The chip is intended to be used for switching on and off a mains powered device, with the added feature of automatic switch off after a well-defined amount of time. Such device can replace conventional switches in all appliances that might be left on inadvertently. Besides saving energy, the main goal is to prevent all hazards due to appliances left on unattended. The chip can be used in its 3-pin version, where applying the supply to the chip does switching on. In the 4-pin version switching on and off is done with a single push-button.