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.
39937
I would say that the power plug is very dangerous. It exploded and caused a small burst of fire from the AC outlet when I plugged it in. Tried to contact Amazon to no avail.
288633
We woke up this morning, and smelled something burning in our house. It was the Feliway diffuser melting inside. Our house is only 20 years old and the sockets are in good shape. I shudder to think what would have happened if we weren't at home.
1691296
Bill has a good point, but I would recommend you read our discussion in my review first and make your own decision. I have used it like this for a long time until one day the wires melted! I am sure others have had better luck, it's only how much of a risk you are willing to take.
992850
No, and beware of these! I sent it back because, after I wired everything (correctly), when I made the final connection, it sparked like a welder. I wish I had read the other reviews before buying, apparently others have had the same experience with these. You get what you pay for. Good Luck
1542782
No. It blew up and burned. The only sound that comes out is the pop after it was plugged up. Then it smokes.
1103853
If your system were hit by lightening the unit circuit board and circuits would show visible signs of burning. If there are no visible signs of surge then the unit is probably and it took neither a direct or indirect hit. Just test it by inserting it between your router and another Ethernet device like a PC or printer. If it doesn't work, then as you suspect, and indirect hit may have possibly damaged the unit. Again there are usually visible signs of damage from any large Pulses such as a indirect hit as the unit electronics are very sensitive.
1165457
I m having the same issue on EVERY outlet with or w/o surge protector and will call tomorrow Makita support and or electrician since this in only happening with the charger which I did not use now for a month since I m concerned...don't like sparks flying at all.
316461
I don't think it's normal. That is why I returned mine. Would not run for more than a few minuets before overheating and the safety would shut it off. I know of people who have had success with it but not me and looks like not you either. I'd return it because overheating that quickly could lead to blown fuses or fire.
1790162
My experience: The bulb melted at the place where the glass joins the base. It sparked, smoked, and shot out flames. A fire hazard. They are very poorly made bulbs.
1235684
I just came home today and saw that one of my Livewire devices burned out during a lightning storm. This is unacceptable! They tell you not to connect them to a surge protector, yet they don't protect it against surges! How very convenient, that way you have to buy more of the damned things from them.
378738
Apparently you did not bother to read the comment I posted. The unit I got caught on fire when it was plugged in. As in call the fire department smoke. It was returned. Good luck.
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.
2157740
you have loose connection in your outlet you need to replace it..can cause a fire if you continue to use it..if you have black marks or signs of melting on plug replace the plug end as well on cord end, use a heavy duty type plug with screws that hold wires in plug, not the cheap clip on type. do not use a extension cord unless its heavy duty too, they cheap ones will get hot.
1143404
I have had mine for over a year using it consistently and have only replaced two and very recently the third. I have never had any problems with sparks. Where is the sealer sparking? I have used mine on highest setting and have not had any problems though it will shorten the life of the element. You might just have a faulty unit. I would double check to see that the element is screwed in snug at both ends. Possibly take the bottom off and expose the wiring and look for soot on wires or possibly case. Always do this with the unit unplugged.
2008294
Not sure about that, all I know is that the plug got super hot and started smelling like something was burning. So I returned it. Just be careful.
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.