Zero Watt Bulb:-Many of us sleep at night by lighting a zero watt bulb because it gives dim light and does not hurt the eyes. Know about it?
Zero Watt Bulb:-Many people believe that a zero watt bulb doesn’t consume electricity. If you leave this dim light bulb on at night thinking it won’t affect your electricity bill, you might be mistaken. Despite its name, the zero watt bulb does consume electricity.
Why is it called a Zero Watt Bulb?
The name “zero watt bulb” originated a long time ago when electrical meters were not as advanced as they are today. Back then:
- Low electricity consumption was undetectable: Old electromagnetic meters couldn’t measure very low power consumption accurately. When such a bulb was used, the meter showed “zero” power usage, which gave it the name “zero watt bulb.”
- Actual power usage: A typical zero watt bulb consumes about 12–15 watts of electricity. The term “zero watt” is, therefore, more historical than factual.
How Much Electricity Does a Zero Watt Bulb Consume?
While the name suggests otherwise, a zero watt bulb does use electricity:
- Hourly consumption: A zero watt bulb consumes 15Wh (watt-hours), which equals 0.015 kWh or 0.015 units of electricity in one hour.
- Night-time usage: If you keep the bulb on for 12 hours, it will consume around 180 watt-hours (0.18 kWh or 0.18 units) in total.
The Impact on Your Electricity Bill
Leaving a zero watt bulb on all night may seem insignificant at first, but it can add up over time:
- Regular use of one bulb might not significantly increase your bill, but if multiple such bulbs are left on for long hours, the electricity consumption will steadily contribute to your bill.
- For example, using one zero watt bulb for 12 hours daily over a month would consume 5.4 kWh (units). This small usage, multiplied by the number of bulbs and their daily usage, can lead to noticeable changes in your electricity bill.
The zero watt bulb is not entirely “free” of electricity consumption, as its name might suggest. Its name originated due to the limitations of old meters, not because it consumes no electricity. Always remember that even small power usage over long periods can add up. If you are conscious of your electricity usage, consider switching to energy-efficient alternatives like LED bulbs, which consume significantly less power.