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Do smart bulbs use power when they are off?

Short answer

Yes, a little: they stay connected to the network. The EU caps this networked standby power at 0.5 W per light source.

Explanation

A smart bulb must be able to receive a signal even when it is not lit. This is called networked standby. The ecodesign Regulation 2019/2020 sets a maximum for connected light sources. With many smart bulbs it adds up.

Rules of thumb

  • Maximum networked standby: 0.5 W per connected light source. [SW-S01]
  • Worked example: 20 smart bulbs × 0.5 W = at most 10 W, day and night; that is at most about 88 kWh per year (10 W × 8760 hours). [SW-S01]
  • Choose smart bulbs where the function really adds something; an ordinary LED lamp on a switch has no networked standby. [SW-S01]

Pitfalls

  • The 0.5 W is a maximum; the actual consumption is on the product sheet and may be lower. [SW-S01]

Search terms

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

slimme lamp standby Zigbee sluipverbruik

Read also

General information, not personal advice. Check the source and reference date.

Sources

  1. SW-S01 Verordening (EU) 2019/2020 — ecologisch ontwerp lichtbronnen — Europese Commissie (EUR-Lex) (Reference date 2026-09-27)

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