The power symbol is painted or engraved on almost every electronic device within reach. We can all recognize it despite differences in languages and regions, but the question is: What does it mean? Why did it reach that final shape? Its design leads us to the International Electrotechnical Commission, and to the need to create multiple symbols for functions that go beyond electronics. The most interesting part? Power is not exactly "power"...
You don't need to read a device manual to find the power button. Just locate its symbol, or in older designs, the classic "ON-OFF" near the "POWER" legend. But that symbol came from somewhere, and like any other standard, it seeks to resolve differences or confusion. ON-OFF is relatively intuitive in countries with greater exposure to the English language. However, the explosion of imports and the massive movement of merchandise established the need for a new indicator. Thanks to a formidable video published by Lazy Game Reviews, we can learn its origin.
The Origin of the Power Symbol
The power symbol was introduced in 1973 by the International Electrotechnical Commission under the 60417 standard, "Graphical Symbols for Use on Equipment". Its exact designation is IEC 60417-5009, but the most striking thing is its description: "Stand-by".
In essence, the incomplete circle and the line in the symbol represent the 0 and 1 of the binary system, but being superimposed, what it actually indicates is a state of "off" with very low consumption, without total interruption of power. The true ON-OFF belongs to IEC 60417-5010 (with the 1 inside the 0), and when separated (more common in power supplies), they are 5007 and 5008 respectively.
The 60417 standard is full of symbols, from low battery to WiFi, and has received several modifications over the years. Even the power symbol itself was complemented by the "waning crescent moon" or IEEE 1621-2004, which activates the device's sleep mode. Still, the power symbol is probably the most successful of all.
