Defective Power Strip for computer, problem or not?

[Jingthing]

OK, a power strip I use for my PC has one input where when I turn it OFF the indicator light still lights up as ON. So no way to turn off that one input. The power strip (5 inputs total) does not feature an on/off for the entire unit. So I am not plugging anything into the defective input but my questions are:

does this sound like the power strip overall is defective and could be a hazard either to my electronics, or even a fire hazard?

I'd return it (still new enough) but don't have the receipt.

[Jdietz]

If the switch is fused closed, it could be because of an overload on that particular outlet. But if it works, no real reason not to use it. If it gives off smoke signals that's the time to replace it.

[Daffy D]

Some of those Power Strips are wired completely wrong

I always open up a new one to check and usually rearrange the wiring.

If it works and you are not fussy about it being on all the time why not use it. Getting it exchanged will not guarantee a better one

[Chicog]

Not something I'd trust to leave switched on and go to bed, that's for sure.

[Jingthing]

Thanks for the feedback. There is no master switch to turn off the unit so I'd have to unplug it from the wall which is of course inconvenient. I suppose I'll buy a new one just in case. Different brand this time.

[Pib]

Not uncommon for switches on power strips to go bad...I've changed several on some power strips I've got. Either the switch LED stops working or the switch itself fails in terms or not being able to turn on or off. The switches cost around 20 baht at Amorn stores, but you'll need a soldering iron to replace the switches...cheaper than buying a new power strip.

[Jingthing]

Not uncommon for switches on power strips to go bad...I've changed several on some power strips I've got. Either the switch LED stops working or the switch itself fails in terms or not being able to turn on or off. The switches cost around 20 baht at Amorn stores, but you'll need a soldering iron to replace the switches...cheaper than buying a new power strip.

Yes, that sounds like probably what happened. It was working before and then failed this way.

[RKASA]

I had several strips 'DATA brand' and half the switches went bad in a short time on all of them - I decided that was to much defectiveness for one brand of strip and saved the cords only. snip Replaced them all.

[Thaimaishoe]

"I'd return it (still new enough) but don't have the receipt."

What country did you buy it in... because even if you had the reciept, you wouldn't be returning it in Thailand!

caveat emptor!

[xylophone]

I had several strips 'DATA brand' and half the switches went bad in a short time on all of them - I decided that was to much defectiveness for one brand of strip and saved the cords only. snip Replaced them all.

Agree.........this is a cheap and nasty brand and I wouldn't touch one.

If the "powerboard/strip" is faulty in any way, then don't use it, simple as that, otherwise you risk a fire and possible damage to the computer.

[lostinisaan]

Thanks for the feedback. There is no master switch to turn off the unit so I'd have to unplug it from the wall which is of course inconvenient. I suppose I'll buy a new one just in case. Different brand this time.

Remove the main fuse for the house and it's off.

[KhunBENQ]

I would also suspect that the switch is mechanically broken.

Either unplug every time or buy a new one or bring it to a repairman with a soldering iron to exchange this one switch (depending on the overall value of the thing).

[samuijimmy]

The ones with heavier cords seem to last better than the cheaper ones with a smaller thickness cord.... usually most places have that choice.

I have mine plugged in to my UPS box... for extra protection...

The best one for long life, seems to be Belkin, but they are not cheap!

[RKASA]

The ones with heavier cords seem to last better than the cheaper ones with a smaller thickness cord.... usually most places have that choice.

I have mine plugged in to my UPS box... for extra protection...

The best one for long life, seems to be Belkin, but they are not cheap!

I got the DATA brand among the other choices because as they looked good in the packaging and I did keep the cords because they were 3 prong molded plugs, the same cord as a new PC would use the heavy white cable - they fooled me - it was connected to cheap internals. In fact the third lead inside was not even connected to the ground bus that was just a series of metal clips inside that made it look like they were used and not just blank holes like some of them have. Even if some of the things I plug in only have the two leads it is nice to have all the strips properly wired so they can be used anywhere.

For power points that matter to me I just replaced them with my own boxes and real switches and used the good cords I had saved from the over priced and defective power strips they had been connected to.

In Thailand the price and looks mean little - you have to open the package and test them or just make your own after getting burned, but at least it was only my pocket book that got burned.

[Sayonarax]

Safer to buy a new one

[h90]

Some of those Power Strips are wired completely wrong

I always open up a new one to check and usually rearrange the wiring.

If it works and you are not fussy about it being on all the time why not use it. Getting it exchanged will not guarantee a better one

Often the ground wire isn't connected (or not existing at all)

[xylophone]

Some of those Power Strips are wired completely wrong

I always open up a new one to check and usually rearrange the wiring.

If it works and you are not fussy about it being on all the time why not use it. Getting it exchanged will not guarantee a better one

Often the ground wire isn't connected (or not existing at all)

Yep, along with poor soldering of connections with some loose from new, the "brass looking" contact strips are very often a poor grade metal which rust and also don't keep their tension/strength and lead to overheating and arcing, and the switches are prone to failing after a short time.

Pay 500 baht for a better quality one which has a 3-pin plug and cable, and keep the receipt. If you know what you are doing then by all means take the thing apart and inspect it before using.

[wgdanson]

Thanks for the feedback. There is no master switch to turn off the unit so I'd have to unplug it from the wall which is of course inconvenient. I suppose I'll buy a new one just in case. Different brand this time.

If that's the biggest inconvenience in your life, then be very happy.

[ToddinChonburi]

I sure would not leave it plugged in. anything wired wrong is a fire hazard.

[ToddinChonburi]

I forgot to mention you should be using a surge protector with your computer. Lightning strike near by will take your electronics out.