Energy

How much power do devices use on standby?

Short answer

Since 9 May 2025 new devices may usually use at most 0.50 W in standby and 2.00 W in networked standby. Older devices can use more.

Explanation

Standby consumption is power that devices use while doing nothing useful. European ecodesign rules keep tightening it. A switchable power strip or energy-saving plug helps mainly with older equipment and TV or computer corners.

Rules of thumb

• These limits have applied to new devices since 9 May 2025. [SW-S54]
• Off mode ≤ 0.50 W (after 2 years ≤ 0.30 W); standby ≤ 0.50 W, with display ≤ 0.80 W. [SW-S54]
• Networked standby ≤ 2.00 W; devices with high network availability (HiNA) ≤ 8.00 W, later 7.00 W. [SW-S54]
• Energy-saving plugs cost € 10–50 and use 0.1–0.3 W themselves. [SW-S55]
• Use an energy meter to find which devices consume most on standby. [SW-S55]

Pitfalls

• Switching off a router or modem can interrupt telephony or alarms. (practical tip, not a source value)

Search terms

These search terms are in Dutch; only terms that also find a topic in English are links.

sluipverbruik stand-by ecodesign stekkerdoos

Read also

• Do smart bulbs use power when they are off?
• Is a smart plug worth it?

Sources

1. SW-S54 Verordening (EU) 2023/826 — off-modus, standby en netwerkstandby — Europese Commissie (EUR-Lex) (Reference date 2026-09-27)
2. SW-S55 Voorkom sluipverbruik — Milieu Centraal (Reference date 2026-09-27)

Reference date: 2026-09-27 · Translated with AI from the Dutch original.