My Desktop PC keeps blowing fuses.

Happens even when it is not running (power off).

As soon as the PC is plugged in, without even being started, the fuse in the cord and the fuse on the main fuse board blows.

 

What can cause this?

Is there already current running inside the PC when it is plugged in, regardless if it is running or not?

 

 

To me it sounds like the power supply is at fault. By the fuse on the mainboard. do you mean the one close to the power supply with the "big higher voltage" leads ? 

*Deleted Post edited out*

 

It's nothing to with your computer not being a Mac, that's for sure.

 

I would start by looking at the power supply if I were you.

 

I have several desktop computers around the house so I would swap one out with one of the others and see if that fixes it before purchasing a new one...

Could be a short in the power cable or plug.

 

Check for damage to either, disconnect the power cable from the back of the desktop and plug it in alone and see if it trips the fuses.

 

If it's not either of those there is probably a short on the input side of the power supply, suggest you open the case and check for burnt components along with fried lizards !

 

The little bastards get everywhere.....

Power supply popping the fuse(s) on connection = fried power supply.

 

Solution, new power supply. QED

 

EDIT. I see it's a desktop, when you say "fuse in the cord" are you referring to the 10A fuse in your extension lead?

 

 

4 hours ago, The Fat Controller said:

Could be a short in the power cable or plug.

 

Check for damage to either, disconnect the power cable from the back of the desktop and plug it in alone and see if it trips the fuses.

 

Yes indeed. I had exactly this problem with a thin locally-made power lead. The cables were shorting through the plastic just at the point where the plug was moulded on yet nothing at all was visible from outside. Nothing wrong with the power supply either and when the cable was replaced everything worked fine.

 

OP,

    Can you be clearer on the fuses you are talking about.

 

Quote

... the fuse in the cord and the fuse on the main fuse board blows.

 

   It sounds like you may be talking the fuse in the power strip you plug your computer's power cord into?  And where you say "main fuse board" you are talking about your home's circuit breaker/fuse box on the wall?

 

    If so, try plugging your computer power cord directly into a wall socket not using the power strip.  If the breaker/fuse in your home's box still blows, then  completely remove the desktop power cable from the computer and try plugging it into the wall socket again.  

 

     Just try to isolate the bad part.  Since you said the computer blows the fuse even when the computer is not turned on, I would first thoroughly check it's power cord and any power strip you may be using with it.  

 

      Most lower cost power strips sold in Thailand are low quality/develop defects like in individual power on-off switches, individual plug-in points on the strip, LEDs burning out, power cord, etc.   And I've had one or two power cords fail over the last half dozen years or sold....usually fails at any point the cord it bent a lot or inside the plug....I'm usually surprised when they fail and I think they really should have last for almost forever.

Thnx for all the replies.

Appreciate it.

 

I will try to clarify........... 2 fuses blow each time.....the one in the extension cord, and the breaker on the main board supply (on the wall).

I am guessing there is some sort of power on the PC even when it is not running.

Already running a lamp from the same outlet from the wall, and that one is ok, so it is the PC.

 

Not technically skilled enough to inspect inside the PC.

But I see from many of the replies it might be the PC's own Power supply Unit.

Good to know so I have an idea what needs to changed so dont get ripped off.

:-)

16 minutes ago, Travel2003 said:

Thnx for all the replies.

Appreciate it.

 

I will try to clarify........... 2 fuses blow each time.....the one in the extension cord, and the breaker on the main board supply (on the wall).

I am guessing there is some sort of power on the PC even when it is not running.

Already running a lamp from the same outlet from the wall, and that one is ok, so it is the PC.

 

Not technically skilled enough to inspect inside the PC.

But I see from many of the replies it might be the PC's own Power supply Unit.

Good to know so I have an idea what needs to changed so dont get ripped off.

:-)

 

Sounds to me like your extension cord may be suspect.

5 minutes ago, thedemon said:

 

Sounds to me like your extension cord may be suspect.

I already blew 4 extension cords.

29 minutes ago, Travel2003 said:

Good to know so I have an idea what needs to changed so dont get ripped off.

:-)

Usually it's simply the power supply (a separate "box").

Cost a few hundred Baht usually (600 for me incl. work).

 

Don't fiddle if you are not experienced.

Do no plug in anymore.

And let's hope that the power supply did not damage electronics (motherboard and others).

 

Extension cords are penny stuff.

If you can grab a new one around the corner try this first.

My desktop power supply was damaged by one of these little gecko creepers.

Was his last excursion.

A friend showed me a picture of such a gecko fried to the bones in his computer.

Could also be a computer bug literally

Interesting.

I once found a tiny egg scrambled when I used the printer. Came out crushed on one sheet.

And as most houses, we also have the occasional gecko on the walls.

 

The PC had been off for 5-6 days, and the problem started as soon as I connected the extension cord again.

7 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

My desktop power supply was damaged by one of these little gecko creepers.

Was his last excursion.

A friend showed me a picture of such a gecko fried to the bones in his computer.

Could also be a computer bug literally

 

It's not just geckos and bugs:

 

 

I will NOT open my PC.

lol

Do try plugging the power cord on it's own (unplug it from the back of the PC).

 

If it still pops the fuse you have an easy and cheap fix (buy a new power cord).

 

Thnx to the good folks here about the power supply suggestion, as it was indeed the power supply.

 

Fixed.