There are some cases of problems with refreshing usage reports after installing the new firmware.

This problem can be solved by installing the latest version of Source. You can do that by clicking the 'Updates' button in Source. The installer can also be downloaded from www.myplugwise.com.

If after installing the latest version you still do not get complete bar charts, go to 'Reports' and try the following:

• Select another report resolution: generate a report 'per hour' instead of 'per day', for example.
• While holding the Shift-key, click 'Refresh'. A dialog screen will probably explain that there is no new usage data available. That means it's already transfered to your computer. In the background, the data will be processed now. This can take several minutes.
• Restart Source.

If none of the above options seems to have any effect, it's possible that only a part of the data on the modules has been transfered. Depending on the size of your network, it can take up to a few days before all new data has been received and processed.

Modules that are unavailable when the firmware is updated, are deleted from the network and cannot be used until you have executed the following steps.

If something went wrong whilst updating the firmware of the Circle+, you can restart the Update Wizard via Source by clicking the ‘Updates’ button. The updating process will resume after the verification steps.

Step 1: Delete the network settings

If you reset the Circle+, you also need to reset all other Circles. If you need to reset multiple Circles at the same time, it is best to plug them all into a big power strip and execute the procedure for all Circles simultaneously.

Procedure for firmware release 2008-08-26:

Unplug the Circle from the power socket, plug it in again and count the number of seconds until it switches on (you can hear a click from the relay). Deduct 6 seconds. The result is the reset interval. If the result is less than 4, use 4 seconds for the reset interval.

Example: if 16 seconds pass between the moment you plug the module into the power socket and the moment the appliance switches on, the reset interval is 16 – 6 = 10 seconds.

• Unplug the Circle for 3 seconds.

• Plug the module into the wall socket again during the reset interval.

• Repeat the above two steps two more times.

• Plugging the Circle into the wall socket again.

Procedure for firmware release 2009-09-08:

Remove the Circle and plug it back into the socket and repeat this another two times.

If the Circle is succesfully reset, it will take 3 seconds or longer before the relais switches (with a soft clicking sound). If the Circle is assigned to a network, it will switch on immediately. Since the Circle+ is the network coordinator, it will belong to a network after it has been plugged in the first time. Hence its relais will immediately switch after being plugged in another time, so the check only works the first time after a reset.

Step 2: Adding modules to the network

After deleting the network settings from the modules, they can be added to the network using the Configuration Wizard.

• Start the Configuration Wizard via Windows ‘Start’, Plugwise Source.

• Click ‘Next’ in each window until all steps have been completed.

• Enter the codes of Circles not on the list in ‘Circles’.

• Click ‘Next’ when all modules have the online status. The modules are online when the question mark icons are replaced for a light bulb icon.

You do not have to enter appliance settings for modules to which an appliance was assigned earlier.

Step 3: Updating firmware

Because part of the network has already been updated, Source will not automatically detect an update for the newly added modules.

• Start the Update Wizard via Windows ‘Start’, Plugwise Source.

• In Source, click the ‘Updates’ button (at the bottom of the screen). See page # for a comprehensive description of the steps. The difference with the first firmware updating process is that this time, there are modules whose firmware has already been updated. These modules do not have to be online if the firmware on the Stick and Circle+ has already been updated.

If by the end of the update process something goes wrong, you can restart the Update Wizard via Windows menu Start – Plugwise Source – Update Wizard. You will have to go through the control phases again. Partially executed updates will be completed.

Please select what seems to be the problem:

• The update process was interrupted
• One of the Circles did not received the update
• The Stick has not received the update

The update process can be continued by restarting the Update Wizard via Windows menu Start – Plugwise Source. You will have to go through the control phases again. Partially executed updates will be completed.

The schedules are still available on the modules, but are inactive.

• In Source, go to 'Schedules' and click the 'Sent schedules' button. When Source shows a warning saying that it can take some time before the schedules have been sent, click 'OK'.

Within a few seconds all schedules will be active again.

The computer does not have to stay on for the Plugwise system to operate. The modules have their own memory. The measurement data are saved and the modules switch appliances on and off in accordance with the schedules you have entered, even when the computer is switched off. After the computer is switched on with Stick, the data stored in the modules is retrieved for display in the usage reports.

