Why does my device say it consumes more power than tested?

Actual printer power varies considerably and is mostly a function of the print width and percent black being printed on the label. The current draw on the Power Consumption Tag is the worst case current that the machine can draw with all memory, network, input, and output options installed and running at maximum rated speed in a simplex printing mode. If the machine is a multi-function printer, then it is also with the scanner scanning at max speed while the print engine is running at maximum. At printer default settings, the typical Industrial printer will consume something under 150 watts when printing it�s �Pause� self-test. This power consumption could be considered approximately similar to a �Typical� printing application (based on percent black etc.). Our larger format printers 170 and 220 all would consume something under 300 watts when running a similar test. If you run higher percent black and or high darkness settings the wattage consumption will increase. Instantaneous, and short duration loads will be considerably higher than average watts consumed. Older model printers may exhibit relatively high inrush current, (Irms) at initial power on. Observed in rush might be in the vicinity of 19A rms/1 cycle. An inrush current of around 3A rms/1 cycle would be more typical for newer product. �Power Factor� is a another component to consider. This is the ratio of how much the voltage and current waveforms are in phase with one another. A rating that only states current draw creates an uncertainty as to actual power draw unless power factor is known. Unfortunately, most manufacturers don�t specify the power factor. Conductors are rated based on current, so this likely why amps are explicitly defined on the label instead of watts. Most printers use 100 to 240VAC 50/60 Hz universal power supplies. Since the printer�s power consumption is similar regardless of the mains supply voltage, the maximum current draw would be at the lowest mains voltage (100V). The model plate amp rating must be high enough to accommodate current at the lowest rated operating voltage. This is meant to be the highest average current the product could ever draw from the electrical service. The purpose of this rating is to provide information to properly size the branch service the machine must be provided to prevent overheating the conductors. If you need power consumption that is more representative of typical usage, refer to the Energy Star information in the machine specifications.