I had a lightning strike last night and this popped and made a loud noise and then burning wire smell. Is this normal (how they die)? Fire hazard?
64209
NOt normal but lightning can cause many problems depending on how close the strike. May not be a fire hazard but anything can help. As long as the equipment was protected, the unit is worth the investment.
64210
If the protected (green light) light is off and surge protector is plugged into a live power outlet, the surge protector has done its job and must be replaced. The warranty seems to cover lightning strikes, contact Belkin International, Inc., at 12045 E. Waterfront drive, Playa Vista, CA 90094, Attn: Claims Department or call (800) 223-5546 or use self service claim form at http://www.belkin.com/support. You must be the original owner of this product.
617235
The wire to secure the fuel block does not wrap all the way across so if it fell off before it burnt out it could potentially start a fire. When we lit then though they went up so high, so fast that I have a feeling it would go out before it hit ground (or tree, house, etc)
398165
I installed mine about a year ago after a major lightning surge caused major danage to most of my house hard-wired low voltage equipment. There have been no incidents since then.
771659
Yes, it does spark when it works. And the only smell is the burning flesh of the insect. No, there is no danger of fire.
517586
When reviewers refer to a smell, I believe they are referring to the smell of the machine ionizing the air. The smell is similar to that of lightning. Some people dont like the smell but I for one do. And yes it is completely normal
2263358
I fused the incoming side of mine. When I put the fuse in it popped very loud. I thought something was wrong also but it did not blow the fuse and when I checked the voltage on the other wires it was a perfect 12V. Still kinda scary hooking it up but I guess it is normal.
898869
I have observed sparks several times when firing nails. I believe that it is caused by the plunger striking the nail when it is set. No ill effects to machine or man have been noted (but please do wear eye protection!).
766401
Please (call manufacturer to be sure) mine melted/popped also depends on what system watts you may have but play it safe call the experts Robert....good luck!
1243988
I have heard of people doing it with any charger, but it is dangerous and can easily cause a fire!! If you want to do it, do it outside in a safe place. You have to jolt it back to life with the NiMh or NiCd charge first, you have to get it above the dreaded 3amps. I have never done it but have friends who have, and yes they have burst one or two into flames!! I have also heard of them changing polarity, but have never seen that happen. I would highly recommend getting a laser temp gun to monitor the battery wile trying to get it back to 3amps. But like I said, THIS IS DANGEROUS AND IT IS BEST NOT TO TRY IT!!
2139677
Im not sure if it would be a fire hazard or not. Those lights get pretty hot... sorry, but I hope this helps!
2175505
I saw a similar pattern with my old one. Eventually the glue holding the casing broke and when it did I noticed there is a fried part on the circuit board inside. I plugged in the charger and noticed a spark from that same spot.
1906906
Hi, Haven't had ours for long enough to have any problems. However, knowing what little I know about electrical heating elements, if it's making noise that's probably not a good sign. Would take the time to send it in either for repair or replacement. These aren't complicated devices, but the potential for fire is always lurking the background. Don't want to overkill, but wouldn't take any chances... Jay Miller
1264802
Umm... No. Any type of spark from an electrical device is generally not a good sign. Due to the design of the heater there's likely minimal immediate risk (however, I am not an electrician; don't take this as gospel). I recommend replacing the unit as soon as possible.
1462906
I have four of those. Same thing happened to one of mine. I recommend a lamp dimmer. Saves energy, and the look is warmer and better in my opinion. I think mine blew cause I had all four of them on one extension cord. But after installing the dimmer I haven't had any more problems.
898868
its pretty normal, I mean you have a metal on metal contact to drive the nail.... how would a spark be abnormal? I get sparks off when using a hammer, so its nothing I would worry about.
275375
Mine started a fire in itself. Dangerous. I would not suggest getting this one
1264800
I would report that and exchange it for a new one. That can cause an electrical fire.