Electric appliances consume more power during starting than in the running state or standby mode due to a phenomenon called "inrush current" or "startup surge." This occurs primarily because of the initial power requirements to overcome various factors associated with starting up electrical devices. Here are a few reasons for this power surge:
Capacitor Charging: Many appliances, such as motors and compressors, utilize capacitors to provide an initial boost of power during startup. Capacitors store electrical energy and discharge it when needed. When the appliance starts, the capacitors need to charge quickly, requiring a higher current draw initially.
Motor Load: Appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines have motors that require a significant amount of power to overcome inertia and initiate motion. The initial torque needed to overcome the resistance of a stationary load requires a higher current draw.
Heating Elements: Appliances with heating elements, such as ovens or water heaters, draw more power during startup as the elements heat up and reach the desired temperature. Once the elements are hot, they require less power to maintain the temperature.
Control Circuitry: Appliances with electronic control circuitry often have components like microprocessors, sensors, and display panels that require a surge of power during startup. These components need to initialize and stabilize before entering their normal operating mode, resulting in a temporary higher power draw.
Once the initial startup phase is complete, the power consumption typically stabilizes to a lower level during the running state or standby mode. This reduced power consumption is because the appliance has achieved its desired operating conditions and requires less power to maintain its functionality or remain in a standby state.
It's worth noting that standby mode can still consume some power, especially in appliances with features like instant-on functionality or devices that remain partially active to respond to remote commands or maintain settings. However, the power consumption during standby is generally much lower compared to the startup or running state of the appliance.