Voltage optimiser

[Pepperman]

And MOD have looked into it:
http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B9DDB0C5 ... g01_10.pdf

[adam2]

Here's an Australian paper which tested a range of domestic appliances at different voltages:

http://itee.uq.edu.au/~aupec/aupec04/pa ... erID77.pdf

Interesting, the findings are broadly in line with what I would expect, no saving with thermostaticly controlled heating equipment.

A reduction in the loading of non thermostatic heating appliances but with heat output reduced in proportion.
For example they note the reduced power used by a toaster, but dont mention that it will take longer to make the toast.

Comutator motors use less power, but they dont mention the reduced speed. For example if a vaccuum cleaner runs slowly it would be less effective and would either have to be used for longer, or the owner might replace it with a more powerfull model

I suspect that useing a voltage reducer on say alternate days might produce a saving on those days since on those days the householder might not notice the reduced output of appliances.
For example the toaster will produce less well done toast, the laundry will be slightly less clean, the carpet slightly less vaccuumed etc.

Some would argue that this shows that the device works, but in my view the same result could be achieved by lower loading appliances, used less.
If the slightly reduced effectiveness of the vaccuum cleaner is acceptable then simply use it on full voltage for 18 minutes instead of 20.
If the slightly less cooked toast is acceptable, turn down the control a bit whilst still useing full voltage.

[Pepperman]

And save yourself £299!