Testing Power Loss Alerts

Why test?

Running a quick test confirms that your device, Wi-Fi, cloud heartbeat monitoring, and notifications are all working end-to-end. We recommend testing after initial setup and any time you change Wi-Fi, recipients, or alert settings.

Before you start

• Make sure the device shows UP in the portal.
• Check your Alert Window in the portal (e.g. 30–1200 seconds).
• Confirm at least one recipient (email/SMS/call) is added and correct.
• If using SMS or call, ensure you have credit and that the number can receive automated messages.

How to simulate a power cut

The simplest way to simulate a power failure is to simply unplug the PowerNotify USB device.

Step-by-step test

1. Open the portal and navigate to your device page so you can watch status in real time.
2. Unplug your PowerNotify USB device.
3. Wait for the alert window to elapse (e.g. 90 seconds) plus up to ~30 seconds for the notification to process.
4. Check for your notifications (email/SMS/call) on each configured recipient.
5. Restore power to the device.
6. Verify the portal shows the device back UP and, if enabled, that a recovery email/SMS/call was sent.

Troubleshooting a failed test

• No alert received: The alert window may be longer than expected; wait a bit more. Confirm recipients are added/verified and check spam/junk for emails. If emails from us are in your junk, add alerts@powernotify.net to the safe senders list in your emails.
• No SMS/call: Ensure credit is available and the number format is correct (include country code if required). Ensure your phone number has been verified in the account page.
• Alerts delayed: Short delays can happen due to network/carrier conditions. Improve Wi-Fi signal or adjust the alert window if needed.

Best practices

• Test at installation and after any Wi-Fi or recipient changes.
• Place the device where Wi-Fi signal is strong and stable.