Overcome Mini M4 Power switch issues

Question

59Bob Author

Level 1

6 points

Overcome Mini M4 Power switch issues

Mac mini M4 Power switch issues.

Simple, effective & very cheap.

Requirements:-

1 x ordinary power extension cable (Local hardware stores) length to your requirements.
1 x Junction box (Local hardware stores)
1 x electrical switch (Like a light switch or push on - push off) (Local hardware stores) 240v or whatever your country uses.
2 x cable connectors (Local hardware stores)

Cut extension cable in two at the length you need to go from wall socket to say under your desk.

Drill two holes in junction box one either end.

Insert Incoming power cable from wall socket into box

Insert Outgoing power cable, out the other side of box.

Install switch to outer side of box.

Terminate incoming live conductor to one side of switch.

Terminate outgoing live conductor to other side of switch.

Terminate neutral & earths up to each other.

Fix Junction box to the most appropriate position (ie under your desk top bottom side)

Plug cable that came with the Mini M4 into the device.

Plug into wall socket.

Switch on & you have a very handy switch to use to switch off your mini M4 as required.

So basically you have an ordinary household extension cord with a switch in the middle.

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 1, 2025 3:32 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Feb 2, 2025 5:28 AM in response to 59Bob

The "M" series Macs are a far cry from the space heaters of the old Mac desktops and do not really need to be shut down as they draw very little power when idle. There are so many things in the home that draw so much more power than a MacMini at idle (or even when running full bore) you would not even notice a change in the electric bill.

Personally, I only shut my machine down around once every 3 or 4 months when doing a deep cleaning of my workstation area which involves moving stuff any way so lifting a Mac to press a power button is not an issue.

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Answer 2

Feb 1, 2025 5:28 AM in response to 59Bob

It's a lot of trouble and expense to go to in order to avoid tilting one corner of the machine occasionally.

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,934 points

Feb 2, 2025 1:15 AM in response to David McKinlay

It does not. It will work only if the switch is used to cut power out abruptly…not recommended for regular use.

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Answer 4

59Bob Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 1, 2025 2:00 PM in response to Ian R. Brown

If you think 1/2 hour work & a few $$$ to overcome what one may consider a nuisance.

Well I wonder why numerous experts reviews & other commenters have spent the time to complain.

A simple solution to overcome some peoples frustrations.

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Answer 5

Feb 1, 2025 3:56 PM in response to Ian R. Brown

Ian R. Brown wrote:

Hang on! It won't work.

Switching the power supply off or on will not start up the Mac.

You still have to press the power button.

A Mac Mini and an iMac can be set to startup automatically after the power has been off.

Settings > Energy > Start Up Automatically After A Power Failure

I can't recall if this applies also if the Mac has been shut down properly, but it's an option even if not ideal to leave it on before turning off the power.

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Answer 6

Feb 2, 2025 1:03 AM in response to David McKinlay

That might work but I still think it is solving a problem that doesn't exist.

On the face of it one feels that Apple has put the power button in a stupid place but for the majority of users is that really a problem?

Like many users I rarely shutdown my Mac and having to tilt a mini once a month or so is hardly an onerous task.

In fact it's really laughable that anyone should even be concerned about it unless they are one of the growing number who think that life involves eating all day and using as little energy as possible . . . maybe it was Apple's attempt to put more exercise into the nation's lives as a public service.