standbystroom

Standbystroom is a term used in Dutch-language contexts to describe the small electrical current drawn by devices that are connected to mains power but not actively in use, such as equipment in standby, sleep, or off modes. The concept parallels standby power in English, with emphasis on the ongoing current rather than a device’s active state.

Etymology and scope: The word combines standby with stroom, the Dutch word for current or flow. It is commonly used in discussions of consumer electronics, home appliances, and IT equipment, particularly in the Netherlands and Flanders, where energy labeling and efficiency standards are actively monitored.

Causes, measurement, and typical values: Standbystroom arises from components that remain powered to maintain real-time clocks, wake-on-LAN features, infrared receivers, network interfaces, or memory retention. It is measured in watts (W) or milliwatts (mW). Individual devices often draw fractions of a watt to several watts in standby or off modes; newer, energy-efficient models aim for under 1 W in off or standby, while older devices can exceed several watts.

Regulation and impact: Aggregated across households and organizations, standbystroom can contribute meaningfully to electricity use. Regulatory frameworks such as the European Union’s Ecodesign Directive set maximum standby power levels for many product groups, encouraging lower consumption. Manufacturers increasingly adopt low-power designs, and consumers can reduce standby power by using smart power strips or unplugging devices when not in use.

See also: standby power, energy efficiency, Ecodesign, sleep mode, power management.