PrintersImpact Printer
Epson C31C514088 Printer Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the impact (dot-matrix) printer, with verified specifications.
- TypeImpact Printer
- Sleep power1.1 W
- Off-mode power0 W
About the Epson C31C514088
Epson model C31C514088 is an impact (dot-matrix) printer that meets ENERGY STAR imaging-equipment requirements. The manufacturer markets it as the TM-U220.
It uses an impact (dot matrix) print mechanism.
It draws 1.1 W in sleep and 0 W when switched off (standby). That sleep power is lower than 37% of the 55 Impact Printer models in our database.
Specifications
| Brand | Epson |
|---|---|
| Model number | C31C514088 |
| Model name / series | TM-U220 |
| Product type | Impact Printer |
| ENERGY STAR product category | Printers |
| Marking technology | Impact (dot matrix) |
| Media size format | Small |
| Color capable | Yes |
| Automatic duplex (two-sided) | No |
| Professional imaging product | No |
| Sleep-mode power | 1.10 W |
| Standby (off) power | 0.00 W |
Safety information
- Plug the printer directly into a grounded wall outlet. Avoid light-duty extension cords, and replace a damaged power cord before use.
- Keep the ventilation openings clear and leave the clearance around the unit that the manual specifies for paper trays, covers and service access.
- Switch off and unplug the unit before cleaning it or reaching deep inside to clear a jam.
- The printhead can become hot during long runs. Let it cool before cleaning it, and keep fingers away from the print mechanism, which can be sharp.
Setup
- Unpack and remove shipping materials
Remove all tape, foam and protective film, including pieces inside the covers and paper trays.
- Choose a location
Place the unit on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, grease and moisture, with room to open the cover for media changes.
- Install the ribbon
Insert the ribbon cartridge and turn its knob to remove slack, then load paper or forms as shown in the manual.
- Connect to your computer or network
Connect the unit to your network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi where available) or directly by USB, following the setup guide. Network connection lets several users share it and makes firmware updates easier.
- Install drivers and software
Add the printer in your operating system. Many current network printers work with driverless standards such as AirPrint, Mopria or IPP Everywhere; install the full manufacturer driver if you need finishing, security or accounting features.
- Check the sleep timer
Confirm that sleep and auto-off timers are enabled in the control panel or web interface to minimize idle energy use.
Using your printer
Using an impact printer
Impact printers strike an inked ribbon against the paper, so they can print multipart forms and carbon copies. Set the head gap for the thickness of the forms you use, and replace the ribbon when print becomes faint rather than increasing darkness.
Sleep and power settings
In sleep the unit draws 1.1 W, and 0 W when switched off at the power button. Use the auto-off or weekly timer (if offered) to switch the unit off overnight and on weekends.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| When print fades | Replace the ribbon cartridge. |
| Monthly | Vacuum or brush paper dust from the tractor and platen area with the power off. |
| Every 6 months | Install firmware updates from the manufacturer and vacuum dust from the exterior vents. |
Troubleshooting
Most printer problems come from media, consumables, connections or settings. Try these steps first; for numbered error codes, look up the code in the manufacturer's manual or support site.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Shows offline or jobs stay in the queue | Network or IP address changed; wrong driver or port; printer asleep and not waking. | Restart the printer and computer, print a network configuration page, re-add the printer using its current address, and reserve that address in your router. |
| Faint or uneven print | Worn ribbon; head gap set too wide. | Replace the ribbon and set the head gap for the forms in use. |
| Paper or media jams | Wrong media for the tray; overfilled tray; worn rollers; debris in the path. | Remove jammed media in the direction of the paper path, check for torn pieces, reload within the fill line, and clean the rollers. |
| Slow to start the first job | Unit waking from sleep. | This is normal. Group jobs together; avoid disabling sleep, which raises energy use considerably. |
Energy use and running costs
ENERGY STAR rates this device on its low-power modes: 1.1 W in sleep and 0 W when switched off. If it stays plugged in and asleep around the clock, sleep mode alone uses about 9.64 kWh per year — roughly $1.64 at $0.17 per kWh.
Switching it off outside a 10-hour, 5-day work week (and letting it sleep during working hours) cuts that to about 2.86 kWh per year ($0.49).
Energy used while actively printing is not included in these figures; it depends on how many pages you produce.
Frequently asked questions
What type of device is the Epson C31C514088?
It is an impact (dot-matrix) printer in ENERGY STAR's small media-size category. It is sold as the TM-U220.
How much power does the Epson C31C514088 use in sleep?
It draws 1.1 W in sleep and 0 W when switched off. Left asleep all year, that is about 9.64 kWh, or $1.64.
Does the Epson C31C514088 need ink or a ribbon?
Yes. It prints by striking an inked ribbon against the paper; replace the ribbon cartridge when print becomes faint.
Is the Epson C31C514088 ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes. It appears on the ENERGY STAR certified imaging equipment list, with a certification date of August 2013.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified printers dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified August 15, 2013), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with Epson. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact Epson or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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