Energy saving system and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an energy saving system and method for use in a residential or commercial building. The system comprises a main electrical panel, a relay switch assembly, an electrical subpanel, and a power outlet. The power outlet is connected to the subpanel. The relay switch assembly connects the main electrical panel to the electrical subpanel and may include a wirelessly programmable relay switch that operates to automatically disconnect and reconnect an electrical current from the main panel to the subpanel and the power outlet connected to it, to prevent an electronic device that is plugged into the outlet from receiving external standby power.

Description

ENERGY SAVING SYSTEM AND METHODFEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not applicable.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy saving system and method. More particularly, the present invention relates to saving electrical power characterized by preventing the use of external electrical power by connected common household / business electronics when they are turned off and plugged into a power outlet.BACKGROUND

[0003] People often leave an electrically operated device plugged into a power outlet (also called a “socket” or “receptacle”) when the device is not in use. A problem is that when such a device’s interface (e.g., “on / off” button(s)) is turned “off’, or the device is not performing it’s primary function, the device often consumes electrical energy called “standby power” while idle. This is a source of wasted electricity. For example, standby power may be consumed by lighted displays of an electrically operated device.

[0004] Standby power makes up a portion of a homes' miscellaneous electric load, which includes small appliances (e.g., smart TVs, digital cable boxes, etc.), security systems, and other small power draws. The increased energy consumption results in a costlier energy bill. In a broader context, some estimate that standby power accounts for more than 100 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of annual U.S. electricity consumption.

[0005] Attempts to address energy savings include “Smart automatic standby power cut-off switching apparatus” (South Korean Patent No. KR101073809B1) which teaches in relevant part, “The smart standby power cut-off... by first automatically setting the electric reference value for the standby power...” and “...issues [an] audio and visual alarm when load power is overloaded, so that the user can adjust the load control and detects the effective power amount of the power system to which multiple loads are connected in real time more efficiently.”

[0006] “CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL DEVICE OF APPARATUS AND APPARATUS USING CONTROL DEVICE” (US publication No. US.2022 / 0026096 Al)), Huang et al. discloses inter alia a control method that requires a “discovery” (i.e., detecting) step for a specialized apparatus.

[0007] “Concentric plug for blocking standby power” (South Korean Patent No. KR101848723B1) relates to a socket for dormant power shutdown, and more particularly to a docking socket for dynamically determining (i.e., detecting) a standby power reference value used for shutting off an output power according to a power source device connected to an outlet, which can shut off the power output to a standby power interrupter.

[0008] “Standby power controller communications apparatus and method” (WIPO PCT application No. W02016115590A1), GELONESE, et al, relates to a standby power controller (SPC) having data communication capability. The SPC operates to remove the power supply from a monitored and controlled outlet and the electronic device attached to it, whenever the electronic device is detected to not be in use. In general, GELONESE, et al, teaches an energy detecting scheme to initiate the removal of power by operation of a switch or relay in or associated with the SPC.

[0009] “Appliance control system” (US Patent (No. US4418333A), Schwarzbach, et al relates to an appliance control system including a central control unit and a plurality of slave units each including a user-programmable microprocessor and respectively plugged into outlet sockets of a building’s power main. For example, a “means for sensing the intensity level of the light intensity... means responsive to said preset signal” and “setting said light intensity control means to a predetermined intermediate intensity level.”

[0010] Although the prior art provides systems for monitoring, sensing, signaling, and detecting energy consumption and / or provides specialized devices to inhibit standby power usage, they fail to provide a system that enables the automatic disconnection and reconnection of a power supply to an electronic device in a standby power / inactive state. Therefore, there remains a needto provide a more efficient system that does not require detecting power usage, or a standby state of an electronic device for energy savings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art are overcome by providing an energy saving system and method that automatically disconnects electricity flow to an outlet to prevent common household or business electronics from using external standby power when an electronic device is plugged into the outlet. The invention takes control of power usage by automatically disconnecting and reconnecting electricity to an outlet based on a selected day and / or time, without a condition precedent (i.e., when day and / or time is not a condition precedent), a condition concurrent (i.e., when day and / or time is not a condition concurrent), detecting an electronic device’s electricity use, or other sensing light intensity.

[0012] A main electrical (circuit) panel (also called a “primary panel”) is the point where power from a utility company enters a home or business from a meter. A subpanel (also known as a NEC “Remote Panel”) is a smaller service panel that derives power from the main panel, via a double-pole 240-volt circuit breaker and feeder cable, that operates as an intermediary between the main panel and circuits in a home or business to enable power distribution to specific areas of the home or building.

