Electrical power consumed by devices and appliances when they are turned off but still plugged in, also known as standby power.

Phantom load, also known as standby power, vampire load, or parasitic load, refers to the electrical power consumed by devices and appliances when they are turned off but still plugged into electrical outlets. This continuous power draw occurs because many modern electronic devices maintain certain functions even when not in active use, such as maintaining clock displays, remote control receivers, memory settings, or network connections. Phantom loads represent a significant portion of residential and commercial energy consumption, typically accounting for 5-10% of total electricity usage, making them an important consideration in energy-efficient building design and operation.

Common sources of phantom loads in buildings include electronic devices such as televisions, cable boxes, DVD players, and gaming consoles that maintain standby modes for instant-on capability, computer equipment including desktop computers, monitors, printers, and networking equipment that consume power even when not actively used, kitchen appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, and other devices with digital displays or clocks, HVAC equipment with electronic controls, transformers, and standby systems, and various chargers for phones, tablets, and other portable devices that continue drawing power when plugged in but not charging. Each individual device may draw only a small amount of power, but collectively these loads can be substantial.

The impact and significance of phantom loads extend beyond individual energy costs to broader energy efficiency and environmental concerns including increased electricity bills for building occupants due to continuous power consumption, reduced overall building energy efficiency that affects energy performance ratings and certifications, increased demand on electrical infrastructure and power generation systems, environmental impact through unnecessary carbon emissions from power generation, and challenges in achieving net-zero energy building goals where every watt of consumption matters. Understanding and managing phantom loads is essential for comprehensive energy management strategies.

Fun Fact: The term “phantom load” was coined in the 1990s when researchers discovered that the average American household had dozens of devices consuming electricity 24/7, leading to the realization that “off” didn’t really mean “off” for most electronic devices.

• Average Load (Electrical)
• Dead Load
• Design Load