Cheap double sockets, computer has welded contacts in the switch!

[UKMeterman]

Hi,
Ever come across a case where the inrush current of PC has spotwelded the contact of a switch on a double BS1363 socket?

Thanks

 

[Robotstar5]

Never seen one welded but have seen a blue arc flash around the switch rocker a few times.

 

[uksparks]

How big is this pc? You weren't trying to mine bitcoins were you?

 

[bigdavs83]

I've only seen a max of 2 amps on start up for a PC so must have been some nasty --- socket

 

[Robotstar5]

How big is this pc? You weren't trying to mine bitcoins were you?

They were HP tower PC's

 

[Marvo]

I think if the inrush is sufficient to weld the switch contacts of the socket I'd class the PC as faulty and send it for a replacement PSU. I don't see why a switch mode supply should have a particularly high inrush current, there should be resistors in line with the input side caps to limit it. If the PC was plugged in again shortly after it was unplugged this may cause the inrush to be higher but still shouldn't damage the switch.

 

[shanky887614]

I think if the inrush is sufficient to weld the switch contacts of the socket I'd class the PC as faulty and send it for a replacement PSU. I don't see why a switch mode supply should have a particularly high inrush current, there should be resistors in line with the input side caps to limit it. If the PC was plugged in again shortly after it was unplugged this may cause the inrush to be higher but still shouldn't damage the switch.

I say its ********, it would have been a loose connection that caused this.

%90 of off the shelf pc's will never be fitted with bigger than a 500watt psu (combined output rating at 3,5,12v etc)

either that or the cheap and nasty psu's most companies decide to put in there pc's