Appliance standby loss reduction using AC switches

After a brief reminder of standards concerning power efficiency both for active or standby modes, we present some experimental results of standby losses for various AC-DC power supplies used in appliances. Then we explain how to reduce the power supply rating by reducing the current demand to control AC switches used in this kind of device. Finally, we introduce a compressor starter application where AC switches can also be used to replace PTC (positive temperature coefficient) resistors, and then reduce some losses that could be considered as standby mode losses.