Analyses of large quantities of usage data are interesting because Plugwise can use them to determine what the normal usage is for a specific type of appliance, for instance. We want to start using this type of data to offer more specific saving recommendations in the near future.
The usage data can also inspire us to develop new products and features in the software. This helps us prepare for Smart Grid technology, making consumers less dependent on central power generation and allowing them to supply power themselves, by means of solar cells for instance. This results in ‘smart’ management of the power grid, eventually aiming to achieve more sustainable energy and a better environment.
Plugwise receives the power usage data from the appliances connected to the Plugwise products. The appliance type and associated usage are transmitted. As such the data are totally anonymous; the user’s address or name cannot be traced (unless the user permits it). All anonymised technical data is collected on a server hosted by a professional and independent third party that has no access to the data. The data is protected by means of the most advanced technology.

You can save up to 40% on power. For a typical system, you will earn a return on investment within a maximum of 3 years.

The Plugwise system was developed in the Netherlands and is produced and assembled in the Netherlands as well. Some components are sourced from reliable, globally operating vendors.

The Plugwise Circles allow you to track power usage for all appliances with a plug. Save on usage by setting schedules and standby killers. You can achieve the greatest savings on appliances that are always on or standby most of the time, such as your Internet modem, digital TV receiver, floor heating pump or built-in water heater.

We recommend first measuring your power usage for a week before configuring the automatic switching schedules to gain an understanding of when, and on which appliances, you can save on power usage.

See: The use of personal data and consumption data of Plugwise users.

As from July 1, 2011 new regulations are applicable in the European Union in order to better protect European consumers.
These regulations apply to all purchases that are made where the physical product cannot be physically viewed including door-to-door sales.

For purchases made in the Plugwise webshop, these rules boil down to the following:

- An inhabitant of the EU has 14 days time to consider after making a purchase on line. This period starts at the moment that the order is received.

- Plugwise is obliged to inform the buyer about his right. We are herewith acting in conformity with this obligation.  

- The buyer who uses this right is responsible for paying the costs of returning the product.

- Plugwise will refund the purchase price of the returned order within 14 days.

- The purchased goods must be delivered within 30 days of placing the order, otherwise the buyer has the right to cancel the order.

- Plugwise is liable for  damage or loss during delivery.

We are currently working on developing a module suitable for measuring three-phase power consumers.

A Stealth module can be installed for each phase wire; your electrician would have to install 3 Stealths to measure the phases independently of each other.

In this way you can gain insight into the power usage of your three-phase power consumers.

The computer does not have to stay on for the Plugwise system to operate. The modules have their own memory. The measurement data are saved and the modules switch appliances on and off in accordance with the schedules you have entered, even when the computer is switched off. After the computer is switched on with Stick, the data stored in the modules is retrieved for display in the usage reports.

The clock of the Plugwise system is synchronised with the clock in your computer each time Source is started. When daylight saving kicks in, the new time is also set automatically.

You must leave the Stick in your computer for the communication between the Plugwise software and the Plugwise products. You can unplug the Stick without any risk, but the communication link between the plugs and the computer will be disconnected. In that case, you cannot view the current usage or retrieve new measurement data. Disconnecting the plug has no consequences for the operation of the network or any data entered in the software earlier, such as switching schedules. As soon as you plug the Stick back into the computer, the computer retrieves the measurement data stored in the plugs. Any newly created schedules will be activated.

The system may not recognise the Stick anymore if you plug the Stick into a different USB port than that used when Source was installed. In that case, exit Source and plug the Stick into the original USB port.

The Circles can store measurement data autonomously for more than a year. Measurements are stored after that period, but earlier data are overwritten, starting with the oldest data. We recommend retrieving the measurement data via Source at least every 3 months. The longer Source is not started and the longer the data remain unread, the longer it takes to retrieve them. Give Source some time. Depending on the period and the number of Circles, the time needed may vary from a few minutes to a number of hours.

Yes, all modules are synchronised with the built-in clock of the Circle+, which in turn is synchronised with the computer.

To remove the Switch from your network, the factory settings can be restored by performing a reset. The following steps can be used to reset the Switch:

• Press and hold the top right button for 3 seconds.
• Press and hold the bottom right button for 3 seconds.
• Press and hold the top right button 10 seconds.

