Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Standby Saver work?

A: Please see our Product Information page

Q: Help. I have lost my instructions that came with my purchase.

A: Download a copy of instructions via the link on the Product Information page

Q: What is the difference between the two different variants – Infra-red or USB?

A: Please see our Product Information page

Q: Why is Standby Saver better than other devices on the market?

A: This amazing British invention was seen first on BBC’s Dragons' Den and was the first product ever to receive approval from all five dragons. Standby Saver is unique because it cuts 100% of the standby power used by TVs, Hi-Fis, VCRs and DVDs. It cuts 100% of the power to PCs and printers and speakers.

It is rated at a full 13A, unlike other products with only 10A support.

It has 6 sockets, two of which are flexible so that DVD recorders and other essential appliances with a timer can be left on.

It is easy to use. The Infra red version takes 15 seconds to program and the USB version is simply plug in and play.

The Infra red version uses your existing remote – there is no need for another one!

Unlike the competition, Standby Saver has no need for ‘master’ and ‘slave’ devices. Ironically for these products to work, the ‘master’ device has to be always left on!

There is no internal battery – so no environmental issues arise from battery disposal.

Q: Do I need special software to use my Standby Saver device on my computer?

A: There is no special driver software required for use with your computer. Simply plug your PC, monitor, scanner, printer and speakers into your USB Standby Saver.

Q: Can I use Standby Saver with my laptop?

A: Yes. Standby Saver is particularly compatible with a laptop and docking station where Standby Saver can switch off the power to the docking station and other associated devices e.g. printers and monitors.

Q: Can I purchase a USB lead to use with my IR socket, or vice-versa?

A: No. The software in each device is different and the two products can't be interchanged in this way.

Q: I have an appliance within my office/computer set up that needs to remain powered all the time. Will Standby Saver work in this situation?

A: Certain computer equipment such as remote hard drives and network-attached storage may need to be left switched on. Such appliances will need to be plugged into one of the switched sockets in your Standby Saver with the switch in the 'mains' postition. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual to ensure hard disk drives can be safely switched off. Two of the Standby Saver’s six sockets can be continuously powered when left in the ‘switched’ position.

Q: Does Standby Saver have surge protection?

A: Surge reduction is fitted.

Q: I have an appliance that records using a timer function. Will this be affected?

A: Any appliance that records using a timer function will need to be plugged into one of the 'switched' sockets with the switch in the 'mains' posititon. This ensures it remains powered when Standby Saver and other appliances are switched off.

Q: The green light flickers when I press a button on my remote control. Is this normal?

A: The green light should flash when when any remote control button is pressed, as it receives all codes, but it will only switch on or off if the programmed button is pressed.

Q: I have a USB and IR version of Standby Saver. Unfortunately I have got them mixed up. How can I tell them apart?

A: When you plug the USB version into the mains socket a green light will illuminate. When you plug the IR version into the mains, there will be no light illuminated.

Q: I have a USB version and the green light is always illuminated. Is this normal?

A: The green light should remain illuminated. This indicates that the device is in USB mode.

Q: Why does my Standby Saver not pass some of the PAT Tests?

A: Standby Saver and Pat Testing

The standard PAT procedure is not compatible with the standard operation mode of Standby Saver products. This is true of both our IR and USB versions and will also be true of a great many other suppliers similar products. The SS Standby Saver unit is not a simple “dumb” mains extension block supplying power from a plug, through a connecting lead to a tray of sockets. SS Standby Saver is an intelligent unit that actively switches off power to minimise standby consumption. The various assumptions made by the PAT procedure do not apply to standby saving type devices.

For example, one part of the PAT requires that the connected appliance effectively be tested for continuity. This means that the PAT unit measures the electrical continuity between the plug and each of the sockets in the tray with the assumption being that each of the sockets in the tray are permanently wired to the plug. For a dumb extension lead this assumption is valid. For a SS Standby Saver the assumption is not valid – with no power supplied at least 4 and possibly 6 (depending on the override switch configuration) will be disconnected from the plug. A SS Standby Saver will therefore fail this part of the PAT.

This is not misoperation or failure on the part of the product – it is by design and simply down to the fact that the assumptions about how connected “dumb” appliances work in terms of PAT, are not valid for SS Standby Saver and other similar products.