[0013] A switch is an electrical component that can connect (make), or disconnect (break), the conducting path in an electrical circuit to establish or interrupt the electric current. A relay is an electrically operated switch that opens and closes circuits by receiving electrical signals from an outside source to control the flow of electricity. As used herein, the term “switch” and “relay” are used interchangeably, unless specified otherwise.

[0014] Relay technology can be divided broadly into two main categories, namely a relay including movable contacts (mechanical relay) and a relay having no movable contacts (e.g., MOS FET relay, solid state relay). Mechanical relays have contacts that arc mechanically actuated to open / close by a magnetic force to switch signals, currents, and voltages ON or OFF. No movable contacts relays employ semiconductor and electrical switching elements. By the operation of these electronic circuits, signals, currents, and voltages are switched ON or OFF electronically. How amain electrical panel, subpanel and a relay works are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and arc not discussed in further detail herein.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an energy saving system to prevent external standby power use by an electronic device connected to the system. The energy saving system comprising a main electrical panel, an electrical subpanel, a power outlet connected to the electrical subpanel; and a relay switch assembly that electrically connects the main panel and subpanel, wherein the relay switch assembly further comprises a programmable relay switch to automatically disconnect the electrical subpanel from the main panel for a time period to prevent an electronic device from receiving external standby power when it is plugged into the outlet connected to the subpanel. The automatic disconnection is achieved without first detecting the electronic device’s power usage or a standby state,

[0016] The relay switch assembly may be connected in between the main electrical panel and the subpanel (e.g., in a “daisy chain”), or be connected in an alternate code compliant configuration for the relay switch assembly to safely transmit the current from the main panel to the subpanel. At least one power outlet is connected to the subpanel. The outlet is for use by an electrically operated device that uses standby electricity when the device is plugged into the outlet and is turned off. The outlet may be conveniently used for an electronic device that is not normally used during a programmed “no electrical power” period. For example, Monday-Friday, from 0830 hours to 1730 hours, when a user of the system is normally away at work.

[0017] The relay switch is wirelessly programmable to operate automatically to disconnect the subpanel from the main panel at a first (for example) programmed / selected time to prevent an electronic device from using standby power when the electronic device is plugged into the outlet connected to the subpanel. The remotely programmable relay switch is likewise wirelessly programmable to automatically reconnect the current flow at a second (for example) programmed / selected time.

[0018] In this way, the energy saving system automatically opens and closes a circuit for a programmed period to disconnect and connect / reconnect an electricity supply to the subpanel, outlet, and an electronic device plugged into the outlet, to prevent the device from using externalstandby power. No condition precedent, or condition concurrent, including detecting, measuring, monitoring, etc., of an electronic device’s energy use (e.g., determining whether it is idle, or in a standby state, etc.) is required before disconnecting a flow of electricity to an outlet that the device is plugged into.

[0019] The system is preferably installed in a new construction environment to maximize energy savings during the life of the structure, as well as to avoid the associated costs (e.g., acquiring additional permits, paying for inspections, etc.) of upgrading a building’s electrical system. However, the system may be installed on, and / or in, an existing structure as an upgrade to the structure’s electrical system (e.g., as part of “a green initiative” renovation).

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention includes an energy saving method to prevent an electrical device from using external standby power, comprising the steps of connecting a programmable relay switch to act as an electrical bridge in between an electrical main panel and an electrical subpanel; and programming the programmable relay switch to automatically disconnect an electric current from the main panel to the subpanel for a selected time to prevent an electronic device from receiving external standby power when the electronic device is plugged into an outlet that is connected to the subpanel during the programmed / selected time.

[0021] The relay switch is remotely programmable to automatically disconnect the subpanel from the main panel when an electronic device that uses standby power is most likely not be in use. For example, while user is normally away at work, or asleep, etc., to avoid wasting “standby power”, and automatically reconnecting the subpanel at the end of the time period when the resident is likely home, awake, or may need to use the electronic device.

[0022] The relay switch assembly and / or switch may offer a menu of preprogrammed options (e.g., via a wireless app) including a range of time(s) from which to select. The relay switch assembly may also include a programmable clock / timer component as a redundancy to the programmable relay switch. In an alternate embodiment, the relay switch assembly may be a component of the main panel, or subpanel.

[0023] The relay switch assembly is preferably powered by the main panel. Alternatively, the relay switch assembly may be powered by an independent power source (c.g., a solar panel, a battery, etc.), or use an independent power source as a backup.

