Powerdown

Powerdown refers to the act of powering down or shutting off an electrical device, system, or network. It is typically performed to conserve energy, perform maintenance, or respond to fault conditions. A powerdown can be planned or emergency, and it usually aims to transition equipment from an active state to a safe, non-operational state without causing damage or data loss.

In information technology, a powerdown is often a controlled sequence that allows software to terminate properly and data to be saved. On computers and servers, the operating system typically handles this process by closing applications, flushing caches, unmounting file systems, and then powering off or entering a low-power state. A soft powerdown is initiated by the OS, while a hard powerdown cuts power abruptly, increasing the risk of data corruption or file system damage. Modern systems may implement standardized power states, such as those defined by ACPI or similar interfaces, to manage transitions safely.

In energy management, powerdowns are used to reduce electricity demand. Organizations may schedule routine powerdowns during off-peak hours or participate in demand-response programs, selectively turning off nonessential equipment to lower energy costs and reduce strain on the grid.

In consumer electronics, powerdown options vary by device. Some devices offer a true complete shutoff, while others enter a low-power or standby mode that preserves state with reduced power consumption. Discrepancies exist between devices in how quickly they can resume operation after a powerdown.

See also: shutdown, sleep mode, hibernate, emergency stop.