Factors such as dust, loose connectors, or overload and overvoltage can cause power strips to fail.
Power strips are indispensable devices in many homes and offices, as they can conveniently connect multiple electrical appliances to a single point. However, when the power strip makes strange sounds, such as popping or even, as a last resort, smoking, It is necessary to pay attention to this immediately. These symptoms are clear signs that something is not working properly and may be endangering your safety and that of your loved ones.
One of the most common reasons why a power strip makes noise is loose or worn internal connections. Over time, continuous use can cause the internal metal parts to loosen, causing the plugs to make poor contact. As a result, sparks or electric arcs appear, which cause a characteristic crackling sound. Such a situation can not only damage the connected devices, but also increase the risk of fire.
Dust, overload, overvoltage, or loose parts can be the main reasons why the power strip is not working properly.
Another common reason is Electrical overload. If too many devices are connected to the power strip, or if the devices use more power than the power strip can consume, the power strip may overheat. This heat can deform the plastic material and cause noise, and in extreme cases, smoke. It’s important to know the maximum power the power strip can hold and make sure you don’t exceed it.
In my case, I have a 10 Schuko power strip with 10 sockets. I will admit that for many years it worked without any problems, but a few days ago it began to constantly crackle and emit small sparks, even when all the sockets, except for the couple, were disconnected.
My first reaction was switch everything off and off at once, and identify the problem, as well as monitor the outlet in which it was plugged and the fuse. Having not identified any problem, I replaced the power strip with another with the same characteristics (10 sockets and up to 3680 W of power) and the problems disappeared.
Faulty or low-quality internal components may also be to blame. Inferior quality power strips are often made of less resistant materials that perish quickly. In such cases, noise can be caused by wear or deformation of internal parts. If the power strip is old or has been exposed to extreme conditions such as humidity or heat, the components may be damaged.
Dust and dirt accumulated Inside the power strip, can also be a key factor. When these elements interfere with electrical connections, they can generate noise and increase the risk of short circuits. Sometimes the crackling noise can be accompanied by the smell of burns, indicating that something is seriously wrong.
Another common problem is wiring damage. During use, the wires may wear out or fail if they are over-bent or subjected to voltage. When internal conductors are exposed or broken, noise and visible sparks can occur as the current flows, which poses a clear hazard.
If the power strip makes noise or smokes, first Disconnect it from the power supply immediately to avoid accidents. Then it is important to visually inspect for signs of burns, deformation or open wires. If obvious problems are detected, it is safest to discard the power strip and replace it with a new one. If no clear violations are found, but the noise does not stop, it is advisable to contact a specialized technician.
So, if your power strip shows these or other symptoms, it’s best to unplug it to reduce the risk of fire and replace it. In my case, there was a lot of accumulated dust and loose connections, which eventually led to the formation of small electric arcs.
