[BigMo]

Hi,

This is my first post on this forum so hopefully it's in the right section. I have just bought a Asrock ion 3D and have noticed something when plugging the power adaptor in. When I plug the mains adaptor into the back of the Asrock there is a small spark. I also checked this with the lights off and sometimes the spark is enough to be seen through the USB ports. Once the mains adaptor is plugged in everything seems fine but I just found it weird for the unit to do this. Is this normal for a HTPC? Any help would be appreciated.

[BORIStheBLADE]

Anything electric that draws power when being plugged in will arc. The arch would only be seen when the cord is plugged into the wall.

So you are saying you saw a spark in the usb port??

[BigMo]

Thanks for your reply, when I plug the adaptor into the Asrock there is a spark which at point of contact is viewable through the gaps around the USB ports.

[numb7rs]

It's a bit weird that it's so visible, given that it's only a 19V supply. What happens if you plug it into the PC first, then the wall? Do you still get a spark inside the case?

[BigMo]

Thanks for the reply numb7rs, I will try that and report back. Its only a day old so still has the full warranty but I was just a little worried loading everything on only to have to end up sending it back. And I have heard Scan are a little funny with there returns.

[BORIStheBLADE]

Thanks for your reply, when I plug the adaptor into the Asrock there is a spark which at point of contact is viewable through the gaps around the USB ports.

Oh I see now. Hmm, never seen or heard of that happening.

[bluray]

Thanks for your reply, when I plug the adaptor into the Asrock there is a spark which at point of contact is viewable through the gaps around the USB ports.

it must be flaw with your usb port internal wiring. can you try different usb port or differetn usb cable? i probably owned 30 pc's both at work and home for the past 20 years, and i never seen spark by plug in usb cable.

[BigMo]

it must be flaw with your usb port internal wiring. can you try different usb port or differetn usb cable? i probably owned 30 pc's both at work and home for the past 20 years, and i never seen spark by plug in usb cable.

The spark does not come from the USB sockets them self but can be seen from around the edges of the sockets.

[bluray]

The spark does not come from the USB sockets them self but can be seen from around the edges of the sockets.

well when it spark, you can see only spark that is visible to your eyes. please try as i suggested it, and let us know how it turn out. if you still can see spark with other usb port and cable, you might want to exchange your htpc.

[numb7rs]

well when it spark, you can see only spark that is visible to your eyes. please try as i suggested it, and let us know how it turn out. if you still can see spark with other usb port and cable, you might want to exchange your htpc.

From my understanding, the spark is coming from the power connection, not a USB one. USB is mentioned because there is a gap in the IO shield through which the spark can be seen.

[BigMo]

From my understanding, the spark is coming from the power connection, not a USB one. USB is mentioned because there is a gap in the IO shield through which the spark can be seen.

Thats exactly it. Im going to email Scan and just let them know.

[numb7rs]

Is there still a spark when you try what I suggested, and plug it into the wall last?

[>>X<<]

I would say this is pretty normal for any electrical contact which is why your advised not to use anything electrical if you smell gas

I've certainly heard this from people who have owned laptops I'm guessing its something most people wouldn't notice on a Asrock as the connector is round the back

If your worried your better off asking Asrock they are pretty good when it comes to customer service I've always got prompt replies even with the time difference