[0024] The programmable relay switch may comprise a micro-switch, micro-controller, micro-processor, or other programmable computer, computer component, timer, or yet to be invented apparatus that is able to perform the functions of a programmable relay switch. The switch is programmable to automatically cut off and reconnect the flow of electricity from the main panel to the subpanel that provides electricity to at least one electrical outlet.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the programmable relay switch may be remotely programmable by a homeowner, resident, landlord, electricity provider, property manager, or a government agency via a website, or a wireless mobile app, to adjust the settings (e.g. for daylight savings), manually override the settings, install software upgrades, etc.

[0026] In another alternate embodiment, the invention includes an electrical subpanel for an energy saving system to prevent a connected electronic device from receiving external standby power. The electrical subpanel is connectable to a main electrical panel and a power outlet. The subpanel comprises a programmable relay switch to automatically open a normally closed circuit (NC) to temporarily disconnect an electrical current to the outlet, so that an electronic device plugged into the outlet cannot receive external standby power.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, each room of a new building construction, excepting where it may be impractical (e.g., a bathroom), or unsafe (e.g., an emergency room)), will have an outlet connected to the energy saving system’s subpanel.

[0028] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a programmable relay switch that includes a menu of preprogrammed options for a user to choose from, including a range of hours, days (e.g., Monday to Friday), etc. for the relay switch to automatically disconnect and connect / reconnect electricity to the subpanel and an outlet connected thereto.

[0029] The energy saving system may include at least one power outlet cover (also called a “wall plate” or “switch plate”) that is distinctively marked (e.g., by a certain color, image, etc.) and / or distinctively shaped (e.g., moon shaped) to visually, and / or tactility (for a visually impaired user) communicate to a user that it covers an outlet connected to the energy saving system and that there will be no electricity from that outlet for the programmed period. In effect, warning a user not to use the outlet for an electronic device that requires continuous electricity (e.g., a refrigerator).

[0030] Additionally, the system’s power outlet cover that includes a visual indicator(s) may match a plug of an electrically operated device that uses standby electricity. For example they may share the same / similar visual indicator(s) in the form of a shape, image, color, symbol, word, etc. for the user to easily pair a standby electricity using electronic device’s unique plug to the outlet of the system. Making it easy to match devices that use standby electricity to system outlets make it easy for people to easily save electricity and lessen the demand on an electrical grid.

[0031] Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic device’s electrical plug may include a word, symbol, or be of a shape (e.g., the plug is shaped like a pig with contacts sticking out of its snout) to indicate to the user that the device is an “ENERGY PIG” that uses “standby power”, to communicate that it should be plugged into an outlet of the energy saving system to avoid wasting standby electricity, or to unplug it altogether from an outlet when not in use.

[0032] Other objectives and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0033] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated, and the manner described, that are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] Although, the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects, and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0035] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as a single element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component in one drawing may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles. Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present invention. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates an energy saving system in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] FIG. IB illustrates a circuitry diagram of the energy saving system in accordance with the present invention; and

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an energy saving method in accordance with the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The present specification is directed towards multiple embodiments. The following disclosure is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal of any one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the terms used therein. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded with the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention by one having ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0041] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items from the list. When “and” is used herein to join a list of items, it denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0042] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0043] FIG. 1 A illustrates an energy saving system (100) that prevents the receiving of external standby power by a common household or business electronic device (e.g., a digital cable box, a copy machine, etc.). The energy saving system (100) in a preferred embodiment comprises a main electrical panel (102), that is the point where power from a utility company enters a home or business from a meter, a subpanel (104), a relay switch assembly (106), and a power outlet (114). The relay switch assembly (106) derives power from the main electrical panel (102). The relay switch assembly (106) includes a first conductor cable attachment point (108) for receiving electrical current from the main electrical panel ( 102) and a second conductor cable attachment point (110) to transmit the electrical current to the subpanel (104).

[0044] Further, the relay switch assembly (106) is connected in between the main electrical panel (102) and the subpanel (104) and includes a remotely programmable relay switch (112). “In between” means in the sense of the relay switch assembly (106) acting as a bridge to pass on electricity from the main panel (102) to the subpanel (104), and not necessarily configured in a physically aligned row or column. The remotely programmable relay switch (112) is preferably programmed wirelessly to operate at a predefined time to disconnect the subpanel (104) from the main panel (102) to prevent an electronic device plugged into the outlet 114 that is connected to the subpanel 104 from receiving external standby power. The remotely programmable relay switch ( 112) is likewise programmable to automatically reconnect the subpanel 104 to the main panel 102 to provide electrical current flow from the main electrical panel (102) to the subpanel (104) to the power outlet 114.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the programmable relay switch assembly (106) is powered by the main electrical panel (102). Alternatively, in addition to, or instead of being powered by the main panel (102), the programmable relay switch assembly (106) may be powered by an independent power source, such as a battery (not shown), or a solar panel (not shown). The programmable relay switch (112) may be programmed remotely by a power company, a governmental agency, or an individual (e.g., a homeowner) via a wireless mobile application, a website, or through a wireless network, VPN, etc. The predefined time period for no power is measurable in seconds, minutes, hours, days, and / or ranges thereof (e.g., 0900 hours to 1700hours). The programmable relay switch (112) may include a menu of preprogrammed options, including a day and / or time range, to be selected by a user for a quick set-up.

