Most household appliances consume energy even when we think they are off. This phenomenon is known as “phantom load” or “vampire power“: a silent, constant leak of electricity occurring in standby mode or even when “off”. Multiplied across millions of homes, this waste has a significant impact on both the environment and utility bills.
To tackle this issue, the European Commission launched a stricter new regulation, EU 2023/826, which took effect on May 9, 2025. This law updates ecodesign rules, imposing much lower power consumption limits.
Here are the 5 most important – and surprising – points of this legislation:
"Off" does not mean zero consumption
The first major change concerns “off mode”. Previously, a device could consume up to 0.50 W while doing absolutely nothing. The new law drastically lowers this threshold, forcing manufacturers to design equipment that is far more efficient even when not in use. As a result, the new limit has been nearly halved.
Off-mode consumption: from 0.50 W down to 0.30 W.
Small displays must become more efficient
Think of the clock on your microwave, the display on your coffee machine, or any small screen that stays active in standby mode. These “energy vampires” are now in the crosshairs. The new regulation reduces the power limit for standby devices that keep a display active to provide information, dropping the limit from 1.00 W to 0.80 W.
It is important to note that for standby devices without a display, the maximum limit remains unchanged at 0.50 W.
The law affects products you wouldn't expect
Perhaps the biggest surprise of this regulation is its sheer scope. It doesn’t just cover TVs, computers or kitchen appliances; it extends to an incredibly wide range of products, demonstrating a 360-degree approach to eliminating waste. Some of the most unexpected examples include:
- Motorized furniture: height-adjustable deks, power beds and lift chair
- Motorized building elements: automatic shutters, gates, windows and awnings
- Toys and leisure: electric trains, slot car racing sets and video game consoles
- Small appliances: toasters, air fryers and electric toothbrushes.
This broad coverage is vital, as it targets hidden energy consumption throughout our daily lives.
Greater transparency in user manuals
The new regulation introduces a fundamental obligation for manufacturers: transparency. From now on, they must clearly report energy consumption data directly in the user manuals.
Furthermore, manufacturers are required to compile detailed technical documentation to prove compliance with these strict new requirements. This is a significant win for consumers, who will finally have access to clear data to make more informed, energy-saving purchasing decisions.
Regulation (EU) 2023/826 marks a decisive step by the European Union toward reducing domestic energy waste. Through stricter limits, a surprisingly wide scope and increased transparency, this law aims to banish “energy vampires” for good.
Don't get caught unprepared!
Avoid costly non-compliance issues and late-stage redesigns. At Stalab, we support you from the initial design phase with accredited testing.
