POWER CUTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 51, 9 July 1947, Page 4

POWER CUTS

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION With the present electric power shortage, many consumers are inquiring about the power consumption of various household appliances and the cost of running them, says “Consumer News.” The cost of one unit in the various districts throughout New Zealand may be ascertained from the local supply authority. In Wellington City, it is 6d for the first 16 units and hd a unit thereafter (with certain discounts). All electrical appliances, should be stamped with the wattage, and an appliance of 1,000 watts will burn one unit in one hour. A 100 watt lamp burning for 10 hours will consume one unit of electricity at a cost of |d in Wellington. The following list shows various appliances with their approximate wattage and the time it takes them to consume one unit: —

. Domestic water heaters are worked on several different systems. The elements vary from 500 to 2,000 watts and the rates and methods of charging vary in different localities. In Wellington City a monthly charge is made of 6d per 100 watts plus 1/- for the clock. The clock is electric and switches the heater on at 10.30 p.m. and off at 6.30 a.m. Thus a 600 watt element will cost 3/- plus 1/- for the clock for one month.

Other types are worked on a thermostat by which, when the water reaches a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the power is automatically switched off. In Wellington, a flat rate of £lO a year is charged for a 1,000 watt element of this type.

Zip heaters and other types, which are regulated by the consumer, are worked on the ordinary meter.

Watts Time \ (hrs.) Copper 2,000 1 2 1 bar Radiator .... .... 1,000 1 Kettle 1,000 1 Water Jug 600 n Toaster 550 if Iron ...... 500 2 Vacuum Cleaner 200 5 Washing Machine .... 200 5 60 watt Lamp 60 16 Radio Set 60 16 Water Heaters