[0046] The energy saving system (100) includes at least one power outlet (114) connected to the subpanel (104). The relay switch (112) can automatically disconnect and reconnect electricity to the subpanel (104) and the power outlet (114) connected to the subpanel (104). The power outlet (114) is for use by an electronics device that uses standby electricity (e.g., a game console, smart TV, etc.) when the device’s interface is turned off, or is not normally used during a programmed / selected no electrical power period. In this way, an electronic device that uses standby electrical power and is plugged into the power outlet (114) will receive no external electrical power.

[0047] For example, the relay switch (112) may be remotely programmable to automatically disconnect the subpanel (104) from the main electrical panel (102) at a time when the connected / plugged in electronic device will most likely not be in use. For example (e.g., Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM while a resident is normally away at work, or 11:00 PM-6:00 AM while the resident sleeps, etc.) to prevent the device from using “standby power”. The relay switch 112 automatically reconnects the subpanel (104) and provides electricity to the outlet (114) connected to the subpanel (104) at the end of the period when the resident is at home and / or awake (for example).

[0048] The relay switch (112) may come with a menu of preprogrammed options for a user to choose from (e.g., options displayed via a mobile wireless app, or on a utility provider’s website), including a range of hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM), days of the week (e.g., Monday to Friday), etc. for the relay switch (112) to automatically disconnect electricity to the subpanel 104 and outlet 114. Providing a “quick start” menu of preprogrammed time ranges to select from, assists a user in a quickly setting up the system (100) to save electricity. The user can adjust times / days later.

[0049] The energy saving system (100) is for use by an electrically operated device that uses external standby power when the device is turned off and plugged into an outlet (114) that is connected to a subpanel (104) of the system (100).

[0050] FIG. IB illustrates an alternate embodiment of a circuitry diagram of an energy saving apparatus for use as a component of an energy savings system (100). The energy saving system (100B) comprises a main electrical panel (102) and a sub-panel (104) energy saving apparatus that is connected to the main electrical panel (102). The sub-panel (104) energy saving apparatus includes a relay switch assembly (106) that is mounted in the subpanel (104). The sub-panel (104) and relay switch assembly (106) derive power from the main electrical panel (102). The relay switch assembly (106) may be attached to the subpanel (104) in a segregated compartment of the subpanel (104) or partitioned / insulated from other subpanel (104) components by a metal wall or other material / structure within the subpanel (104), or another suitable configuration that conforms to a local / national safety code(s).

[0051] The relay switch assembly (106) includes a first conductor cable attachment point (108) for receiving current from the main electrical panel (102). The relay switch assembly (106) includes a second conductor cable attachment point (110) to transmit the electrical current to the subpanel (104). Further, the relay switch assembly (106) includes a remotely programmable relay switch (112). The remotely programmable relay switch (112) is programmed wirelessly to operate at a programmed time to automatically disconnect the subpanel (104) from the main panel (102) to prevent the receipt of standby power by an electronic device (e.g., from 11:00 PM - 5:30 AM, Monday through Friday) connected to an outlet (114, not shown) that is connected to the subpanel (104). The energy saving system 100B is likewise remotely programmable to automatically reconnect and provide an electrical current from the main electrical panel (102) to the subpanel (104) and outlet (114, not shown).

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates an energy saving method (200) for an electrical device using that uses external standby power. The energy saving method (200) includes a step (202) of connecting a programmable relay switch (e.g., as pail of a relay switch assembly) in between an electrical main panel and a subpanel. The energy saving method (200) the proceeds to step 204 of attaching a firstconductor cable attachment point to the electrical main panel and programmable relay switch for receiving an electrical current from the main electrical panel. Further, the energy saving method (200) includes a step (206) of attaching a second conductor cable attachment point from the programmable relay switch to the subpanel to transmit the electrical current from the main panel to the subpanel via the relay switch. Further, the energy saving method (200) includes a step (208) of wirelessly programming the relay switch 112 to automatically disconnect the subpanel from the main panel for a time period to prevent an electronic device from using external standby power when it is plugged into an outlet connected to the subpanel.

