Wall Outlet Problem

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

So, I had a lamp plugged into the wall outlet that I have had my PC plugged into. Every once in a while, I noticed the lamp dimmed and brightened up again. Could this be a the outlet's problem? I am having the outlet replaced by a 3 pin (used to be 2 pin, and I had to use adapters and such for my PC) pretty soon, and if it is the outlet's problem, would that solve it? Or is it the wiring? I'm just scared to plug my PC into it now. It has been plugged into it before, could it have been damaged by this somehow?

Zenkor · Jun 3, 2013

It could be a bad connection or bad outlet, or maybe there is another device such as an air conditioner or microwave on the same circuit.

jbucko · Jun 3, 2013

always run your electronics on a surge protector and you will be safe. what is your computer? what are the specs?

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jbucko :

Yeah, I need to get a surge protector. PC is:
2500k
GTX 680
MSI Z77 MPOWER Mobo
8gb Vengeance ram
Old 500gb Seagate HD that I need to replace
Corsair HX 850

Obviously decently expensive, that's why I'm worrying about this so much

jbucko · Jun 3, 2013

what I would do is go to a different outlet in the house and try it. Make sure it is on a different circuit. see if you a can get he lamp to dim in a room in the house. just use a surge protector.

I run 2 7970s and pull over 1000w and my lamp does not dim. so it could be the wiring in your house but my lamp only pulls 35w.

I have seen comercial grade table saws dim the lights in the whole house though.

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jbucko :

Well, I'm seeing this dimming when nothing else is plugged into the wall. Just the lamp.

jbucko · Jun 3, 2013

i wouldnt be worried about dimming of a lamp it is just that something is pulling a lot of power. what is the freqency of the dimming? does it happen just when you are on the computer?

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

I use UPS on all my computers. It isn't just the spikes you are worried about but the brownouts too. When you see a lamp dimming that is a brownout. The surge protector does fine against the spikes but brownouts can damage electronics also. Buy a decent UPS and then you don't have to worry about it.

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jbucko :

It happens whenever the lamp is on, no matter what else is connected to the wall also. The lamp could be the only thing in the wall, and it will dim. If the computer is also in the wall and on along with the lamp, the lamp with dim. I'm just nervous that something is wrong with the outlet, because nothing else is drawing power from that outlet besides the lamp, and it's still dimming.

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

It could just be the lamp. As jbucko said move the lamp to another outlet and see if it still happens. If it does it is the lamp. If it doesn't it is the outlet or the wiring to the outlet.

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jnkweaver :

I will do that...what do you suggest I do if it is the outlet or the wiring?

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

First I would replace the outlet as they are cheap ($7-$10). If you don't know how to do that then it is time to get an electrician to look at it. If it isn't the outlet than it is definitely time for an electrician.

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jnkweaver :

Don't worry, I know how to replace an outlet. One more question, though. If it was the outlet causing the dimming, what if I plugged the lamp into a power strip that was plugged into said outlet...would I still get the dimming?

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

Most likely yes.

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jnkweaver :

Could my PC have taken any damage from this?

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

It could have shortened the life of some of your components which is why I always have an UPS with my new computer.

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jnkweaver :

Now I'm getting nervous

. What exactly is a UPS?

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

Uninterruptible Power Supply. It has a battery in it to power what is plugged into it.

Big names for UPS is
APC , CyberPower, Tripp Lite

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jnkweaver :

Hm...so I should either plug my PC into one of these, or a surge protector, and I would be safe?

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

A surge protector only protects against spikes (surges). An UPS protects against both low voltage (brownouts) and high voltage (spikes). that is why i get UPS instead of surge protectors.

jbucko · Jun 3, 2013

UPS can get really expensive depending on the power. but in your case one might be a good idea. i cant really see my self spending 500 dollars on a ups. just dont forget to calculate ur monitors when picking a wattage out.

question12 · Jun 3, 2013

jnkweaver :

I think I might just have an electrician come and check the wiring, since jbucko mentioned UPSs are pretty expensive...plus my situation (if it really is the outlet's problem) seems closer to a brownout than a spike.

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

You only need the wattage that your rig actually needs divided by the psu efficiency. For a budget don't try to cover the max of the psu.

The HX850 is either gold or silver rated. Your whole system only pulls at most 400W so 400/.9= 445W. So an UPS thats 450W or more is enough.

This CyberPower pure sine wave one is perfect at $115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842102131

jbucko · Jun 3, 2013

i mentioned that they get expensive depending on the power you need. my computer pulls about close to 1000w at full load and i would want to hook up my monitors to it in case power goes out. so i am looking at 1200w+ and 400-500 dollars for a ups. i am sorry i should of explained.

jnkweaver · Jun 3, 2013

What do you have in your rig that pulls 1000W?

Wall Outlet Problem

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