What happens if an 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 AutoPowerOff 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 option 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 user manual and at the store: Read the user manual to find out how you can disable the 'Wake on USB' feature. Contact the store or producer if the manual does not refer to this issue.
2. If the computer has a PS/2 port you can plug in the 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 the mouse and keyboard.
   
   You need to use an adapter between the PS/2 port and the USB plug. This is often included when you buy a USB mouse or keyboard. Otherwise you can buy the adapter in a computer store. Switch off the 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 the mouse and the AutoPowerOff to the PS/2 port.
3. Fit an extra USB card into the 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 that are powered down when the computer is switched off.
   
   This costs 9-13 Euros 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, ask the supplier 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.

Some computers do not close down the USB port during standby, so the AutoPowerOff is not activated. In this situation, the recommendation is to use the hibernate function or close down the computer completely.

AutoPowerOff without USB cable for computers and TVs
An AutoPowerOff senses the amount of electricity used by a computer and TV. When the Computer or TV is turned off, the electricity consumption falls to a minimum level (typically under 20 watts). This is registered by the AutoPowerOff, which then sends a signal to power off the other sockets.

If an AutoPowerOff does not switch off, this can be caused by a computer or TV having a very high standby consumption, which therefore prevents the AutoPowerOff from detecting that the device has been switched off.