Background on Your New Smart Strip

(This is not your average surge protector)

Did you know that the phone adapter that is plugged into your outlet (but not a phone) is still using energy? How about your cable box or computer monitor that looks like it has been turned off (but actually is sitting in standby mode)? All of these devices that continue to draw power even when they’re not on or in use create what the National Renewable Energy Lab calls “Vampire Loads“.

Your stake, garlic, and holy water in the battle against these Transylvanian energy demands? A simple, intuitive Automatic Power-Sensing Smart Strip, provided by the Takoma Overlook Condominium Association and delivered to your door by era building solutions.

What do I do with this thing?

Installation is fairly simple. You just…

1. Turn off your devices and unplug the existing surge protector for your media station or home office.

2. Transfer the devices over to the appropriate receptacles on the Smart Strip.

   Hint: Be sure the device which you want to tell all the others to turn on/off (usually a TV Monitor or Computer Tower) is plugged into the white “Control Outlet” and any devices that require 24-hour power availability for proper operation (like a TiVo or DVR) are plugged into the red “Always On” outlets. Everything else (sound system, gaming console, computer monitor, printer, or even a phone charger that you only use while at your desk) goes into the green “Automatically Switched Outlets”.

3. Plug the Smart Strip in to the wall check to make sure that everything is working properly.

   Hint: First, turn on your control device to make sure that the automatically switchable outlets turn on (there may be a slight delay). Second: After everything has operated for a few minutes, go ahead and shut down the control device to make sure everything turns off.

IF any further tuning or troubleshooting is needed, be sure to refer to the Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual for recommendations, especially the sections on the Ground & Surge Indicator and Setting the Sensitivity Adjustment.

Looking for more ways to help save energy?

Check out our Top 9 Ways to Save Energy (and Money) for Your Condo to see how you can help.

Project Summary

Takoma Overlook Condominium is in the midst of undertaking some of the most comprehensive upgrades since its conversion to a Condominium Building. With Heating Systems that were well beyond their useful equipment life, the community made the strategic decision to take a step back and approach their operational needs as holistically as possible.

A comprehensive upgrade was designed which would incorporate significant energy efficiency improvements within and beyond the heating system replacements, not only saving the Association in future operational spending, but also making available significant sources of financing, grants, and rebates. Perhaps most significantly, the Montgomery County Green Bank creatively backed funding of over $1.2M for the project, and the Maryland Energy Administration approved the new plant for its Combined Heat & Power grant program.

The Takoma Overlook Heating Plant & Energy Efficiency Upgrade includes unique technologies ranging from high efficiency boilers and water heaters to advanced occupancy-sensing controls and a combined heat and power microturbine.

Progress Photos

Your Team

Your era building solutions team is fully dedicated to delivering not just industry-best building solutions but also a service experience that is unlike any other. Have questions, need help, or just want to chat? Please contact us any time.

Primary Representative / Point of Contact: Mike

Mike C. Cain
AEE “Legend in Energy” (AEE Legend), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Existing Building Commissioning Professional (EBCP)

Additional Active Era Team Members at Takoma Overlook