Belkin Conserve Switch F7C01008q Energy-Saving Surge with Remote

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Belkin Conserve Switch F7C01008q Energy-Saving Surge with Remote

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 15.4 x 6.3 x 2.2 inches ; 2.2 pounds
Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B003P2UMNK
Item model number: F7C01008q

By : Belkin
Price : $39.99

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
The Belkin Conserve Switch Surge Protector with Remote lets you control power to your whole computer system with a single click. The included wireless remote makes it easy to shut off power--including standby power--to up to six devices at once, such as your computer, monitor, printer, external hard drives, speakers, and more. Additionally, two Always-On Outlets stay on for devices that need continuous power, like your router or cordless phone. Place the remote on a desk or shelf, or use the included wall mount.

F7C01008 Conserve SwitchSurge Protector with RemoteAt a Glance:

Wireless remote lets you control from up to 60 feet away
A single click eliminates power to 6 remote-switched outlets
2 Always-On Outlets for devices that need continuous power, like routers
Includes wall mount for wireless remote
1-year limited warranty; $100,000 equipment warranty

With the Conserve Switch, you'll easily reduce power consumption and save on energy costs..
Up to six devices can be controlled by the wall-mount remote switch. Save Energy with a Single ClickA typical household spends an average of $30 per year by leaving computer system devices on but not in use. The Conserve Switch Surge Protector helps to eliminate wasted power and to keep your electronics well-organized and protected. The included wireless remote has a 60-foot range and does not require a line of sight to the surge protector.
Eight Versatile Surge-Protected OutletsThe Conserve Switch offers a total of eight surge-protected outlets, six of which are switchable and two that are always on. This means that you can connect up to six devices that can be controlled by the remote, and two devices that will always stay on. The Always-On Outlets are useful for devices that require a constant flow of energy, such as routers, alarm clocks, cable modems, or DVRs.
For easy operation, the Conserve Switch features a re-settable circuit breaker, a "not grounded" light to indicate when a ground is not present, and a manual override button to control switched outlets. It also protects sensitive electronics from power spikes or surges with 1000 joules of surge protection.
Smart Space-Saving DesignThe Conserve Switch has a slim design that saves space. A sliding safety cover on every outlet provides added protection, and a cable management system keeps cords neat and organized.
Save Even More with ConserveFor greater convenience and energy savings, you can place additional Conserve Switch units throughout the house and control them all with a single remote.
The Conserve Switch Surge Protector is backed by a limited one-year warranty and a $100,000 connected equipment warranty.
About Belkin's Conserve ProductsBelkin Conserve products help you to do your part by making it easier to reduce your energy consumption.
Calculation based on a computer, printer, scanner, monitor, external hard drive, and external speakers on, but not active, for 20 hours per day, at $0.117 cost per kilowatt hour. (Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration;U.S. Department of Energy).
What's in the BoxBelkin F7C01008 Conserve Switch Surge Protector 8-Outlet, wireless remote switch (battery included); remote switch wall mount; and user's guide [PDF].
Certified Frustration-Free PackagingAmazon.com has certified this product's packaging is Frustration-Free. A Frustration-Free Package is easy-to-open and comes without excess packaging materials such as hard plastic "clamshell" casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It is exactly the same as a traditionally packaged product--we've just streamlined the packaging to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging during shipping. Products with Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, without the need for an additional shipping box. Learn more.

Conserve Family
F7C016Power Switch
F7C005Insight Energy Use Monitor
F7C007Smart AV Auto-Off Surge Protector
F7C009Socket Power Timer
F7C008Valet Smart USB Charging Station
F7C01008qConserve Switch Surge Protector
"Cut power with the flip of a switch"
"Find electricity wasters"
"A powerstrip that turns off when your TV turns off"
"It's a timer for your energy"
"A home for your mobile devices"
"Remote-controlled surge protector"
Features:

Cuts power completely to reduce energy costs
Easy-to-see illuminated switch
Lets you leave cords plugged in without drawing power

Features:

Helps Make Better Energy Decisions
Customizable for Different Electric Rates
Tracking Feature monitors actual usage

Features:

Compatible with all TV brands
Simple Setup
1080 joules of surge protection
Works with satellite/cable boxes

Features:

Easy to Set
Saves Energy
Keeps Home Safe

Features:

Charges 4 devices
Shuts off automatically
Frees up wall outlets
Reduces clutter

Features:

