Problem with cold cathode lighting

[swistak92]

Hey guys,
I just bought and installed Red Cold Cathode 30cm Fluorescent 2x lights
So it consists of 2x lamps, an inverter, and an off/on switch

The problem is when I boot the comp it runs perfect, until I touch the switch, once I switch it on/off the computers restarts/crashes.

Any ideas what the problem could be?

Thanks in advance

edit: I can actually turn the lights on, when i turn them off, it is then when the system pretty much crashes

 

[Conflict0s]

Sounds like it is shorting something out to me.
If you can, try taking the inverter and CCFLs out of the case but still connected to the power and see if it does the same thing.

 

[swistak92]

yup already done that and still the same :/

 

[Conflict0s]

Hmm, well I can't see it being your power supply.
Check for a loose connection? (mainly 4pin molex)

 

[swistak92]

mm alright Ill do it right now

 

[t_ski]

Take the switch out of the mix. That's probably where the short is. If needed, you can buy another switch at Wal-Mart, Auto Zone, Radio Shack, etc...

 

[swistak92]

checked all the connections, even tried different molex plugs.. still no luck
so it's most likely the switch?

 

[Conflict0s]

Give it a shot. It should just be two crimped connections on the switch, if you pull them both off (they will go back on) and then connect them together it will be like eliminating the switch.

 

[swistak92]

So pull them off first while the comp is off....
Boot the comp
Touch the two cables together = on ye?
when not touching its off yup?
so if the comp doesn't crash it means that its the switch?

 

[Conflict0s]

Yea, make sure the computer is off. Take the switch off and connect the two wires (put some electrical tape over it so you don't zap yourself) and then boot up and see if it works. When the two wires are connected the circuit is made meaning the CCFLs should light. When they are disconnected the circuit is broken meaning they shouldn't. So if it doesn't crash, it is the switch at fault.

 

[m1dg3t]

Could also be the inverter itself but check the switch as mentioned

 

[swistak92]

so i took the cables of the switch and connected them and ye the lights light up... however I'm unsure about the next step... Do I separate the cables while the computer is still on to check if it will crash? is that safe for the comp?

 

[Conflict0s]

Yea, just disconnect the wires and see if it crashes. You are essentially doing what the switch does by making and braking the circuit (so no harm will come from doing this). If it doesn't crash, then connect the two wires back and see if the CCFLs light again, if they do and there are no crashes, your switch is at fault. Otherwise it could be like m1dg3t said and be the inverter.

EDIT: This is all done whilst the computer is turned on so be carfull when you are reconnecting the wires back together.

 

[swistak92]

Once I disconnected the cables the comp crashed just like with the switch... so it must be the inverter?
is there anyways of fixing it or just buy a new one?

 

[Delta6326]

if it has warranty then i would send it back but probable the inverter at fault

 

[segalaw19800]

EMP from the inverter when switch off move the inverter away from computer and try again