26quot;instant on%26quot; has a standby power draw......any transformer, for a video game box, or a cell phone charger or whatever; if it is warmer than room temperature when not charging or powering something, it is drawing current.

MIT did a study....and I%26#039;ll leave it to you to find the link.....that suggests that 5-10 % of America%26#039;s power consumption is wasted keeping TV%26#039;s VCR%26#039;s. computers etc on standby mode.

Best thing to do? Plug everything into a power strip and turn the power strip off when done with the appliance

It is called phantom power check the PG%26amp; E website for ideas.

Call your power company or go to their website listed on your powerbill. This is very true they do still draw electricity.
A bit of a science project. Unplug everything you can (TVs, clocks, microwaves, etc)...Not frig of course. For a whole month everyday while you are gone, and check your power bill. You will have the proof in the pudding.

It%26#039;s easy, clamp a no contact amp probe around the circuit. I%26#039;ll tell you right now, that a computer is drawing elctricity when off still plugged in. Thats what keeps the clock and date correct. The battery would be dead quickly if you had to reley on it evry time you turned it off. But it is such a small trickle you can%26#039;t notice by watching the incoming power company meter. Licensed journeyman electrician 1997-current