Leave plugged in or not?

[+Ripdubski]

Is it best to unplug or otherwise siwtch off power to the bricks when the computers not in use? Ive been unplugging when its going to be unused for more than a couple of days. But back in the 80's I never bothered, and later put it all on a switched line filter.

[AtariGeezer]

If you're energy conscience, then by all means unplug when not in use.

I have all my wail-warts plugged into power-strips so I can disconnect them from the mains when not in use by just switching them off...

[+Ripdubski]

I was more referencing their lifecycle. Bad to be switched on/off, or bad to be left on, better to be left on, etc.

[phaeron]

Unplug. I lost a Commodore 1084S monitor a couple of years ago to a surge on the power line.

[Smokeless Joe]

I recently had an 800XL power brick go south on me. It was plugged in but the computer was not on. I was doing something on the other side of the room and heard this loud "PSSSSSsssss" sound. It sounded like a pressurized can of something just popped, so I checked all the pressurized cans in the area but didn't find anything. Once I smelled that electrical burning smell, I quickly located the source and pitched it out into the snow. The brick was really hot and bulging at all the seams. Fortunately, the 800XL was fine.

 

Now I keep all my power supplies unplugged when not in use.

[+frankodragon]

I agree with unplugging -any- kind of power brick. I had a Commodore 64 power brick crack open after leaving that plugged in for a while. Even those little power bricks for antennas or charging up power tools can overheat if left plugged in too long.

[Frankie]

I recently had an 800XL power brick go south on me. It was plugged in but the computer was not on. I was doing something on the other side of the room and heard this loud "PSSSSSsssss" sound. It sounded like a pressurized can of something just popped, so I checked all the pressurized cans in the area but didn't find anything. Once I smelled that electrical burning smell, I quickly located the source and pitched it out into the snow. The brick was really hot and bulging at all the seams. Fortunately, the 800XL was fine.

 

Now I keep all my power supplies unplugged when not in use.

 

Don't leave us hanging... Did it smoke in the snow? Did it sink into the depths of ice?

[Muzz73]

C=64 power supplies go haywire if you so much as look at the wrong! LOL

 

But yes, I always keep the power strips turned off for reasons mentioned above. Being that I came from a Commodore background before I discovered Atari machines, I now that one dirty spike can slag your SID chip when you're not looking, so it's generally best to shut the door before letting in any unclean power, if you know what I mean.

[Muzz73]

P.S. - I apologize for all of the typos... the brain is faster than the thumbs, tonight! Or is it the other way...(?)