After a successful reset, the Switch will search for Plugwise networks. This is indicated by the red LED, which lights up for several seconds. The next step is to add the Switch to a Plugwise network by using 'Add Modules' (or the Configuration Wizard), or remove the batteries.

You don't have to. The clock in the Circle+ is synchronised automatically with the time on the PC, each time Source is started. The internal clocks of the other Circles are synchronised automatically with the Circle+.

The Plugwise platform works in a very simple manner: all modules can communicate with each other. Therefore, it does not matter what package you have: new modules can easily be added to your secure network with Source.

Go to Settings > Add Modules and follow the instructions for including a new module in your network.

Commercial networks can contain up to 65 modules, depending on the licence type.

The standby killer allows you to have an appliance switched off automatically as soon as it switches to sleep mode. If you activate the standby killer, you enter a threshold value below which the plug should shut down. The Circle switches off the appliance as soon as the power usage drops below the specified threshold value. The standby killer is activated with a switching schedule, which can also be used to specify when the appliance can be switched on again. You can also manually activate a Circle that was switched off (by the standby killer or schedule) by switching directly with Source. As an emergency solution, you can also unplug the Circle from the power outlet and plug it in again.

In an average single-family dwelling, a complete Plugwise Home Basic system uses less than 10 W. That’s less than an energy-saving light bulb! However, the saving by far exceeds its usage.

The safety of the users of Plugwise products is our top priority. This is not limited to physical safety: under no circumstances must our products interfere with other equipment. The storage and transfer of usage data is also handled reliably and safely.

Read more

Yes, this is possible. When measuring, the Plugwise modules do not distinguish between output and usage but the software is able to indicate this difference (per appliance).

This instruction poster describes what you can do to ensure that your modules are constantly available. See also: What should I do if a Circle does not come online?

See Stick.

The Plugwise system was developed in the Netherlands and is produced and assembled in the Netherlands as well. Some components are sourced from reliable, globally operating vendors.

Yes, you can. You can install Source on the other computer and use a backup file to transfer your data.

Always download the latest version of Source from www.myplugwise.com.

See further: How do I back up my settings, switching schedules and consumption data?

The total installation time depends on the number of Circles you are using. It generally takes about 5 minutes per Circle.

You probably have entered an incorrect code. Check that numbers and letters have been entered accurately. Check your Internet connection and firewall as well. The software needs to be able to connect to the Internet.

This instruction poster describes what you can do to ensure that your modules are constantly available. See also: What should I do if a Circle does not come online?

There is a shortcut in the Windows ‘Start’ menu in the folder ‘Plugwise Source’.

Execute the steps below to generate a report of your usage data:

• In Source, click ‘Reports' at the top of the screen.
• In the tree to the left of the screen click the appliance, room or group for which you want to generate a report. Click the plus symbol next to Rooms, Groups or Appliances to unfold the tree.
• Next to ‘Show’, at the bottom right of the screen, select whether you want to display the data in kWh, cost or C02 emission.
• Under ‘Per’, choose whether you want to see a report per day, week, month or year.
• In ‘From’ and ‘To’, enter the period you want the report to cover.
• When you change one of the settings above, a new report is displayed.

If an appliance was connected to a Circle a short time ago (e.g. when you have just installed the system), it may take several hours for the first usage data report to be generated.

If an appliance has been connected to a Circle for several hours and the Circle has a good connection with the network, the system may fail to display a full graph of usage data in a few cases. This is a software problem encountered in a previous version of Source. Download the latest version to solve this problem.

All Plugwise packages with a Source licence come with a licence code. The code can be found on the installation list supplied with the package. The code is on the installation CD ROM in packages issued before 2009.

In rare cases IDs of your Scan or Sense are not recognized by our server. To resolve this issue, please only fill out the last 5 numbers of the code. Make sure you delete the other ID from the list on the right. To do so, select it and press the button marked with a red X.

You can settle your bill by means of iDEAL or credit card.

The measurement data are stored on the Plugwise modules before being retrieved with the software. If something happens that makes it impossible for the software to save the data correctly, the module memory is read once again to complete the dataset.

Yes, you can. You can install Source on the other computer and use a backup file to transfer your data.

Always download the latest version of Source from www.myplugwise.com.

See further: How do I back up my settings, switching schedules and consumption data?

