[TenTec] Naive power supply question

[Stuart Rohre]

I do not think it will make the components last longer, in fact, the failure
of the electrolytics is a drying out action which is only hastened by the
hours the supply is on and producing heat by eddy current losses of the
unloaded supply, and the heat of leakage currents.  In fact, you are leaving
yourself open to lightning or surge damage by leaving the power supply on,
and presumably, then a short path across an open switch at the rig for any
surge to jump and return to earth via the AC lines.

You could figure how much it consumes by seeing what the AC voltage drop is
across a small value power resistor in series with the AC line to the
supply, if your ammeter does not read well that low.  Apply basic equations
of voltage resistance and current, and you have the unknown current.  That
times voltage is the power of course.
73, Stuart K5KVH