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Frequently asked questions

FAQs and answers about AutoPowerOff plug banks.

How much power does an AutoPowerOff plug bank use?
An AutoPowerOff plug bank with the Energy Saving Label typically consumes 1 watt or less. All recommended AutoPowerOff plug banks are tested for this before they are recommended by the Trust.
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How much does an AutoPowerOff cost, and where can you buy one?
AutoPowerOff plug banks recommended by the Trust start at EUR 5.50. You can find them in radio and TV retailers, telephone stores, builder's merchants, DIY chains and supermarkets, etc.
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What equipment can you connect to an AutoPowerOff plug bank?
Generally, you can connect any equipment which can be used with a computer and TV. If in doubt, read the user manual to check whether the device can tolerate being switched off via an AutoPowerOff.

  • Games consoles
    Games consoles can suffer hard drive failure if not properly closed down before the power is switched off. For example, this applies to PlayStation 3 where the power should only be switched off when the console is on standby. Therefore you should not connect it to an AutoPowerOff. 
  • DVD, VCR and hard disk recorders
    Because they do not have battery back-up, devices such as DVDs and VCRs, which record programmes when the TV is turned off, cease to function, or the recording is ruined if an AutoPowerOff switches off the power while they are recording. You can solve the problem by plugging the DVD/VCR into the master plug, thereby allowing it to control the other equipment. 
  • Modems and routers
    A standard modem or router should be capable of being switched off without problem. Generally, an internet connection will be ready a short time after the modem/router has been switched on. However, in some situations it can take longer before the connection is activated. 
  • Printers
    Connecting an inkjet printer: Remember to switch off an inkjet printer using the on/off button before turning off he computer. This prevents damage to the print head.

    Connecting a laser printer: Read the operating instructions if you want to connect a laser printer. Some printers do not tolerate being switched off at the mains socket before they have cooled down. Therefore use the printer's on/off switch. 
  • Devices with clock and channel settings
    All newer devices with clock and channel settings such as DVDs and VCRs can easily be plugged into an AutoPowerOff plug bank because they have battery back-up. However, on some older models without battery back-up all the settings will be lost if the power is disconnected for long. 
  • Digital decoders
    Read the manual, or ask your supplier whether you can connect your digital decoder to an AutoPowerOff plug bank. Digital decoders naturally require power to download programming guides and software updates. They don’t always work when connected to an AutoPowerOff plug banks.
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Can you buy an AutoPowerOff with more than 5 sockets?
No, AutoPowerOff plug banks are produced with up to 5 sockets into which you can plug DVD, printer and other equipment.
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Can you buy an AutoPowerOff with an earth plug?
Yes, SavePower, Garder and GN-Belysning supply AutoPowerOff plug banks with 5 earthed sockets. Please note that some AutoPowerOff plug banks have so-called blank or 3rd hole, even though the plug bank is not earthed.
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Can you buy an AutoPowerOff with a data (EDP) plug
Yes, SavePower, Garder and GN-Belysning supply AutoPowerOff plug banks with data plug and earthed socket.
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Should our computer equipment be connected to an earthed socket?
In Denmark, there is no requirement for computers or computer equipment to be connected to an earthed socket. However, producers often recommend that a product should be connected to an earth socket. You should follow their advice if this is the case. AutoPowerOff plug banks with earth sockets are available from SavePower, GN-Belysning and Garder.
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What do you do if the computer or computer equipment has an earthed plug but the AutoPowerOff plug bank doesn't?
You can swap the lead for one without an earthed plug, use an extension cable with a dummy earth pin, or use an AutoPowerOff with a dummy earth pin. You should, however, use an earth socket if the producer recommends this. You can buy AutoPowerOff plug banks with earth sockets from SavePower, GN-Belysning and Garder. Back to top

Can you buy an AutoPowerOff plug bank with a dedicated computer power socket?
Several producers make an AutoPowerOff without a USB cable which has a dedicated computer power socket, apart from the sockets for the peripherals. This power socket is always ‘live’, but the plug bank switches off the other plugs connected to a monitor, printer, modem, etc.

This means that you don’t need to connect the computer to a separate power socket, and can manage with 1 extension cable or mains plug.
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Is it possible to connect a computer with a data (EDP) plug to an AutoPowerOff without this type of plug?
An IT department's security policy is responsible for deciding which equipment is plugged into which socket. Speak to the IT department if you have any doubts.

A data plug is designed to protect computer equipment against poor-quality power. This mostly applies to desktop computers. EDP plug banks have angled pins which prevents other equipment being plugged in by mistake.
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Do AutoPowerOff plug banks also switch off all the power used by a computer or TV?
When you turn off the computer and TV, equipment connected to an AutoPowerOff plug bank is switched off. However, computers and TVs remain on standby unless you have purchased one of the new types of AutoPowerOff plug banks such as PowerSafer PSX or Standby Power Strip. These can switch off all the power to a computer or a TV via a remote controller.
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Canyou use the telephone if you switch off the power to the ADSL modem?
Ordinary telephones function independently of an an ADSL connection and therefore work even when the ADSL modem is switched off.

Conversely, an Internet (IP phone) only functions if the Internet connection to be constantly live. In this situation you should not plug a ADSL modem into an AutoPowerOff plug bank.
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How many devices can be plugged into the sockets?
You should never connect more devices than the plug bank can handle. Some AutoPowerOff plug banks with a master socket can only handle 300 W, and this can be a problem if you have a very large old TV for example, which uses a lot of power.

If the plug bank does not display how much power it handles you can check the Trust's list of recommended plug banks.
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How low does consumption need to be before an AutoPoweroff switches off connected devices?
In some cases, AutoPowerOff plug banks are set up to close down when you switch off a computer or TV. As soon as the plug bank registers that the computer or TV uses less than 20 watt, the AutoPowerOff switches off all connected appliances.

You can also get AutoPowerOffs controlled by a remote controller which allows you to switch off the plug bank yourself, thereby eliminating all standby consumption, including standby used by the computer and TV.
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Can an AutoPowerOff damage our equipment?
Generally speaking, an AutoPowerOff plug bank has no adverse effects on your equipment. If equipment is switched on and off frequently this can, in theory, degrade components as a result of temperature swings. In practice this is of little consequence.
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Can my AutoPowerOff plug bank present a safety hazard?
All AutoPowerOff plug banks must conform to official requirements such as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). In order for an AutoPowerOff to be recommended by the Trust, the supplier must submit 3 examples of the product to the Danish Technological Institute which will assess whether the plug bank is safe to use.

The Trust carries out ongoing quality control tests of products..

See the Trust's qualifying requirements for energy saving equipment.

Why doesn't AutoPowerOff switch off when the TV is turned off?
Some newer TVs have a power supply that makes an AutoPowerOff perform differently compared to one connected to an older TV. In this situation, the plug bank does not work with all devices.

AutoPowerOff plug banks are currently under development to suit the new TVs. If your AutoPowerOff does not work, you can try alternatives such as PowerSafer or Standby Power Strip. These function slightly differently to ordinary AutPowerOffs.Off plug banks.
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Any more questions?
If so, please contact the Trust's Customer Advice service.
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Page last updated 16.03.2010

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