Standby power

For systems that provide auxiliary power, see Emergency power system.
"Phantom load" redirects here. For microphone powering technique, see Phantom power.
"Idling current" redirects here. For transistor quiescent current, see Biasing.
"Electricity vampire" redirects here. For circuits consuming all of a battery's charge, see Battery vampire.
"Vampire load" redirects here. For the safety discharging resistor, see Bleeder load.
Not to be confused with Leakage (electronics).

Standby power or idle power is the electric power electrical appliances consume while in standby mode. It only occurs because some devices claim to be "switched off" on the electronic interface but are actually in a different state (standby mode) such as to power a clock or allow for remote control power-on. Idle current is the electric current electrical appliances draw while in standby mode.

In the past, standby power was primarily a non-issue for users, electricity providers, manufacturers, and government regulators. In the twenty-first century's first decade, awareness of the issue grew, becoming essential for all parties. Up to the middle of the decade, standby power was often several watts or tens of watts per appliance. By 2010, regulations were in place in most developed countries restricting standby power of devices sold to one watt (and half that from 2013).

Vampire power, also known as vampire draw, vampire load, phantom power, phantom draw, phantom load, or ghost load, is the electric power electrical appliances consume while energized but not in any use (including standby mode). Vampire current is the electric current electrical appliances draw while energized but not in any use. A vampire device is one that draws vampire power.

Vampire devices still consume a small amount of power despite not being in use and such power is a complete waste. For all vampire devices, just turning off the power plug or power brick (where possible) or disconnecting it from the power point (mains) can completely solve the problem of vampire power consumption. Having a mains outlets with power switches or a power strip with a power switch eliminates the need to disconnect all devices from the power-point.

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