Issue with PSU sparking during contact with power bar or computer case
Issue with PSU sparking during contact with power bar or computer case
Hi everyone, I just installed a new system and upgraded to a new power bar with a surge protector. It's a 6 outlet mastercraft bar connected to a grounded wall outlet. The PSU is a Corsair modular Rm750x 2021 edition. The case is a Corsair 4000d, and the bar also has a 45w phone power block and two monitor cords. None of these components are causing any problems or unusual behavior.
Occasionally, when the power cord from the PSU touches the plastic casing of the power bar or the metal of the computer case, it will spark repeatedly until I move it. So far, it hasn't tripped any breakers or caused any damage, but it's a bit worrying. Right now, I can't rearrange the cords and bar to better isolate them because of the room layout. I've tried to keep them separated as much as possible and left the cords in their current position.
From a fire safety perspective, I don't think this is sustainable. It would be very easy to accidentally short-circuit a cord, but I can't hang anything from the wall at the moment. Is the bar faulty? Is the PSU faulty? Is this normal behavior? If the parts are fine, what should I do next?
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! You might find it helpful to share a video with audio showing what you're experiencing. It's challenging to capture a PSU's input as short, sparking, or arcing unless the cable quality is excellent. You may also want to include a link to your power strip.
Hey, thank you for the response. A link to the power bar and the PSU* can be found below. I can't get a video of the cord sparking at the moment as I'm away from home. For clarity, the actual prongs coming out of the supply and at the end of the cord don't spark any more than expected if I were to unplug it while there's power connected, it's the actual cable itself that's sparking about halfway up/down. The cable is, as far as I know, brand new plastic sealed in-box along with the PSU.
I'll update the post with video in a week or so when I'm next able, I didn't think to grab one when I could. Totally understandable if that's needed to get a better idea of what's going on.
Power bar:
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...-6...27539.html
*
It doesn't seem like they stock the RM750x at best buy canada anymore and there's no archived link as far as I can tell, just one for the RM850x 2021.
PCPartPicker link here.
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...-f...9020199-na
Consider verifying the voltage and polarity of the power connected to the plug feeding the PSU. If everything looks fine, switch to a different power cord. Exercise caution when dealing with the existing cord that has power active, as it could create an unintended ground connection.