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Knowledge document #1153

Powerline connection is not established

Although the FRITZ!Powerline devices are connected to electrical power, the powerline connection is not established and the "Powerline" LEDs do not remain lit.

Work through the following steps to resolve the problem.

1 Loading the factory settings of the FRITZ!Powerline device

Incorrect settings in the FRITZ!Powerline device can prevent the powerline connection from being established. Therefore, load the factory settings of all of the FRITZ!Powerline devices that cannot connect to the powerline network.

  1. Plug the FRITZ!Powerline device into an outlet and wait until the Power LED or WLAN LED remains lit or the Connect LED flashes slowly.
  2. Push the corresponding button on the device:
    ModelButtonDuration
    FRITZ!Powerline 1260(E) / 1240 AX Connect 15 seconds
    FRITZ!Powerline 1220 / 1210 Connect 10-15 seconds
    FRITZ!Powerline 1240E WLAN - WPS
    Powerline - Security    		 15 seconds
    FRITZ!Powerline 1220E / 1000E Powerline · Security 10-15 seconds
    FRITZ!Powerline 546E / 540E WLAN · WPS und Powerline · Security 10 seconds
    FRITZ!Powerline 530E / 510E Security 12 seconds
    FRITZ!Powerline 520E / 500E Reset 2 seconds
  3. During this process, all of the LEDs flash once. The Power LED or WLAN LED remains lit or the Connect LED flashes slowly as soon as the factory settings have finished loading.

2 Connecting FRITZ!Powerline devices with each other

Plug the FRITZ!Powerline devices into a power strip to rule out interference in the home's power supply as a cause:

  1. Take two FRITZ!Powerline devices between which the powerline connection cannot be established and plug them both into a power strip.
  2. Remove all other devices from the power strip.
  3. Briefly push the Connect button (see table) on both of the FRITZ!Powerline devices. You can push the button on whichever FRITZ!Powerline device you want first. The Powerline LED flashes after you release the button. Depending on the FRITZ!Powerline model, several other LEDs flash at the same time.
    FRITZ!Powerline modelConnect button
    FRITZ!Powerline 1260(E) / 1240 AX / 1220 / 1210 Connect
    FRITZ!Powerline 1240E WLAN - WPS
    Powerline - Security
    FRITZ!Powerline 1220E / 1000E / 546E / 540E Powerline · Security
    FRITZ!Powerline 530E / 520E / 510E / 500E Security
  4. The process is completed and the FRITZ!Powerline devices are connected with each other as soon as the Powerline LED remains lit.
  5. Plug the FRITZ!Powerline device in where you intend to use it. If the powerline connection cannot be established where you intend to use it, then interference in the home's power supply is causing the error.

3 Reducing interference in the home's power supply

If the powerline connection is being affected by interference, observe the following to minimize the interference:

  1. Plug FRITZ!Powerline devices directly into a wall outlet and do not use them with a power strip with other devices, an extension cord, or behind a surge protector.
  2. For testing purposes, switch off other devices or briefly unplug them them to identify possible sources of interference and then minimize them.

    Examples of possible sources of interference are switch mode power supplies, dimmers, halogen systems and energy-saving lamps, as well as electric motors when they are running (for example in refrigerators, food processors, dryers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, or drills).

  3. Test different wall outlets and reduce the distance between the FRITZ!Powerline devices.
  4. Avoid powerline connections on different phases, fuse boxes, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
  5. VDSL signals can transmit interference to power lines. Note that cables with VDSL signals should be laid at least 10 cm away from electrical wiring and outlets.
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