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Our Frequently Asked Questions
Embertec Powerstrips help you reduce wasted standby power in your home or workplace. Using patented Active Powerdown technology, they automatically switch off energy to connected devices when they are not in use, helping lower electricity bills without changing how you use your appliances. Each unit also includes built in surge protection for added safety and reliability. They are simple to install, easy to use, and designed to deliver measurable energy savings from everyday electronics.
General Questions
Which Emberstrip® do I have?
You can identify your Emberstrip® model in two simple ways:
Check the sensor for a Bluetooth symbol.
If the sensor has a Bluetooth symbol, you have a Bluetooth Smart Sensor model.
If there is no Bluetooth symbol on the sensor, you have a Classic Sensor model.
Check the product code on the packaging or label.
EMBERSTRIP® 8AV+ Classic Sensor
Product code: ESUSAV8-ET-10C
This is the Classic model.
EMBERSTRIP® 8AV+ Bluetooth Smart Sensor
Product code: ESUSAV8-ET-10B
This is the Bluetooth model (works with the EmberConnect™ app)
What’s in the box?
Your Embertec Advanced Powerstrip package includes:
1× Emberstrip (Tier 2 advanced power strip)
1× Sensor (“black cube”)
1× Instruction card
Protective caps on the plug pins (remove before installation)
How do I install the Emberstrip®?
For EMBERSTRIP® 8AV+ CLASSIC SENSOR (ESUSAV8-ET-10C):
Download the step-by-step Installation Manual here: https://embertec.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Classic-Emberstrip-8AV-User-Manual-EnglishJUL_25.pdf
Watch Installation Video here:https://embertec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/8AV-10C-How-to-Install-0418.mp4
Watch How to Use Video here: https://embertec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/8AV-10C-How-to-Use-0418.mp4
For EMBERSTRIP® 8AV+ BLUETOOTH SMART SENSOR (ESUSAV8-ET-10B):
Download the step-by-step Installation Manual here: https://embertec.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ESUSAV8-ET-10B-User-Manual-V3-RGB-JUL-25.pdf
Watch Installation Video here: https://embertec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/8AV-10B-How-to-Install-0418.mp4
Watch How to Use Video here: https://embertec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/8AV-10B-How-to-Use-0418.mp4
Download the EmberConnect™ app from the Apple or Google Play stores
What’s the difference between Tier I and Tier II Advanced Power Strips?
The main difference is how the advanced power strip monitors whether you are still using your devices.
Tier I Advanced Power Strips
Tier I power strips save energy by sensing power draw only. They typically power down devices when the master device is turned off (e.g.. the TV).
They turn devices off when they detect low or no power use, but they do not know whether a person is actively using the TV or equipment.
Tier II Advanced Power Strips
Tier II advanced power strips, like the Emberstrip®, use active sensing to detect user engagement.
They can tell whether you are still watching TV or using your devices by sensing activity such as remote-control use. This allows the advanced power strip to make smarter decisions about when to turn devices off.
What is the Benefit of Tier II?
Tier II advanced power strips understand user activity and therefore they are:
- Less likely to turn devices off while you are still using them
- More reliable at saving energy without interrupting your viewing experience
Help you save more energy than other advanced power strips
What is Standby Powerdown® and what is Active Powerdown®?
Standby Powerdown®
Standby Powerdown® automatically detects when your TV or AV equipment has been turned off and is sitting in standby mode. When this happens, the system powers down the associated Power Saving outlets, helping eliminate wasted energy from devices that are no longer in use.
Active Powerdown®
Active Powerdown® works when your TV is still on. If the sensor does not detect any remote-control use for the time period you have selected, the system will power down the AV devices connected to the Power Saving outlets, helping reduce unnecessary energy use.
How does the Emberstrip® help me save electricity?
The Embertec Emberstrip® saves electricity by automatically powering down devices when they’re not in use and eliminating hidden standby energy waste. This reduces unnecessary electricity consumption without you needing to unplug anything manually.
Sensor, Modes & Indicators Answers
What does the sensor do?
The sensor helps the Emberstrip® understand whether you are still using your TV and connected devices.
For Classic Emberstrip® models, the sensor detects infrared (IR) signals from your TV remote. When you use the remote, the sensor knows you are actively watching and keeps the Power Saving outlets on.
For Bluetooth Emberstrip® models, the sensor includes built-in Bluetooth technology. This allows the sensor to connect to the EmberConnect™ app on a compatible Apple or Android device, giving you additional control and settings through the app.
The sensor is not a camera. It cannot see, record, or capture any images or video. It only detects signals to help manage power and save energy.
How can I reduce the brightness of the sensor?
You can dim the sensor light using BedroomMode™ – this helps reduce the flash brightness at night so it won’t disturb sleep.
To adjust brightness using the buttons on the sensor:
- Make sure your TV is ON
- Press and hold the SET button for 3 seconds, then release it
- The light will start flashing from dim → brighter
- Press SET again when the brightness level feels right for you
You can change it anytime using the same steps.
What are the different outlets in the Emberstrip®?
The Emberstrip® has two types of outlets:
- Power Saving (green) – these outlets can turn off automatically to save energy
- Always On (gray) – these outlets always stay powered
What are the different power modes for the Emberstrip®?
The energy-saving function is managed by Active Powerdown® and is controlled by your TV. You can set the amount of time before Active Powerdown® initiates.
There are three modes you can set for timing Active Powerdown®:
- 1 Hour – default
- 2 Hours – for longer movies
- 8 Hours (MusicMode™) – temporary override for parties, music, or gaming nights
About 10 minutes before the timer ends, the green light on the sensor will flash to warn you that power will soon be powered down to devices plugged into the power saving outlets.
To stop the Active Powerdown® process, simply point your TV remote at the sensor and press any button (like volume up or down). This lets the Emberstrip® know that you are still engaging with your device, and the timer will restart based on the mode you selected.
Can I buy a replacement sensor?
You can order a new sensor by emailing sales@embertec.com. Please specify which model of the Emberstrip® you have as the sensors are specific to each model
Usage Scenarios & Compatibility Answers
What devices can be plugged into the Emberstrip®?
The Emberstrip® is designed for home entertainment setups. Its energy-saving features work together with your TV remote, so devices commonly used with a TV are the best match.
Devices recommended for the Power Saving (green) outlets
These devices can turn off automatically when you are no longer using your TV:
- Amplifiers and stereos
- Speakers and soundbars
- DVD/Blu-ray players
- Streaming boxes
- Lamps or small accessories around the TV
Devices recommended for the Always On (gray) outlets
These devices need continuous power for clocks, recording, or startup functions:
- Cable boxes and DVR units
- Game consoles
- Hard drives or digital receivers
- DVD recorders and media storage devices
If you use a home-theatre projector that needs a cooling-down period after shut-off, please plug it into an Always On outlet to avoid damage.
Other equipment, such as chargers and routers, can be plugged into the Emberstrip® in the Always On outlets.
Where can I download the app for the Emberstrip® BT (ESUSAV8-ET-10B)?
The EmberConnect™ app is available for iOS and Android devices. You can download the app from the relevant app store. The app enables you to monitor electricity usage and control the Emberstrip®.