Surge Protector Adapter

[Starlight]

Hey everyone,

Just to pre-warn you - my knowledge of electrical stuff is limited to changing a fuse.

I have a computer (monitor, tower unit, speakers) plugged into a surge protector adapter thingie, I got the computer (it's well over 6 years old) about a month ago and have had it plugged into the surge protector adapter since I got it. It was plugged into it at my mums too, since she got it. Previously there have been no issues whatsoever but since I've had it the surge protector has been making a clicking noise. For the first few weeks it would only make it for a couple of seconds, then a few minutes and today it hasn't stopped (we're talking hours now) and to be honest, it's driving me up the wall, round the bend, straight to lala land.

Why is it making this clicking noise? I've tried unplugging everything, putting different plugs into the 'master' socket, tried plugging the adapter into a different wall socket etc etc. Nothing makes a difference. Is it the surge protector that's the issue or the wiring in my flat? We have had issues with the electrics before but not on this particular 'circuit' (boiler electrics went funky after a plumber fiddled with it, the bedroom ceiling light blows light bulbs as soon as you turn it on, landlord fiddled with those electrics). The flat, and I assume the wiring, is over 10 years old now and the entire place is falling apart.

I'm worried that it's going to BOOM and wreck the computer, fry me and mean I can't use the computer at all. I'm housebound and my computer is my only connection to the outside world, having it for so little time only to not be able to use it is going to be really pants - this is really worrying me and I don't know what to do Any help would be really, really appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[HandySparks]

Try it without that particular adaptor. If it still clicks, it's most likely to one of the cooling fans failing. You need to get someone who knows what they're doing to run it with the covers off and try to locate the exact source of the noise. If it's a fan, they're fairly cheap (less than £10 unless it's something special) and not too difficult to change.

 

[Resu]

I believe he's talking about the adapter, not the computer.

 

[Starlight]

Ah, not explained myself properly - it's not the computer that's making the noise, it's the actual adapter that's clicking like crazy.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[HandySparks]

I believe he's talking about the adapter, not the computer.

Good point. Should have read the question.
Sounds like the adaptor is knackered.

 

[telectrix]

buy a new surge protector from the orange shed. they're not expensive.

 

[Starlight]

Is there any way to be sure it's the adapter? If so, would anyone be able to recommend a good, relatively cheap one that I can buy online? I can't get to the shops.

It's just strange that it's only started since being here - it's possible that it was damaged when my mum was bringing it though, it's a 2 and a half hour drive and it was just put into a bag with all the computer cables without anything to protect it.

 

[telectrix]

something like this?
Belkin 6-Socket UK Surge/Spike Protector/Supressor Mains Power Extension 2m Lead | eBay

 

[Starlight]

Thank you for the help!

Is it dangerous to use it while it's doing this? Dangerous to more than mental health that is

Are there any good, slightly cheaper ones? I was hoping to only spend about £10 purely because I'm going to have to be a cheeky mare and ask my mum to buy it for me as I won't be able to afford one for a while.

I do have some 'normal' adapters but they are all cheap ones I picked up for a few quid and I'm not convinced they will be safe to use with a computer? The computer isn't fancy or remotely powerful and it would only be for a few days, a week at most but even so, still concerned.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

You can use a normal adaptor as a temporary measure Starlight. The risk of damage to your computer equipment from mains spikes or surges is largely overstated in the popular press, a surge suppressor/adaptor is a bit like an insurance policy, you will probably never need it, but if you do, it will have been money well spent. See the link below for a suitable replacement or something similar, Argos sell it for £9.99 Cat No.901/7025
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Way-2M-...e_Protectors_Power_Strips&hash=item1c2862a414

 

[Starlight]

Thank you for the help I'm now using a bog standard one and will be ordering a new surge protector one tomorrow. I know I'm unlikely to really need it but, like you said, if I ever do it will be well worth it.

Thanks again,

Starlight