The TrickleStar power strip is more than just a standard surge protector. It’s an advanced energy-saving device designed to protect your electronics and reduce standby power consumption. Follow these instructions to set it up correctly!
Understanding Advanced Power Strips (APS)
Advanced Power Strips, like TrickleStar, go beyond basic surge protection. They intelligently manage power to connected devices, eliminating phantom loads. This helps save energy and money by automatically cutting power to devices not in use, reducing your overall electricity bill significantly.
Energy Saving Functionality
TrickleStar Advanced Power Strips (APS) are engineered with energy conservation at their core. Their primary function is to eliminate standby power, often referred to as “phantom load,” which is consumed by electronic devices even when they are turned off. This is achieved through a master control outlet and switched outlets.
The device plugged into the control outlet dictates the power state of the switched outlets. When the control device, such as a TV or computer, is turned off, the APS automatically cuts power to the devices plugged into the switched outlets. This intelligent power management eliminates unnecessary energy waste.
This functionality is particularly useful for home entertainment systems and computer setups, where multiple devices like DVD players, gaming consoles, printers, and speakers consume power even when not actively used; By automatically shutting off power to these devices, TrickleStar APS significantly reduces energy consumption and lowers electricity bills.
Surge Protection Features
Beyond energy saving, TrickleStar power strips provide robust surge protection, safeguarding your valuable electronics from voltage spikes and power surges. TrickleStar utilizes ceramic-encased Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs), in all their products, offering superior performance compared to traditional MOVs. These MOVs suppress more energy and dissipate heat more efficiently.
This advanced design makes TrickleStar power strips fireproof during abnormal surge events, providing an extra layer of safety for your home or office. The surge protection feature actively diverts excess voltage away from connected devices, preventing damage to sensitive electronic components.
Indicators are often included to show that surge protection is active and that the power strip is properly grounded. This provides users with visual confirmation that their devices are protected. By combining energy saving with premium surge protection, TrickleStar power strips offer comprehensive protection for your electronic investments.
TrickleStar Model Overview
TrickleStar offers a range of advanced power strip models, each designed to cater to specific needs and applications. These models often vary in the number of outlets, the types of outlets (control, switched, always-on), and the inclusion of additional features like timers or multi-sensors.
Some models, like the TrickleStar 7-Outlet Multi-Sensing Advanced Power Strip, are designed for home entertainment systems, while others are better suited for home offices or commercial workspaces. The “Tier” designation (e.g., Tier 1, Tier 2) indicates the level of advanced functionality, with higher tiers often including more sophisticated energy-saving features.
Models may also include ZigBee multi-sensors for enhanced control and monitoring capabilities. Understanding the specific features and capabilities of each TrickleStar model is crucial for selecting the right power strip to optimize energy savings and protect your electronics.
Setting Up Your TrickleStar Power Strip
Setting up your TrickleStar involves connecting devices to the appropriate outlets and potentially adjusting a threshold switch. Ensure proper grounding and surge protection lights are illuminated for optimal performance and safety.
Connecting Devices⁚ Control, Switched, and Always-On Outlets
Proper device connection is key to maximizing your TrickleStar power strip’s energy-saving capabilities. The control outlet should house your primary device, such as a TV or computer. When this device is turned off, the power strip senses the change.
The switched outlets are designed for peripherals that you want to automatically turn off when the control device is not in use, such as DVD players, printers, or speakers. Devices plugged into these outlets will only receive power when the control device is on.
The always-on outlets are for devices that require constant power, like gaming consoles with hard drives or modems. It’s important to identify which devices need continuous power to avoid any data loss or interruption of service. Improperly connecting devices can cause issues and negate the power-saving features. Ensure gaming consoles with HDDs are plugged into the always-on outlets.
Adjusting the Threshold Switch (if applicable)
Some TrickleStar models feature a threshold switch, which allows you to fine-tune the sensitivity of the control outlet. This adjustment is crucial for optimal performance, as different devices have varying power consumption levels when idle. The threshold switch determines the power level the control device must draw to keep the switched outlets active.
If the switched outlets are turning off prematurely, even when the control device is still in use, you may need to lower the threshold. Conversely, if the switched outlets are not turning off when the control device is off, you may need to raise the threshold. Adjust the threshold switch based on the item you have plugged into the control outlet.
Refer to your TrickleStar model’s manual for specific instructions on locating and adjusting the threshold switch. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot that works best for your setup. Correctly setting the threshold switch ensures that your devices are powered on and off appropriately.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper setup, you might encounter occasional issues with your TrickleStar power strip. One common problem is the switched outlets failing to turn on or off as expected. First, double-check that the control device is properly connected to the control outlet and that it’s functioning correctly. Ensure the control device is drawing enough power to trigger the switched outlets; adjust the threshold switch if necessary.
If the surge protection indicator is not lit, verify that the power strip is properly grounded and connected to a working outlet. A tripped circuit breaker within the power strip can also cause problems. If so, reset the breaker. For devices with timers ensure the timer settings are correct!
If problems persist, consult the TrickleStar website for FAQs and troubleshooting guides. Remember to safely store their data and settings before powering down!
Safety Features and Certifications
TrickleStar power strips prioritize safety through several key features. A primary safety element is the use of ceramic-encased Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs). These MOVs offer superior surge protection, suppressing more energy and dissipating heat more effectively than traditional MOVs, making them fireproof during abnormal surges. This design significantly reduces the risk of fire hazards associated with power surges.
Furthermore, TrickleStar products often include a resettable circuit breaker to protect against overloads. Status indication lights for ground and surge protection provide immediate feedback on the power strip’s operational status. Many models also feature noise filtering to ensure clean power delivery to sensitive electronics. Compliance with standards like ETL, RoHs, WEEE, and RTTE further validates their commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. Some models include child protector covers.
Always inspect the power strip regularly for any signs of damage. Do not use if damaged!
Warranty Information and Support
TrickleStar offers a product lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, ensuring that the power strip is free from defects in design, assembly, material, or workmanship. If a defect arises within the warranty period, TrickleStar will repair or replace the product at its discretion. This warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected against manufacturing flaws and operational issues.
For support and assistance, TrickleStar provides several resources; Their website, www.tricklestar.com, offers datasheets, instruction manuals, and FAQs to help users troubleshoot common issues and optimize their power strip settings. The website includes setup guides and videos. In case of a surge, lightning strike, or other incident, a claim form is available on the website to initiate a warranty claim.
Contact TrickleStar (M) Sdn Bhd at C3-U6-15, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1. 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or call 603-6205 3120 for additional support.
Additional Resources⁚ Manuals and FAQs
To maximize the benefits of your TrickleStar power strip and address any questions you may have, a variety of resources are available. Comprehensive user manuals offer detailed instructions on setup, operation, and troubleshooting. These manuals guide you through connecting devices, adjusting settings, and understanding the power strip’s energy-saving features.
The TrickleStar website (www.tricklestar.com) is a central hub for accessing these manuals, along with datasheets providing technical specifications. You can also find a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing common inquiries about installation, usage, and troubleshooting. These FAQs offer quick solutions to typical issues, saving you time and effort.
For visual learners, setup support videos are available, providing step-by-step instructions on setting up different TrickleStar models. Whether you need help with Tier 1 or Tier 2 APS setup, these videos offer clear guidance. Explore these resources to ensure optimal performance and energy savings from your TrickleStar power strip.