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October 23rd, 2000 14:00
HELP! Computer Trips Circuit Breaker
I have a problem that I can't find a solution to.
My Dell computer fan was making a horrible noise and one day it just went pffftttt and the computer quit working.
I haven't done anything with it since that happened about a year ago. Last week I had someone from Radio Shack come and put in a new power supply box with new fan and everything.
When you try to turn the computer on now, it trips the circuit breaker in the house. I've tried plugging the computer up in other rooms and it does the same thing.
The tech (who I don't give much credibility to) said that maybe there's a short in the mother board and wants to replace the mother board. Everyone that I've talked to about that says that they have never heard of such a thing.
Any suggestions?
My Dell computer fan was making a horrible noise and one day it just went pffftttt and the computer quit working.
I haven't done anything with it since that happened about a year ago. Last week I had someone from Radio Shack come and put in a new power supply box with new fan and everything.
When you try to turn the computer on now, it trips the circuit breaker in the house. I've tried plugging the computer up in other rooms and it does the same thing.
The tech (who I don't give much credibility to) said that maybe there's a short in the mother board and wants to replace the mother board. Everyone that I've talked to about that says that they have never heard of such a thing.
Any suggestions?
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Denny Denham
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October 23rd, 2000 15:00
To quote the punchline of an old joke about capturing gorillas: "Shoot the dog, shoot the dog!"
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Denny Denham
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18.8K Posts
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October 23rd, 2000 15:00
If the computer is drawing so much current it is blowin circuit breakers it is highly likely that there are a number of components within the case which are now crispy critters. I'd recommend a new computer--the cost will probably be equal to or less than trying to fix the one you have.
Want to make a hyperlink in your post, want to add a graphic or sound file, need to troubleshoot a non-working Java applet, want to build an attractive signature? These capabilities can be yours if you visit Denny's DellT@lk Tutorials.
For help in deciding what can be eliminated from your Startup list, take a look here.
Want to get rid of Network Neighborhood, change your Registered Owner name? Check out the little utilities at Delltalk Tweekz.
Ready to sign up for Web server space? Want to learn FTP? Visit Web Presence for Beginners.
Goonboy
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October 23rd, 2000 15:00
Good luck!
Goonboy
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October 23rd, 2000 15:00
AmieRock
3 Posts
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October 23rd, 2000 15:00
The guy happens to be the one who works on our office computers (which still aren't working right).
Goonboy
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October 23rd, 2000 16:00
Goonboy
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October 23rd, 2000 16:00
AmieRock
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October 23rd, 2000 16:00
Norman E
84 Posts
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October 23rd, 2000 20:00
There are two types of device people call "circuit breakers" One type replaces a conventional fuse and trips only on an over current, here in the UK the house ring mains have 30 amp breakers. (enough current to fry the comuter and you with it) The other type of circuit breaker is now called a residual current device (RCD) over here, though they were different and called "earth leakage circuit breakers" (ELCB) at one time. What an RCD does is measure any difference in the current flowing in the live and neutral wires and trip if it detects any imbalace, even as low as a few milliamps. (an ELCB was very similar but measured current flow to the earth wire) If what you have is an RCD tripping then it only takes a very minor leakage of current to earth in a faulty cable to trip out. An RCD will also trip if dirt in a socket is allowing a tiny current leakage to earth. My best guess is that if the trip happens when you plug in and switch on the main, then it is a cable fault, but if the trip only occurs when you press the power button on the computer then your repairman has probably wired the new power unit incorrectly. (did he test it?) A power supply unit is essentially a transformer and rectifier to provide low voltage DC supply to the motherboard and the various drives in the computer. If the primary side of the transformer has been incorrectly connected there may well be no current at the secondary side and therefore no damage to the computer. If the cables and surge protector are OK you will need to check (or have someone else check) the connections made inside the computer case from the power inlet socket to the power supply unit via the switch. It could be something as dumb as a power and earth line reversed. I am not certain if this is true for the USA but in England 110 volt transformers are used for building site electrics. They are arranged so that each line wire carries 55volts, one positive and the other negative so that the two wires provide a 110 volt potential, but if you grasp a live wire you only get a 55volt shock (which wont kill you) as that is the potential to earth. If this is true of US house wiring then connecting the power supply incorrectly with one line wire and an earth wire to the primary transformer circuit would give it 55 volts, which would do no damage, but if the other line wire has been earthed to the chassis this might have done serious damage. Good luck Arnie, please let us know how you get on.