Yes, you can experience the functionalities of Source even without a Plugwise package! Go to this page for a database containing demonstration data and installation instructions.

The software can display the current usage of a connected appliance. The measurement value is an average value over an eight-second period.

In the future, the professional version (Source Pro) will allow users to request graphs of the usage measured in periods shorter than one hour.

The clock of the Plugwise system is synchronised with the clock in your computer each time Source is started. When daylight saving kicks in, the new time is also set automatically.

The current Source version runs on 64-bit systems, i.e. Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

The Circles can store measurement data autonomously for more than a year. Measurements are stored after that period, but earlier data are overwritten, starting with the oldest data. We recommend retrieving the measurement data via Source at least every 3 months. The longer Source is not started and the longer the data remain unread, the longer it takes to retrieve them. Give Source some time. Depending on the period and the number of Circles, the time needed may vary from a few minutes to a number of hours.

You don't have to. The clock in the Circle+ is synchronised automatically with the time on the PC, each time Source is started. The internal clocks of the other Circles are synchronised automatically with the Circle+.

The Plugwise platform works in a very simple manner: all modules can communicate with each other. Therefore, it does not matter what package you have: new modules can easily be added to your secure network with Source.

Go to Settings > Add Modules and follow the instructions for including a new module in your network.

Commercial networks can contain up to 65 modules, depending on the licence type.

The standby killer allows you to have an appliance switched off automatically as soon as it switches to sleep mode. If you activate the standby killer, you enter a threshold value below which the plug should shut down. The Circle switches off the appliance as soon as the power usage drops below the specified threshold value. The standby killer is activated with a switching schedule, which can also be used to specify when the appliance can be switched on again. You can also manually activate a Circle that was switched off (by the standby killer or schedule) by switching directly with Source. As an emergency solution, you can also unplug the Circle from the power outlet and plug it in again.

Unfortunately there is no version for Linux (at this time).

We have heard it is also difficult to run our system on Linux via a virtual environment (such as Wine) since.net 2.0 (sp1) must be installed. More information on this topic can be found on a range of forums. If .net 2.0 (sp1) runs in Wine on your system, you should in principle be able to use Source in Linux.

Unfortunately we cannot provide support but you are, of course, free to experiment.

Unfortunately there is no special version of Source for Apple Mac users. Users with an Apple system should try running Source with the aid of a Windows emulator, such as Parallels.

For modules with firmware versions 2011-05-13:

Before you start: Remove the Circle from the socket and plug it in again. If it takes a few seconds before it switches on (you can judge this by the clicking sound), no network has been assigned to the module and the Circle does not have to be reset.

• Remove the Circle from the wallsocket.
• Connect the Circle to the socket for 2 seconds, and then remove it.
• Again, connect the Circle to the wall socket for 2 seconds and then remove it.
• Now, connect the Circle for 8 seconds to the wall socket, and remove it.
• Wait at least 2 seconds before reconnecting the Circle to the socket.

The Circle's network settings have now been removed. (When it is connected, it takes a few seconds before you hear it switch on).

If you wish to remove multiple Circles simultaneously, it is best to connect them all in parallel to a socket extension, and execute the above procedure for all Circles at once.

For modules with firmware versions 2009-09-08 and 2010-11-01:

• Unplug the Circle from the power socket and plug it in again. Wait 2 seconds.
• Repeat this two more times.

If you wish to remove multiple Circles simultaneously, it is best to connect them all in parallel to a socket extension, and execute the above procedure for all Circles at once.

For modules with firmware version 2008-08-26:

• Unplug the Circle from the power socket, plug it in again and count the number of seconds until it switches on (you can hear a click from the relay). Deduct 6 seconds. The result is the reset interval. If the result is less than 4, use 4 seconds for the reset interval.

Example: if 16 seconds pass between the moment you plug the module into the power socket and the moment the appliance switches on, the reset interval is 16 – 6 = 10 seconds.

• Unplug the Circle for 3 seconds.
• Plug the module into the wall socket again during the reset interval.
• Repeat the above two steps two more times.
• Plugging the Circle into the wall socket again.

If you wish to remove multiple Circles simultaneously, it is best to connect them all in parallel to a socket extension, and execute the above procedure for all Circles at once.

