Corsair PSU popped and sparked

JG234

JG234

JG234

Associate
Joined
2 Nov 2007
Posts
39
My PSU is the Corsair HX620.

Just a few moments ago I turned my PC on, as I did so there was a loud pop and a blue spark
was thrown out from the PSU. It fell through the fan grill and dissapeared into my acrylic side window.
There was NO smell of burning and there was NO smoke. The PSU not dead, but I am a bit worried about it TBH.

This has happened a few times over the last few months - quite rare actually. It's like some kind of power surge.
I don't think the PSU is to blame but more how my cables/plugs are set up. Here's a little diagram to help me explain the situation:

psusparkxl2.jpg


I have a Belkin Surgemaster, plugged directly into the wall. My PSU's power cable is connected to this. The PSU's kettle plug is connected all the time, I never remove it.

First I switch the wall socket switch on, then I flick the PSU's switch. Finally I flick the Surgemaster's switch to bridge the two. THIS is when the PSU pops/sparks.

Should I switch on the PSU last?
Is the Corsair on its way out, or this is normal/not harmful?
Where is the spark coming from?
Has this happened to anyone else?

Any help/advice would be much appreciated. :)
 
i have a 8 year old belkin surgemaster and is fine to this day. same setup as that plugged to wall. Just that I leave the surgemaster & psu switch permanently on and just turn the wall on/off.

Sounds like a potentially serious H&S issue, get the psu rma'd.

I might also suggest house wiring could be an issue if it's an old house.
 
OK, thank you everyone so far.

I have just started the RMA process, but that will probably take a while to go through - in the meantime what replacement PSU should I buy?

Another Corsair? I am hoping mine is just a one-off.

Strange to think I bought this PSU because I was worried about my 580W Hiper failing... :rolleyes:
 
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Always used Enermax,it was the PSU of choice and recommendation on here, before the Corsairs came on the scene.Saying that,i went for Corsair on my last 4 builds for clients,with no issues to date
 
When my first HX620 came it had a screw inside, and I couldn't get it out without voiding the warranty. All was fine, until one day I turned my pc on its side and then turned it on, *POP*, sucked as I knew exactly what had happened.:( (The screw had fused to something, as afterwards there was no more rattle:confused:)

Second has been fine though.
 
JG234 said:
Another Corsair? I am hoping mine is just a one-off.

Strange to think I bought this PSU because I was worried about my 580W Hiper failing... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Pretty sure it's a one off but there have been a couple of blown corsairs on these forums before.

Just goes to show it can happen on any psu. As long as it doesn't take out any other component with it you're fine just rma it.

nice illustration kudos for taking the time drawing it lol
 
Just that I leave the surgemaster & psu switch permanently on and just turn the wall on/off.
Click to expand...

I tried that just now, there was no pop or spark. Still, I think there's something seriously wrong with the PSU so I ordered a HX520 from Overclockers.

dont you have to send it to the USA?
Click to expand...

Yes, apparently. It will cost loads, probably half what the PSU is worth. I may not bother sending it back, I will see what the 'RAM GUY' says first...

Thank you everyone!

Nice picture though.
Click to expand...
:p
 
I'm lost, why is it going back to the states? (unless you brought it from there)

And I quote from my 'Sale of goods quick ref'

"It is the seller, not the manufacturer, who is responsible if goods do not conform to contract"

What is an inherent fault?

A fault present at the time of purchase. Examples are:
• an error in design so that a product is manufactured incorrectly
• an error in manufacturing where a faulty component was inserted.
The "fault" may not become apparent immediately but it was there at the time of sale and so the product was not of satisfactory standard.

Do I only have rights for 30 (or some other figure) days after purchase?

No. Depending on circumstances, you might be too late to have all your money back after this time, but the trader will still be liable for any breaches of contract, such as the goods being faulty. In fact, the trader could be liable to compensate you for up to six years.

Is it true that I have to complain to the manufacturer?

No. You bought the goods from the trader, not the manufacturer, and the trader is liable for any breaches of contract (unless he was acting as the manufacturer's agent).

Do I have to produce a receipt to claim my rights?

No. In fact the trader doesn't have to give you a receipt in the first place so it would be unfair to say that you had to produce one. However, it might not be unreasonable for the shop to want some proof of purchase, so look to see if you have a cheque stub, bank statement, credit card slip etc., and this should be sufficient.

Hope this helps
 
New User said:
I'm lost, why is it going back to the states? (unless you brought it from there)

And I quote from my 'Sale of goods quick ref'

"It is the seller, not the manufacturer, who is responsible if goods do not conform to contract"

What is an inherent fault?

A fault present at the time of purchase. Examples are:
• an error in design so that a product is manufactured incorrectly
• an error in manufacturing where a faulty component was inserted.
The "fault" may not become apparent immediately but it was there at the time of sale and so the product was not of satisfactory standard.

Do I only have rights for 30 (or some other figure) days after purchase?

No. Depending on circumstances, you might be too late to have all your money back after this time, but the trader will still be liable for any breaches of contract, such as the goods being faulty. In fact, the trader could be liable to compensate you for up to six years.

Is it true that I have to complain to the manufacturer?

No. You bought the goods from the trader, not the manufacturer, and the trader is liable for any breaches of contract (unless he was acting as the manufacturer's agent).

Do I have to produce a receipt to claim my rights?

No. In fact the trader doesn't have to give you a receipt in the first place so it would be unfair to say that you had to produce one. However, it might not be unreasonable for the shop to want some proof of purchase, so look to see if you have a cheque stub, bank statement, credit card slip etc., and this should be sufficient.

Hope this helps
Click to expand...

I have seen people mention that they need to send their stuff to the USA, Taiwan, Japan etc for RMA. And I am very curious to hear about this.. I mean if stuff is bought here at OCUK it would be enough to send the stuff to them - right?

Sorry for going OT....
 
I've had to send my corsair twin2x back to the US because the e-bayer I got it from refused to reply to my mails, It's cost me £8 for royal mail international signed for, but I think I should have sent it airsure to enable tracking in the states. Corsair pay up for the postage back though.
 
JG234 said:
OK, thank you everyone so far.

I have just started the RMA process, but that will probably take a while to go through - in the meantime what replacement PSU should I buy?

Another Corsair? I am hoping mine is just a one-off.

Strange to think I bought this PSU because I was worried about my 580W Hiper failing... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

The Enermax Modu82+ range seems likea good alternative to Corsair. Although I'd just get another Corsair personally, looking at the spec in your profile you don't even need a 620w one - the VX450 would more than suffice.
 
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