The Ace Plug: A most helpfully annoying green gadget

Both beneficial and beleaguering, the Ace Plug torments you with a series of irksome noises until you unplug appliances that aren't in use.

Thu, Dec 17 2009 at 8:39 AM EST

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When it comes to remembering to turn off and unplug household lights and appliances for energy savings, a helping hand is a-okay in my book whether it’s an eye-catching switch plate, a tricolor glowing ghost gizmo, or some other kind of gently reminding device or accessory. But what if said device or accessory isn’t so gently reminding?

That’s the idea behind Ace Plug, a device designed to irritate you until you get off your keister and unplug appliances and electronics that you aren’t using. When attached to a scanner, for example, that’s in constant use, the Ace Plug will remain off. But if you leave the scanner plugged into a wall socket and idle for an extended period of time, the Ace Plug will begin “flashing and whispering.” It’s not exactly clear what “whispering” entails but Yanko Design describes the Ace Plug as emitting “pesky noises.”

In addition to the primary aural assault-until-you-unplug function of the Ace Plug, it also sports an LED mini-flashlight of sorts that lets you plug-in in the dark without having to turn on and off overhead lights. Neato.

Would you use a device like the Ace Plug to remind you to unplug appliances and electronics when you’re not using them? Or do you already have one too many devices that make shrill noises to get your attention?

Via [Yanko Design]

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