Sparks flew from PSU when plugged in?

pagemon · Apr 28, 2013

Last night, I cleaned out my really old and dusty computer. I took all the parts out of the case. Then, I washed the case with water. And I dusted the parts with a fabric that can produce static electricity. The case was dry when I put all the parts back in. But, when I plugged it in, sparks flew from the psu.

I'd like to know, can I try plugging it in again? It seemed like it almost caught fire! Or, what could be the culprit? Is there anyway to get it to work again? Or should I just dispose of it? Thanks.

USAFRet · Apr 28, 2013

Last night, I cleaned out my really old and dusty computer. I took all the parts out of the case. Then, I washed the case with water. And I dusted the parts with a fabric that can produce static electricity. The case was dry when I put all the parts back in. But, when I plugged it in, sparks flew from the psu.

You let the magic smoke out.

I'd like to know, can I try plugging it in again?

Do you have really, really good homeowners or renters insurance?

pagemon · Apr 28, 2013

Could static electricity on the parts actually cause sparks to fly?

Maybe, I could try a different PSU with it to see if the parts still work?

Thanks.

USAFRet · Apr 28, 2013

Static electricity has nothing to do with it.

You powered up the PSU while it was likely still wet. The expected result, sparks from the PSU, actually did happen.

You might try a different one. Don't be surprised if other parts died as well.

USAFRet · Apr 28, 2013

What does the fire clause in your insurance policy cover?

jnkweaver · Apr 28, 2013

I don't think he put the psu in water just the case with the parts out.

Once sparks come out of the psu it is time to get a new one.

Buy ANTEC, Corsair, Seasonic, or XFX

pagemon · Apr 28, 2013

Yes, I only dusted the PSU. Okay, I have another PSU that I can try. But is it safe to do that? The PSU is the only thing in the computer that could've caused that to happen, right? Not the motherboard or anything else, right? Thanks.

ur6beersaway · Apr 28, 2013

NEVER PLUG THAT BACK IN AGAIN. its new PSU time & hope it did not take any thing else with it.

USAFRet · Apr 28, 2013

jnkweaver :

Whichever.
There was water, electricity, a PSU, and sparks.
Something was wet when plugged in, and the magic smoke came out.

jnkweaver · Apr 28, 2013

USAFRet :

It could have been water but I have seen dust do it too. Either way it isn't safe to use again.

USAFRet · Apr 28, 2013

jnkweaver :

Yes, an excess of dust will do it too. But yes...that PSU and maybe other parts are toast.

pagemon · Apr 28, 2013

Okay, so just to be sure, as long as I replace the PSU, it's okay to try plugging it in again? It couldn't have been the motherboard or something else? Thanks.

jnkweaver · Apr 28, 2013

Sparks are produced by when there is enough conductivity across a gap. You can produce sparks from alot of things in your computer including the motherboard if it is powered.

You said you saw it coming from the psu. what did you see?

USAFRet · Apr 28, 2013

pagemon :

You said you saw it from the PSU. The PSU, being the first thing in the power chain, is certainly toast.
However...the mobo (or something else) could also be compromised.

pagemon · Apr 28, 2013

I'm actually not exactly sure it was from the PSU. I just know it was from the back the of the PC. I'm just going to dispose of this PC. Thanks for the advice.

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