PSU Spark

killer_uk

killer_uk

killer_uk

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Hi, I was asked to remove a virus from someones pc. Sounded easy enough.

Well, I plugged in the machine, flicked the power switch on the wall socket (as the PSU didn't have a switch) and I heard a pop and a saw large blue spark come from the fan grill on the PSU. I thought the worst. :(

I quickly blew the case out with an air compressor (as there was a lot of dust inside when I opened it up). I unplugged everything leaving just the PSU plugged in and flicked the switch and it didn't explode/set of fire :p

I plugged everything in again and tried it - it works fine.

So I'm asking you what could have possibly gone wrong? Was it due to the buildup of dust?
 
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if youve got live power running thru a cable and you plug it into a psu without a power switch tht tends to happen but usually no harm is done
 
IMHO id say say u got serious problems. No Jokes. Blue flames came out of the psu for goodness sakes. Thats going to to start a fire guys. Change the psu. Its like theres smoke coming from under my dashboard, but now its gone so it must be ok. Please put my mind as rest cos i will not sleep tonight. :eek:
 
wizardmaxx said:
IMHO id say say u got serious problems. No Jokes. Blue flames came out of the psu for goodness sakes. Thats going to to start a fire guys. Change the psu. Its like theres smoke coming from under my dashboard, but now its gone so it must be ok. Please put my mind as rest cos i will not sleep tonight. :eek:
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blue sparks no flames and ive had it on decent psus wen i knock the cable out by mistake its no biggy really, and power surges do happen when you flick on power to a psu wiv no switch
 
Lan said:
blue sparks no flames and ive had it on decent psus wen i knock the cable out by mistake its no biggy really, and power surges do happen when you flick on power to a psu wiv no switch
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At the risk of 'potentially starting a fire' I'd strongly disagree with you. I studied power electronics for three years and will without a doubt say that its an accident waiting to happen. Just cos it still works donsn't mean its not borked.
 
nuke.jpg
 
Seen the Qtec psu's do the spark thingy, they still keep going afterwards, but they do fail not far down the line usually.

I can't see why anyone would be stupid enough to design a psu without an o/i switch.
 
Lan said:
if youve got live power running thru a cable and you plug it into a psu without a power switch tht tends to happen but usually no harm is done
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True, if you plug a live cable into the PSU, then the connector may arc briefly as you plug it in, however the original poster said that the spark and pop came when he turned the mains power on (I assume he means when he flipped the wall switch).

In this case there should be no spark, as the plugs are already properly connected, and I would be seriously concerned about a pop. I wouldnt be surprised if a minor componant has failed, which even though the PSU appears to be functioning could well have lowered its power ratings, of affected its power regulation. If further componants fail, it could cause fire, or send out of tolerance voltages to the computer's componants.

I wouldnt trust the PSU myself, If it was a 'good' one to start with it may be worth having it inspected and repaired by a good electronics repair shop, or else return it under warranty. If its just a cheap one, replace it.
 
"Well, I plugged in the machine, flicked the power switch on the wall socket (as the PSU didn't have a switch) and I heard a pop and a saw large blue spark come from the fan grill on the PSU."

From the original post
 
It may have been a spider, or spider's nest, which was making contact with a live connector and earth. Spiders conduct electricity, so switching on the power would cause a brief short-circuit, but may have caused no damage to the PSU.

I would open up the PSU and inspect the capacitors etc for any damage or burn marks. There should be signs of scorching to indicate where the short happened, and maybe some evidence as to what caused it.
 
Finally some action.

"I would open up the PSU and inspect the capacitors etc for any damage or burn marks. There should be signs of scorching to indicate where the short happened, and maybe some evidence as to what caused it."

Dont necessarily agree with the spider though. :p
 
A moment of silence please.......its past on. :(

Came to switch on the system again this morning, and she wouldn't boot up.

Besttec (2000-2006)....not the best anymore....not a bad showing for 5 years old though. :)

EDIT: Will open it up later on to see if I can see what went wrong.
 
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t31os said:
Seen the Qtec psu's do the spark thingy, they still keep going afterwards, but they do fail not far down the line usually.

I can't see why anyone would be stupid enough to design a psu without an o/i switch.
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I was sitting here the other night... flash/crackle/spark. I nearly jumped out of my skin. Everything _seemed_ to be ok. Powered down, up etc, went to bed.

I have(had) a qtec psu in my rad box powering the pump and fans. Today I came into the room and I thought things are too quiet. Pump and fans not running. Yep you guessed it.... qtec = dead.

Richie.
 
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