Wireless remote with mount
Save energy and eliminate standby power
6 wirelessly controlled outlets
2 always-on outlets for satellites and DVRs

Uses:Electric grill, coffee maker, clothing iron, heater, all electric items
Uses:TV, stereo, microwave, heater, all electric items
Uses:TV, DVD player, stereo, cd player, cable/satellite box
Uses:Space heater, curling iron, electric toothbrush, etc.
Uses:Cell phones, mp3 players and mobile devices in general
Uses:TV, DVD player, DVR, stereo, cable/satellite box
Belkin Conserve Switch - Energy Saving Surge with Remote (F7C01008q)

Technical Details

Control power to your whole computer system with a single click. Place remote on a desk or shelf, or mount it on the wall - 60 foot range; line of sight not required.
The wireless remote switch lets you shut off power-including standby power - to up to six devices at once: your computer, monitor.
Two Always-On Outlets stay on for devices that need continuous power, like your router or cordless phone.
4 foot cord length.
Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Customer Reviews

The problem being that most of today's electronics and the various chargers continue to consume small amounts of electricity when not in use and the waste can add up.
Brief evaluation
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This surge protector allows for up to 8 devices to be plugged in with sufficient room for the wider DC adapters to fit and it will protect them against power surges. What makes it 'special' is, of course, the remote control that will completely shut off all but 2 of the outlets so nothing, not even stand-by power is consumed. This is good because it saves some energy and I suspect that the devices for which the power was completely shut down are better protected in the event of a spike. With the remote on my desk, I found that I almost always remember to shut things down when I'm done.
More details
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The following are noteworthy, in my view.
Positives:
+ Simple remote control with a 60 ft. range and no line of sight requirement to turn off all but 2 of the outlets - it's what makes this device special.
+ On-Off switch could be mounted on a wall (mounting screws not provided) or simply glued to the wall or the side of your desk (adhesive tape provided).
+ 8-outlet capacity with a lot of room for the wider AC adapters.
+ 'Always on' light shows that power is present.
+ 'Not grounded' red light (must be off) will warn you when there's something wrong. Belkin's warranty won't apply if the light was on when your devices got fried. I don't know if for a fact but I assume they have a way of telling if that was the case.
+ 'Remote-Switched Outlets' light shows when switched outlets are active.
+ Manual override button allows for direct control of switched outlets. A must have when the remote's battery needs replacing.
+ Clip for cable management. If you don't need it - and I didn't - you can simply pull it and it comes out easily.
+ Thin (one inch) and flat shape. Sits well on any flat surface, usually the floor.
+ It's possible to control several similar devices with one remote control or have each respond to its own on-off remote - the manual shows you how to set them up.
+ 4 foot long cord.
The only negative I can think of is the overhyped up to $100,000 protection promised if your equipment is destroyed by a power surge. Once you read the fine print you realize that by the way it's worded, it would probably cost you more to fulfill the requirements and prove your case than whatever you are likely to get IF you are successful.
Rating
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I like Belkin's opting for simplicity - click 'off' and you're done - over the more complex semi-intelligent energy saving power strips that many will find difficult to set up and don't always perform the way one expects. With me in control, at least I won't be blaming someone else if something goes wrong. The outlets that I can turn off when not using them should probably not waste 25-35W each hour for 12+ hours every day plus weekends. Not bad and it should probably pay for itself after about a year of use.
I am awarding 5 stars to this item that addresses real issues by providing a realistic solution. It's possible that the power strips of the future are going to be a lot more intelligent than today's but, until then, this is the optimal solution for me.
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Note:
If you have more only one or 2 wide AC adapters the better choice may be Belkin's Belkin Conserve Switch F7C01110q AV Energy-Saving AV Surge with Remote. It has 2 extra switched outlets (eight instead of six) but, since then physical footprint is the same, they are a little more crowded so you will have to be more creative when deciding what to plug in where. I have one of each and I am happy with both.

I was looking for something I could attach to my entertainment system, cable modem and wifi router and easily power all off to save power when not in use when I'm at work/sleeping/out of town and turn back on when I was home. I liked this product when I first got it, it did what it said it would do and the remote worked from anywhere in my condo.
However, 2 weeks in the remote would no longer send the signal to turn the unit off. I could manually turn it off and turn it back on with the remote, but that was it. However, since the power strip is placed in an area that's not easily accessible, the unit no longer served its purpose.
I've ordered a replacement through Amazon, I'll follow up after the new unit gets some use to see if this is a persistent problem.