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Learn & Plan Topics

  • Plug Loads

    Plug loads refer to energy used by equipment that is plugged into an outlet. In an office, key plug loads include computer and monitors, printers...

  • Energy & Atmosphere

    Buildings and facilities rely on the operation of mechanical systems and electrical systems to maintain a high level of indoor environmental qual...

  • Adaptable Workplace Laboratory

    This case study provides an in-depth look at using flexible interiors to design for adaptability

  • Flexible Workplace Design

    Today’s workplaces are often in flux. Organizations change direction or develop new services. People move to new sp...

Green Products

Parasitic Loads/Standby Power

Parasitic loads, or standby power, are the power draw of electrical equipment, including computers, printers, tasks lights, etc., when in the "off" state. Some research defines parasitic loads as the power draw of a plug load, in any state, that is not performing useful work.This power is consumed by power supplies, the circuits and sensors needed to receive a remote signal, soft keypads and displays including miscellaneous light-emitting diode (LED) status lights.

Parasitic loads present a large opportunity for plug load energy savings. All parasitic loads waste energy and should be transitioned to the lowest power state possible, preferably completely powered down. 

Explore Plug Load content to discover more. 

Whole Building Systems

  • Submetering - Green Tips and Strategies

    Consider choosing and sizing submetering equipment based on actual design loads instead of switch gear outputs.

  • HVAC - Lighting Engineer

    The lighting engineer ultimately determines the power used by the lighting system. The engineer’s equipment selection also affects how much of this ...

  • HVAC - Case Studies

    Finding: A 30 percent reduction in energy consumption can lower operating costs by $25,000 per year for every 50,000 square feet of office space.Sou...

Materials

  • Automatic Low-Power State

    The first, and in some cases most effective, control method is a built-in, automatic low-power state functionality such as standby or sleep. Some ma...

  • Load-Sensing Control Device

    Plug loads may have a primary-secondary relationship. A primary device, such as a computer, operates independently of other (slave) devices. A secon...

  • Freezer

    Walk-in and reach-in freezers should have fully-gasketed doors to fully contain the cold air within, and walls should be adequat...