[0053] The outlet is for use by an electrically operated device that uses external standby electricity when the device is turned off or is not normally used during a programmed / selected (no power) time period. In this way, any electronic device, when plugged into the power outlet, will receive no external standby power.

[0054] The present invention does not require a condition precedent, or a condition concurrent, of detecting, monitoring, measuring, etc. an electronic device’s electrical use (e.g., diminished use, non-use, standby, etc.), before disconnecting electricity to a subpanel and outlet, but instead automatically disconnects and reconnects / connects electricity to a subpanel and a connected outlet based on a user selected start / stop time to disconnect / reconnect an electrical flow of current. In this way the invention takes into account that all people need to sleep and many people work outside the home, to allow a user to choose in advance (or change an existing choice) when no electrical power will be available for an electronic device plugged into an outlet of the system, as well as automatically reconnecting the main panel to the subpanel to supply electricity to the connected outlet.

[0055] While illustrative implementations of the application have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

[0056] A system and method describing the present invention have been described. It will be understood that the descriptions of some embodiments of the present invention do not limit the various alternative, modified, and equivalent embodiments which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description above, numerous specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, some embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments.

[0057] Lastly, it is intended that the invention includes any improved relays, switches, main electrical panels, and electrical subpanels that are developed in the future that can substantially perform, individually, or in combination, the function(s) of the disclosed invention to prevent the receiving of standby power by an electronic device, without detecting the device’s standby state, power usage, etc., before disconnecting external electrical power to an outlet that the device is plugged into.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. An energy saving system to prevent an electronic device from receiving external standby power, the energy saving system comprising: a main electrical panel, an electrical subpanel, a power outlet connected to the electrical subpanel; and a relay switch assembly that connects the main panel to the subpanel, wherein the relay switch assembly further comprises a relay switch that automatically disconnects the electrical subpanel from the main panel, for a time, to prevent an electronic device that is plugged into the power outlet from receiving external standby power, wherein the disconnection occurs without a condition precedent of detecting the electronic device’s power usage.

2. The energy saving system of claim 1, further comprising a power outlet cover that covers the power outlet and visually communicates to a user that the power outlet will not receive electricity during the time when the subpanel is disconnected from the main panel.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plug of an electronic device that visually communicates to a user that the device uses external standby power when it is turned off and plugged into an outlet.

4. The energy saving system of claim 1, wherein the relay switch is remotely programmable.

5. The remotely programmable relay switch of claim 4, wherein the switch is remotely programmable to automatically reconnect an electric current flow from the main electrical panel to the electrical subpanel.

6. The condition precedent of claim 1, further comprising a condition concurrent of detecting an electronic device’s power usage.

7. The remotely programmable relay switch of claim 4, wherein the remotely programmable relay switch is programmable by a person other than an end user of the energy saving system.

8. The time of claim 1 , wherein the time is measurable in seconds, minutes, hours, days, or a combination of them.

9. The remotely programmable relay switch of claim 4, further comprising a menu of preprogrammed time options.

10. The relay switch of claim 1, is further operable to open a normally closed circuit.

11. The energy saving system of claim 1, further being installed in a new construction environment.

12. The energy saving system of claim 1 further being installed in a renovated construction environment.

13. The relay switch assembly of claim 1, further comprising a component of the electrical subpanel.

14. An energy savings method to prevent an electrical device from receiving external standby power, comprising the steps of: connecting a programmable relay switch in between an electrical main panel and an electrical subpanel; and programming the relay switch to automatically disconnect an electric current from the main panel to the subpanel for a predefined time to prevent an electronic device from receiving external standby power when the electronic device is plugged into an outlet that is connected to the subpanel during the predefined time.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of wirelessly programming the programmable relay switch.

16. The programming step of claim 15, further comprising the step of selecting from a menu of time range options to have the switch automatically disconnect and reconnect the flow of electricity from the main panel to the subpanel.

17. A subpanel for an energy saving system, the subpanel comprising: an electrical subpanel for an energy saving system; the subpanel further comprising a programmable relay switch to automatically open a normally closed circuit to temporarily prevent an electronic device that is plugged into an outlet that is connected to the subpanel from receiving external standby power.

18. The relay switch of claim 17, further being remotely programmable.

19. The relay switch of claim 17 further being programmable to automatically close the normally closed circuit.

20. The period in which the normally closed circuit of claim 17 being open, further coinciding with a time that a user plans on not using the electronic device plugged into the outlet.18

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