Best place for a switch when using an always connected power adapter

led strippowerswitches

I recently bought this: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00II1MN5I and am planning on using it for under cabinet lighting in the kitchen.

Power adapter:
Model: TNS-1220
Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Output: 12V DC, 2000mA

I want to keep it plugged in all the time and control it via some sort of switch/button to turn off/on. If the power adapter is always plugged in, would it consume electricity (it has an LED that lights up when plugged in). If so, would it be negligible?

Basically I want to know if I should:

[outlet] -> [power adapter] -> [control switch] -> [LEDs]

or

[outlet] -> [control switch] -> [power adapter] -> [LEDs]

Best Answer

Power draw from a plugged in power adaptor that is not in use, is measurable, but negligible in the long run. A 2 Amp switching supply like that will cost you maybe a buck or two a year, if left unused but plugged in 24/7. Negligible is subjective.

But the supply for that led strip, is just a power supply. It has no off mode, no flashing, nothing fancy. So unless you disconnect the strip, the supply will be powering the strip. Unless you disconnect the supply.

So you need to switch the outlet.

A simple method is a dollar store switched outlet adaptor.

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Or a power strip.

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