Techniquest

Exhibit: Powerhouse

Switch on the electrical appliances in the model house and see how much power each one requires.  You can also find out how much it costs to run each one, so it might encourage you to be more economical at home.  The meter on the exhibit works in the same way that a real meter would if a real kettle had been switched on.  If you switch on more appliances, the meter shows the total rate of energy use.  When you have tried various appliances you will notice that the ones requiring most power are those that produce a lot of heat – electric kettle, washing machine, electric radiator, tumble dryer, etc.