Replacement Power Supply?

[nissanskyline]

Hello.

I am a programmer, so I don't exactly know what the problem with my computer is, so I'll write as detailed as possible.

I have two desktop computers in my room. I tried to turn on one of them (PC A), but nothing happened. So (I know this is silly), I started meddling with cables and stuff.
The power socket in the computer (PC A) then exploded, smoke rose from the damaged area, and it smelled like burning PC components do.

I then gave up and decided I'd use my other computer (PC B) instead. But that didn't work either. It nopw has exactly the same problem as PC A did, but hasn't blown up. I tried it in different rooms and stuff, but it still doesn't work. These are two computers that have always worked perfectly until now.

I then opened the plug I was using for PC A, and noticed that the yellow and green cable (whose anme escapes me), was not connected.

Now I am extremely confused, and don't have the foggiest idea what is going on. I have already looked into buying a replacement power supply for my PC, but won't go forward with the purchase unless I am sure that the power supply is the problem.

If anyone can help me and tell me what the problem may be, please tell me, because I am lost.

Thankyou very much.

 

[satrow]

Were the computers connected in any way, sharing a peripheral, networked....?

Yellow/green = earth/ground?

Andy.

 

[franklin97355]

Have you checked the mains fuse/breaker to make sure it didn't blow when the computer exploded?

 

[nissanskyline]

The computers share no peripherals. Th only way they are linked is that they are plugged into the same 'hole in the wall', as I use many extension cables.

So is the earth wire necessary? Did the small explosion blow it up?

 

[satrow]

From the personal electrocution/fire safety aspect, the earth wire is useful.

Have you checked that your outlets still work, with a desklamp or similar?

Andy.

 

[nissanskyline]

Yes I have checked them and they work fine.

 

[satrow]

In that case, it sounds like it is time to call up a friend with a spare PC and a couple of hours free to do some component testing! The problem may be limited to the PSU in PC A but it may not have stopped there....

Andy.

 

[nissanskyline]

Yeah that makes sense. I don't really know anyone who is willing to pull their PC apart.
What confuses me is why PC B doesn't work, though.

Oh well.

 

[satrow]

PC B was likely affected bye a 'spike' or surge in the power supply at the same time that PC A went down; they were both connected to power outlets, weren't they?

I've had similar problems caused by a flaky refridgerator!

Andy.

 

[PowerPlay]

I worked with my dad when i was a kid as an electrician. What probably happened was the computer short cicuited and the voltege was rerouted through the ground wire and proceeded to destrpy the socket in the wall. The best thing to do is chack you breakers and make sure none of them blew. Cut the breaker to the room where the computers remain, unplug both computers carefully as there may still be feedback from the short. Have an electrician look at the 110 pug in.

As far as the blown computer most power supplies contain a breaker to where if something like this does happenit wont destroy your computer. Simply replace the power suplly and try again. The other computer, hopefully, should have receeded the unsupported voltage and you should be able to just plug it in in anohter room.

Be sure to plug the computers on a nother breaker route. One thats not on the same breaker as the room with trouble.

 

[nissanskyline]

So it's best to put my computers in a different room?

The thing is, all my other electrical stuff (TV, VCR, DVD player) all work, even using the sockets that were used by my PC's.

I think it looks like I have to buy 2 new power supplies.

 

[micker377]

If they are identical power supplies, just buy one and test the computers one by one.

 

[Hotdoggitydog]

did you renew the plugs at any time as most of them are sealed plugs and not repairable unless cut

 

[asifjasim]

Hi
Nissanskyline
1. before u buy power supply u should make shur that pc (a) power supply is damage if u wanna check that remove power supply from u r pc and from u r power supple big power port u will find 1 green wire and opposit that 2 red wires one by one connect that red wire to green wire if power supply fan working after fixed that wire thats meen u r power suplly working then some thing wroung in u r room wiring or computer

 

[audiopro]

For your own safety - I would get both machines looked at by qualified personnel
Keith