Something keeps blowing the fuse....

Post by **MrPink** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:22 pm

my computer keeps blowing the fuse in the plug that goes into the wall, my friend suggested replacing the power supply which I went and did this afternoon but after 10 minutes on the comp it blew again, so I tried using a different power cable plugged into a different socket, but it keeps happening. I have no idea what's causing it, and I'm running out of electrical appliances to steal fuses from, any help would be appreciated, I'm getting very frustrated :icon8:

Post by **MrPink** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:27 pm

I should also add that most (but not all) the times it blows I will be mid-game, it doesn't usually happen when I'm on the internet, word etc..

Post by **Tormentius** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:59 pm

It sounds like whatever else is on the same circuit isn't leaving enough power for your PC when it is being heavily used. Heaters and fans are bad for this. Time to unplug some things...

Post by **YourGrandpa** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:47 am

Wow, how old is your house that you still have fuses in the panel?

I don't think I'd even plug in a computer to an outlet that's connected to that wiring.

House's that have fused circuits usually have many things wired to one fuse (because nothing drew that much current back then). You should really look into what kind of wiring is in your house and if installing a new service is possible. You should really have a panel with circuit breakers. I would also recommend installing a few new circuits for different recptacles (ie. where you plug in your PC).

For now, follow Torm's advice and try unplugging something else. Preferably something on the same circuit as your PC (ie. something else that shuts off when the fuse blows).

Post by **Nightshade** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 6:47 pm

I don't think he's talking about the fuse in the panel. Or is he?

Post by **axbaby** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:35 pm

his cable has a fuse in it ,i'm tempted to say just use a normal cable plugged into a power bar but i also don't want to be responsible for burning down his house.

either the cable is defective or you have a wiring problem inside your computer or your houses electrical socket.

Post by **MrPink** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:36 am

the fuse is in the power cable, all plug's in england have a fuse in them, and I have tried another lead but it still blew, so I'm sure the problem lies within my computer - unfortunately I just can't seem to figure out what.

Post by **axbaby** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:34 am

all plugs in england have a fuse?

i just asked my Limey roomate and she says they don't

Post by **MrPink** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:19 am

http://www.powercords.co.uk/standard.htm#BRITISH

Post by **Nightshade** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:44 pm

Yeah, then something's definitely up with your comp. Start unplugging stuff to see if you can isolate the fault.

Post by **Hr.O** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:04 pm

what's the amount of amps (A) that fuse can take at what voltage(V)?
could be that the computer is using slightly more power then the fuse can take. In that case the fuse slowly starts to glow and blows out a while later. (that would explain it blowing mid-game)

Post by **Nightshade** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:19 am

That seems unlikely, fuses are generally rated for a good bit more current than is likely to be drawn under normal conditions.

Post by **MrPink** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:43 am

yeah I use a 13amp fuse, you can't get anything higher to put in. Ive obviously already tried changing the psu that didn't help, what else is there that could be the problem? graphics card? cd drives? I'll try swapping bits of hardware one by one with my girlfriend's computer and see what happens I guess.

Post by **Foo** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:08 am

Since you've already tried a different power supply, I would suggest carting the PC to a different area of the house, temporarily, and attempting to run it on an entirely different mains outlet.

If you can go to a section of the house that's under a different circuit breaker, this will ensure it's on a completely different loop. However this may not be possible as some smaller houses have one single socket loop for the whole house - Larger houses will divide the sockets by floor and larger still may do it by room. Check the breaker box in your basement/under the stairs to see how many socket breakers you have, and what areas they cover.

I really can't see it being a part of the PC that's causing this, if you've tried swapping the PSU. Everything within the PC draws power via the PSU and a component causing excessive drain would not in turn cause the PSU to blow your plug fuse.

Post by **YourGrandpa** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 3:45 pm

Who's got that address of the site where he can go to figure out what size PSU he needs based on his systems components. Maybe the PSU is just too small for the PC he has.

Although, a 500watt PSU, running at 120volt will only draw just over 4 amps at full load. If he's popping 13 amp fuses, his problem may be much worse.

BTW, if you're putting bigger fuses in to keep them from blowing, you'll eventually burn up the equipment.

Post by **AmIdYfReAk** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:11 pm

wait a tic, isent england on 240V rather then 120? or am i mistaken...

Post by **Captain** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 6:07 pm

220 I believe.

Post by **Foo** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 7:09 pm

240 so it's drawing a bit over 2 amps.