Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Brian60 on August 07, 2017, 03:11:22 pm

Title: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: Brian60 on August 07, 2017, 03:11:22 pm

I've had this soldering station for around 5 months now. I used it two days ago and left it out as you can see. Today as I reached across the casing brushed my arm and I noticed it was warm.

It seems that these units do not turn off internally when the switches on the fascia are off. It continues to supply power to its transformer! So you might think its off but internally it is still live creating electrical heat (not soldering heat) from the transformer. So apart from increasing your electricity bill it cold also be a fire risk.

Make sure its unplugged after use!

Title: Re: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: FsASTSyd1 on August 07, 2017, 06:12:54 pm

Hi Brian - I suspect you might find the same thing on many electrical items, as you so rightly say either unplug it or at least make sure it is turned off at the mains socket.

Title: Re: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: stevesteve on August 07, 2017, 06:24:41 pm

Whilst wasteful on the electricity (only a tiny amount) generally transformers are not a problem left on with no load, it will sit there quite happily for years like that and give no problems.

Title: Re: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: stevesteve on August 07, 2017, 06:28:14 pm

If something like that is used daily, it can actually prolong its life where the transformer is not going through heating and cooling cycles every single day for years but if only used now and then, there's no benefit.

Title: Re: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: jarvo on August 07, 2017, 10:46:16 pm

Thanks for the warning, i have the same soldering station and didn't realise it would still be live. It lives in a slightly damp workshop so PULL THE PLUG!!!!!

Title: Re: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: Colin Bishop on August 07, 2017, 10:57:38 pm

If it is getting warm then it is using an appreciable amount of current so best to disconnect completely. And safer too!

Colin

Title: Re: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: NoNuFink on August 08, 2017, 06:45:38 am

At the risk of teaching how to suck eggs:-

Switch markings:-
Circle = Off
Verticle stroke = On
Verticle stroke entirely within circle = On/Off  - see below
Verticle stroke through broken circle - Standby/Off - see below

If those markings aren't there, the chances are that it's a low power secondary switch i.e. not mains switch.

Anything else is either over approx 30 years old or in contravention of European Regs

Title: Re: A word of warning for all.... ( switch it off after use! )
Post by: NFMike on August 08, 2017, 09:26:56 am

Quote from: NoNuFink on August 08, 2017, 06:45:38 am

Verticle stroke entirely within circle = On/Off  - see below
Verticle stroke through broken circle - Standby/Off - see below

Well, I never realised that distinction.