What are Phantom Loads?

Phantom Loads are caused by devices which consume electricity even when they are switched off. You might have seen clocks showing time on your Microwave oven, or on your DVD player, Etc. You want your Television sets to show a picture instantaneously when you switch it ON with your remote. Your computer has its memory which keeps your calender/clock & personal data always available even when you have switched it OFF.How do you achieve these features when you have kept the devices switched OFF? There is a built-in power supply within these devices which is drawing continuous power from your utility, 24 hrs/day & 365 days, resulting in continuous consumption of power making you pay for it without your knowledge.Imagine millions of houses using such devices contribute to continuous drain of such Power, which otherwise can be put to useful purposes. Hence beware of "PHANTOM" loads and use the Switch which feeds power to the gadget rather than switching it OFF from the remote.