What do I do if my AutoPowerOff doesn’t work?

AutoPowerOff plug banks with USB cable for computers
Some computers do not power down the USB port when you switch off the computer, and the plug bank therefore doesn’t function properly. The reason for the problem is the so-called ‘Wake on USB’ feature which can start a computer when a USB device sends a signal. This is a smart idea if you want the computer to start up when a call comes in to a USB modem, or if you want to activate the computer by pressing a key on a USB keyboard.

The disadvantage of Wake on USB is that more and more producers are fitting this feature as standard. Some of them have even made it impossible to disable this function, even though most users will never need to use it. Furthermore, these computers use slightly more power even when they are switched off.

Possible solutions:

1. Check the user manual and ask at the store: Read the user manual to find out how you can disable the Wake on USB feature. Contact the store or the producer if the manual doesn’t mention this topic.
2. If your computer has a PS/2 port you can plug in your AutoPowerOff here. The PS/2 port is a small round 6-pin plug (often identified by a mouse or keyboard icon) to which you can connect your mouse and keyboard.
   
   You need to use an adapter between the PS/2 port and the USB plug which is often included when you buy a USB mouse or keyboard. Otherwise, you can buy an adapter in a computer store. Please switch off your computer before connecting the AutoPowerOff to the PS/2 port. Failure to do so may damage the port.
   
   If you are already using the PS/2 port to connect a mouse or keyboard, you can buy a so-called Y connector cable to connect both your mouse and the AutoPowerOff to the PS/2 port.
3. Fit an additional USB card into your computer: Buy an internal USB card for the computer which is fitted into a so-called PCI slot. The card provides up to five additional USB ports which are powered down when the computer is switched off.
   
   This costs EUR 9-13 depending on the type and the number of ports on the card. The card is not difficult to fit, but you should get help if you have never fitted a card like this before.
4. Nevertheless, if you buy a new computer you should ask the store whether the USB ports are powered down when the computer is switched off. If they are not, then find out how this feature can be disabled.

AutoPowerOff plug banks without USB cable for computers and TVs
The AutoPowerOff plug bank monitors the current used by computers and TVs; when you switch off your computer or TV the current drops. The plug bank reacts to this and switches off the other plugs.

If the AutoPowerOff plug bank does not switch off, it is probably because the computer or TV uses a lot of power on standby, and the plug bank cannot recognise that the device has been switched off.

Check whether the plug bank can be adjusted to different sensitivity levels with a button, and try another setting. Some plug banks offer this option.

If the AutoPowerOff is faulty
Read more about your consumer rights if the AutoPowerOff plug bank is faulty.