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gsimpson1313 · Dec 30, 2008, 05:59 PM

I know there is a similar question, but I have spent a few days trying to figure out what is going on. I am making a new computer and bought a power supply for it, every time I plug it into a outlet at my apartment it trips the breaker regardless of which outlet it is in (upstairs, basement, kitchen, batroom, etc). I took the PSU to my work and tried it there and it works fine, I tested the atx plug and it was all right. Any help would be appreciated thank you.

tkrussell · Dec 31, 2008, 08:40 AM

Since the power supply works fine off-site, I would start by having your outlets and wiring checked.

You can find a circuit/outlet tester similar as this:

http://www.aemc.com/products/pdf/2121.02.pdf

At most hardware stores to begin with.

cjeep23 · Dec 31, 2008, 09:52 AM

I would say have your outlets checked. Or maybe your home breakers are too small to handle the amps. How old is the wiring in the house? It sounds to me like your outlet wiring may be backwards. And older electronics sometimes can work either way, but newer ones may trip the breaker as a safety feature so that you don't fry the computer.

gsimpson1313 · Dec 31, 2008, 03:50 PM

I found out that the breakers I was using it on were gfi breakers or outlets, the ones at work are regular breakers. Would it be a problem for me to change the gfi breaker to a standard breaker so it would work?

andrewc24301 · Dec 31, 2008, 05:54 PM

You commented that this is in your apartment, I would make no modifications to the wiring system without your landlords written permission.

If I rented a place, I wouldn't want my tenants screwing around with the buildings electrical without my consent, even if the tenant was an electrician.

But, all in all, it does sound like a wiring issue, in which case, your landlord should know about.