ActionArnie
This is for the electrician's.
I woke up in the night to the sound of tiny sparks crackling from the multi-plug adapter my PC is connected to (there's also some speakers, LCD monitor etc plugged into the same multi-plug). Anyway after unplugging my PC the arcing stopped, I went back to bed. This morning I connect it all again and the little sparks start up again, and I notice that the sound of arcing is also coming from my PC supply. If I turn the PC on the sparks stop and it all seems fine (apparently nothing wrong with the PC or power supply when it's running).
Any idea what could be going on here?
AlanRatcliffe
Hard to be sure what is actually happening, but I'd:
- check the lead is properly plugged in in the kettle plug side;
- if the multi-plug has a reset button, I'd reset it;
- try use a different socket on the multi-plug;
- try a different kettle-plug lead;
- then try a different multi-plug. If that cures it, then I'd replace the multi-plug and throw it away to be on the safe side.
Might just be some dirt or oxidisation on the contacts of the multi-plug - not enough to impede the full current when the PC is on, but enough to cause the arcing when it is just drawing a small standby current. A little contact cleaner (WITH THE POWER DISCONNECTED) and plugging in a couple of times might clear it up.
Might also be early warning of problems with the PC's PSU, but I wouldn't think so if the arcing is coming from the multi-plug...
ActionArnie
Thanks Alan, looks like it's the multi-plug.