Restarting Scan:

In case of problems, the Scan can be restarted. For this purpose, a reset button can be found on the back of the module, which can be activated by inserting a long, thin object such as a pin or a paperclip (not a pencil or mechanical pencil, which can break off) in the hole marked ‘Reset’. When the LED light in the casing (on the front of the module) begins to flash (after about 2 seconds), the Scan has restarted.

Deleting network settings

You can also delete all of the settings saved on the Scan. As a result, the Scan will also forget its position in the network. To delete all of the settings, follow the instructions as described in the section ‘Restarting Scan’, but keep the reset button pressed for 10 seconds rather than 2 seconds, until the rapid flashing of the LED light stops.

Restarting Sense:

In case of problems, the Sense can be restarted. For this purpose, a reset button can be found on the back of the module, which can be activated by inserting a long, thin object such as a pin or a paperclip (not a pencil or mechanical pencil, which can break off) in the hole marked ‘Reset’. When the LED light in the casing (on the front of the module) begins to flash (after about 2 seconds), the Sense has restarted.

Deleting network settings

You can also delete all of the settings saved on the Sense. As a result, the Sense will also forget its position in the network. To delete all of the settings, follow the instructions as described in the section ‘Restarting Sense’, but keep the reset button pressed for 10 seconds rather than 2 seconds, until the rapid flashing of the LED light stops.

For Switches with firmware 2011-05-13, the reset procedure has changed.

• Remove the button(s) of the Switch.
• Press the micro-switch (red) at the top left and keep pressing it during the entire procedure.
• Then, press the bottom left micro-switch for 2 seconds. Release.
• Again, press the bottom left micro-switch for 2 seconds. Release again.
• Now press the bottom left micro-switch for 8 seconds. Release.
• Now also release the top left micro switch.

The red LED stays on for a few seconds to indicate that the network settings have been reset successfully.

For switches with firmware from before 2011-05-13, follow the following procedure:

• Press the top of the button (with the I-mark for three seconds. (If your switch has two buttons, use only the left button in this procedure.)
• Press the bottom of the button for 3 seconds (the O-mark)
• Press the top of the button for 10 seconds.

If after this procedure the control LED stays on for a few seconds after pressing a button, the network settings have been succesfully removed. If this is not the case, repeat the procedure. A watch with a second hand can be useful here.

• Note: remove the batteries. As long as the Switch is not assigned to a network, it will consume more power.

If a module cannot be accessed, you must place them closer to a module that is accessible, or insert an extra module between the inaccessible module and the rest of the network.

The Plugwise network is a low-power ZigBee Mesh network. The great advantage is that it consumes a minimum amount of power. The network is also extra robust because all the modules are interconnected, each module thus serving to pass on information from all other modules. It makes the network extremely reliable. As an indication, a WiFi router easily uses 15 Watts of power; a Plugwise Circle consumes just 0,55 Watts.

If a module is in an unfavourable location, communication may be disrupted – for instance if the distance between modules is too great or if obstacles, such as large metal cabinets, are in the way. The way in which the network is set up may also be a cause. Follow the rules below to realise a quick and reliable network:

• The modules can bridge distances of 5 to 10 metres in a building.
• Make sure the Stick is at the centre of the network.
• The Circle+ must be nearest to the Stick.
• If each module can communicate with at least three other modules, it will be immune to disruptions and continue to operate trouble-free if a module is temporarily removed from the network.

If you wish to strengthen your network and bridge larger distances, the easiest solution would be to expand the network with a number of modules.

The Circle+ is the network coordinator. If you reset it to the factory settings, all information relating to the structure of the network is deleted. For this reason, you need to reset all other Circles as well. You can do this the same way as with the Circle+, by removing and plugging in the Circles three times. If a Circle has been reset and thus has no network assigned, the first time after a reset it will take a few seconds before it switches on the connected appliance, when inserted into a socket. You can also hear this, because the relais clicks when it turns on/off an appliance. If the Circle switches on immediately after plugging it in the first time, it has not properly been reset.

After all Circles and the Circle+ have been reset, exit Source and start the Configuration Wizard (via the shortcut in the Windows ‘Start’ menu > Plugwise Source). If you go through these steps, the network will be rebuilt. The Circles will automatically be linked again to the same appliances, so it is important for you to replace them in the same locations. Building the network probably takes much longer (up to 30 minutes) than when you first installed the package. The reason is that the Circles come pre-installed in a new Plugwise package; this data is removed when the system is reset.

