Broken power switch

  • Thread starter Thread starter calabash30
  • Start date Start date
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calabash30

I'm typing this from my dad's computer. Because the power switch on
the back of my computer (on the ATX power supply) is broken and now
there's no power getting to anything. Unfortunately, our nearest rat
shack is closed on Sunday and I can't wait until Monday! So I was
wondering if it's okay to temporarily bypass the switch? In other
words I'd be jumpering those 2 wires going to the switch. Is it safe
to do this or will it damage my computer?
Bryan
 
I'm typing this from my dad's computer. Because the power switch on
the back of my computer (on the ATX power supply) is broken and now
there's no power getting to anything. Unfortunately, our nearest rat
shack is closed on Sunday and I can't wait until Monday! So I was
wondering if it's okay to temporarily bypass the switch? In other
words I'd be jumpering those 2 wires going to the switch. Is it safe
to do this or will it damage my computer?
Click to expand...

Sure, not a problem. Some power supplies actually omit the power switch
altogether. I would consider it a temporary fix, unless you are okay with
unplugging the cord everytime you want to turn the PSU off at the line.

Jon
 
Sure, not a problem. Some power supplies actually omit the power switch
altogether. I would consider it a temporary fix, unless you are okay with
unplugging the cord everytime you want to turn the PSU off at the line.

Jon
Click to expand...

Nope, it's definately a temporary fix. I actually built the pc myself,
but I wasn't sure about that one thing. Thanks Jon.
Bryan
 
I'm typing this from my dad's computer. Because the power switch on the
back of my computer (on the ATX power supply) is broken and now there's
no power getting to anything. Unfortunately, our nearest rat shack is
closed on Sunday and I can't wait until Monday! So I was wondering if
it's okay to temporarily bypass the switch? In other words I'd be
jumpering those 2 wires going to the switch. Is it safe to do this or
will it damage my computer? Bryan
Click to expand...

Wait till Monday.

I bought a replacement ATX case front switch for $6US. An eraser can
replace the case button

http://www.myshopping.com.au/
PR--96590_Generic_ATX_Replacement_Power_Switch
 
jaster said:
Wait till Monday.

I bought a replacement ATX case front switch for $6US. An eraser can
replace the case button

http://www.myshopping.com.au/
PR--96590_Generic_ATX_Replacement_Power_Switch
Click to expand...

OP's complaint is a broken power switch internal to an ATX power supply. It
is not the same as the push-button on the front of a computer case.
 
jaster said:
Wait till Monday.

I bought a replacement ATX case front switch for $6US. An eraser can
replace the case button
Click to expand...

That's what I may recomment. It's possible to get a used case at a local
threif store for few buck. Me? I had a switch broke once and I bough a $39
case with power supply (it may be more expensive now) to replace the broken
one.
 
Thanks for all the info Kony. If Radio Shack doesn't carry the switch
(which seems typical) then I won't bother with them. That eBay switch
fits the bill perfectly....and the price was right (#3.35 w/ shipping
for 2 switches!). As for replacing the entire tower, why amputate an
entire arm, because of a hangnail?
Bryan
 
kony said:
Sometimes the push-button end of a retractable ball point
pen will also work, though care must be taken to be sure it
doesn't end up stuck to the cavity around it after a dab of
hot glue or epoxy is used to fasten it to the switch
plunger. Another option is to just remove the original
switch mechanism itself and drill out the hole large enough
for a round flush mount push button switch. The following
one from Radio Shack doesn't look too bad on a black, silver
or grey case, but of course a replacement switch requires
resoldering the leads to it and if the front bezel is
exceptionally shallow it can also require drilling a hole in
the metal wall behind it to allow enough clearance for the
rear end of the switch.
Click to expand...

I think I am still a pretty handy man and do have some background in
electronic and little electrician (was hired to work on new truck not home).
About the switch, my broken one was still clicking and fell like normal, and
it may work 1-2 out of 10 or 20. I was trying to take it apart but didn't
seem possible (can't remember), and I was trying to have the switch replaced
so I don't have to take the system apart then put back together, but just
can't find any fit the button so I ended up buying a new case.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062508
Click to expand...

I don't have browser running to check, and I believe there are plenty of
switch (even from the throw away old case), but there may be some problem to
get the exact same size, similar design to work with the hole and button of
the case (not the switch alone).

BTW, that broken case I bought online with clear plastic on the side to be
able to see inside the case.
 
OP's complaint is a broken power switch internal to an ATX power supply.
It is not the same as the push-button on the front of a computer case.
Click to expand...

Ooops, got it. Suggest new psu, replacing switch isn't worth the time
when more likely something else will fail.
 
Ian D said:
That's a momentary contact push button switch. The OP needs
a rocker type toggle switch with a rectangular bezel.
Click to expand...

And he responsed to MY message *not* the OP and I did mention the front
Push Button Switch not the power supply switch which I never touch it.
 
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