"Arching" on power swithch...

[philmagnotta]

I have a "Fractal Audio Ultra" digital guitar fx processor.
Lately, when I engage the power switch, on or off, I hear an electrical arching in the proximity of that switch.
When I emailed the company, they simply stated that it is arching and that I should just be sure to make my physical swithching more of a quick motion.
I do not like this suggestion and wish to know what options there might be to upgrade the switch.
Also, I would think that this behavior could possibly send delitorious voltages and or high frequency to the unit.
Any suggestions?

[Mooly]

Arching or arcing even

Upgrading the swith depends on what is physically posible to fit. Perhaps you could try a snubber network (0.047uf Class X or Y rated cap in series with say 10 ohm) across the switch contacts.

[philmagnotta]

Hi Mooly:

A correct fiting replacemnt, yes I would agree.
But what kinds of switches have a design that might make this a non issue?

I mean, is the arching issue related to a poor quality switch?
If not, is it a matter of how the switch sees the connected circuitry or a possible combination?

If it is a matter of a better switch replacemnet and I have the part number or size/type/style/, then what types of switches should I look for that are known to provide trouble free operation?

Originally Posted by Mooly

Arching or arcing even

Upgrading the swith depends on what is physically posible to fit. Perhaps you could try a snubber network (0.047uf Class X or Y rated cap in series with say 10 ohm) across the switch contacts.

[Mooly]

Only you knows what will fit... I haven't got the unit in front of me

Arcing... is much worse when interrupting the current to a "reactive" component such as a transformer.
Whether this product uses a conventional power supply or a switch mode type I don't know.

The fact you have contacted the manufacturer and their response suggests it's a known characteristic... and may not be a real problem at all in actual use. Again without seeing the unit and seeing how it behaves it's impossible for me to say. Do they have any user forums where you could ask if others have the same problem ?

[Mooly]

For a replacement switch obviously it has to fit physically. You need to see if it is a single or double pole type, and then see what is available. Look for switches with a high current capacity and 250vac rating.
From googling your description I'm guessing it's a rocker switch like some of these,
Search Results | CPC

wrong country I know but you get the idea.

[Spiny]

This appears to be switched mode unit with @10watt consumption, I would guess the switch is not the best as it dosn't in theory have to support a large current ( 100ma at 110V approx). However the inrush to charge the SMP caps is probably the cause of the arcing and if it can be heard will gradually damage the switch.

Follow mooly's suggestion and get a better switch if possible. around 6A 250V would be enough (my opinion, others will probably differ) A class Y or X cap across the switch contacts will help suppress any arcing

[unclejed613]

generally with any switch, if you're hearing it arc over consistantly, the contacts are burned. replace it and put a 0.01uf/500V ceramic cap across it.

[philmagnotta]

thanks everyone, for your input.
One more question please, refering to my original post:

... "Also, I would think that this behavior could possibly send delitorious voltages and or high frequencies to the unit"? I bring this up only because someone with more experience than I, mentioned it.

[Juergen Knoop]

Originally Posted by philmagnotta

Lately, when I engage the power switch, on or off, I hear an electrical arching in the proximity of that switch.
When I emailed the company, they simply stated that it is arching and that I should just be sure to make my physical swithching more of a quick motion.
I do not like this suggestion and wish to know what options there might be to upgrade the switch.
Also, I would think that this behavior could possibly send delitorious voltages and or high frequency to the unit.
Any suggestions?

well, let it make that noises while switching. Any "repair" of nondefective devices usually does more harm than good.
regards

[philmagnotta]

Understood.
What I will do is open the top, have an experienced tec friend have a look at that switch and let him make a recommendation, but before he does I will refer him to the helpful replies I have recieved here.
Thanks everyone.