ECORD

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2008

design:

Wang Tsunho

With an active patterned surface, ECORD indicates when power is being wasted on appliances’ standby mode. It allows users to reduce energy wastage.

ECORD is a compound word derived from “economy” and “electric cord”, but it also has significance in terms of “eco design”. There is no question that anyone would turn off a leaking tap. Similarly, if there is a leak of electric power, the first instinct would be to cut off the leak. Of course, we are unable to see or hear wasted electrical energy, such as that lost to standby mode on appliances. Typically, the ordinary electric cord is regarded simply as a connecting device for the transfer of electric power. The ECORD concept began with the idea of utilising the PVC-covered surface of the electric cord by implementing some clever technology that would allow a feedback of information about power waste and overload to users.

ECORD makes users aware of their standby power waste by displaying the current flow, and thus helps them to stop the power leak. ECORD has a pattern on its PVC covering. This composition stays invisible, but appears when a specific range of current is flowing. So if there is any power loss due to standby power, the pattern appears on the ECORD surface. Information about unusual current flow, such as overload, can be provided in the same way. Many countries are trying to cut down standby power usage by encouraging people to pull out their plugs, which can be inconvenient. ECORD is equipped with an on-off switch on its plug to eliminate this inconvenience.