If you encountered this problem after updating the firmware, please go here.

The network may be unable to find a module. In this case, the Source icon for the connected appliance will reflect this by showing a question mark.

• Make sure you have the latest version of Source installed. You can download Source at www.myplugwise.com.

Did the Circle work before?

• Check whether the Circle is still within the network range. First try whether the Circle appears online if you place it next to another Circle that is online. If this works, the first Circle was out of the other Circles’ network range. You can solve this problem in two ways.
• Plug the Circle into a power socket closer to the network.
• Put another Circle between the unreachable location and the network to bridge the distance.

Does the above solution fail or has the Circle never been online?

• Test whether the Circle is part of a network by unplugging it from the power socket and plugging it in again. If it takes longer than one second to switch on (you should hear a click and the appliance may also signal it), another network should be assigned to the Circle. Please note that this test does not apply to the Circle+.
• Start the Configuration Wizard (Via Windows ‘Start’, Plugwise Source) and continue up to step 5: Circles. Enter the number of the Circle in the box and click the button with the green arrow. It may take up to 20 minutes before a Circle from an extension set is added to a network.

Deleting network settings

If you are sure the above solutions do not work, you may have to reset the network to the factory settings. The procedure to do this depends on the firmware version of your Circles. Source shows the firmware in table at 'Settings - Appliances'.

You should only begin the reset procedure if you are certain that the Circle will not be online! Please note: If you reset the Circle+, you will have to reset all of the Circles.

New firmware (release 2009-08-09 and 2010-11-01)

Remove the Circle and plug it back into the socket and repeat this another two times.

If the Circle is succesfully reset, it will take 3 seconds or longer before the relais switches (with a soft clicking sound). If the Circle is assigned to a network, it will switch on immediately. Since the Circle+ is the network coordinator, it will belong to a network after it has been plugged in the first time. Hence its relais will immediately switch after being plugged in another time, so the check only works the first time after a reset.

Older firmware versions

Unplug the Circle from the power socket, plug it in again and count the number of seconds until it switches on (you can hear a click from the relay). Deduct 6 seconds. The result is the reset interval. If the result is less than 4, use 4 seconds for the reset interval.

Example: if 16 seconds pass between the moment you plug the module into the power socket and the moment the appliance switches on, the reset interval is 16 – 6 = 10 seconds.

• Unplug the Circle for 3 seconds.
• Plug the module into the wall socket again during the reset interval.
• Repeat the above two steps two more times.
• Plugging the Circle into the wall socket again.

If you need to reset multiple Circles at the same time, it is best to plug them all into a big power strip and execute the procedure for all Circles simultaneously.

Add the Circle to the network

• Exit Source.
• Start the Configuration Wizard via the Windows ‘Start’ menu. In step 5, the system will search for the reset Circle. Enter the Circle’s number if the Circle does not appear on the list automatically.

If a module was linked to the appliance before, this appliance will be reassigned. In this case, the measurement data recorded before the reset procedure will be retrieved.

The clock of the Plugwise system is synchronised with the clock in your computer each time Source is started. If the switching schedules do not run on time, check whether your clock in Windows is displaying the correct time.

When daylight savings time kicks in, the new time is set automatically when Source is started.

Please contact our helpdesk. Together with you, we will determine the cause of the problem quickly.

If you have a backup of the ‘My Documents’ folder, the chance is good that the folder contains a Source backup file, because this is the folder in which a backup file is placed automatically during updates. You yourself might even have made a backup with Source via Settings > Backup. Measurement data is saved not only on the computer, but also in the Plugwise modules. For that reason, even if you only have an old backup, you can obtain measurement data from after the backup (except for devices that were added to the network later).

• Download and install the latest version of Source.
• When the Configuration Wizard appears, do not complete the steps. Instead, close the wizard.
• Click Settings > Make Backup in Source to start the Backup Wizard.
• Select ‘Restore Backup’.
• Indicate the location of your backup file.
• Click ‘Open’.
• When the backup data is entered in source, a message appears to alert you of this fact.

Please select what seems to be the problem:

• The update process was interrupted
• One of the Circles did not received the update
• The Stick has not received the update