Standby losses caused by low voltage lighting

Panel: Panel 4: Sustainable Energy Use in Buildings

Authors:
Diana Avasoo, Avasoo Consulting
Peter Röing, Artektron AB

Abstract

Often-neglected sources of standby losses are those caused by low voltage lighting powered by plug-in transformers. Within the European Community there is an existing stock of more than 300 million low-voltage light fittings. These fittings are used in lamps such as bedside lamps, office tabletop lamps, decorative lights and many other applications. More than 100 million fittings are produced annually of which 30 per cent are exported to the European countries.

Low voltage lighting has a considerable energy saving potential. This sector has, however, not been included in the standby discussions that covered consumer electronics and recently also white goods. A Swedish innovation can lead the way for considerably reduced standby losses in low voltage lighting by also in other sectors.

The European Commission presented a paper to the European Council and to the European Parliament on Policy Instruments to Reduce Standby losses of Consumer Electronic Equipment, COM (1999) 120 final. In this paper, the consumption of consumer electronic equipment in standby mode has been estimated to be around 36 TWh and it is predicted to increase to 62 TWh by year 2010. That figure was excluding the standby loss from low power lighting, which by year 2010 is estimated to 10 TWh. The energy saving potential from the electronic equipments is estimated to 39 TWh if the Community and Member States adopt adequate policies and programs.