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Soldering iron makes USB devices drop out

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MBaadsgaard:
Maybe an odd place to ask about this, but I'm stumped and can't think of a better solution.

I got my computer and my hobby electronics at the same desk.
Under the desk are 3 extension cords going to 3 different outlets.
One powers my oscillloscope/soldering iron/PSU/3d Printer.
One powers my computers, monitors and peripherals and KVM.
One powers my european odd bits and bobs.

When I turn off my soldering iron, USB devices disconnect, then reconnect.
Didn't think much of it, until tonight where it led to my KVM's USB ports stopping working.

I have had something similar with the 3d printer, too, with an old monitor.

The soldering iron is a Weller WD 1M. A hefty size so I assume there's a big transformer inside.

Any suggestions to what could cause this and what I could try to alleviate it?

wizard69:
I'm not familiar with British electrical systems so this may be garbage, but make sure if the system uses neutrals that they are properly installed.   This really sounds like a wiring problem so maybe an electrician is in order, especially one that really understands your local codes and practices.

Kim Christensen:
The right sized MOV or a RC snubber network across the primary winding of the transformer should help. (Assuming this is a traditional 50/60Hz transformer and not a switching power supply)

MBaadsgaard:

--- Quote from: wizard69 on February 03, 2023, 12:36:52 am ---I'm not familiar with British electrical systems so this may be garbage, but make sure if the system uses neutrals that they are properly installed.   This really sounds like a wiring problem so maybe an electrician is in order, especially one that really understands your local codes and practices.

--- End quote ---

It's a newly-built property, so you might very well be right. They're notoriously dodgy here in the UK.
I'll get a professional on it if I don't find another solution. Though paying for potentially nothing is always a hard pill to swallow.
Thanks for giving me something to go by.


--- Quote from: Kim Christensen on February 03, 2023, 01:04:55 am ---The right sized MOV or a RC snubber network across the primary winding of the transformer should help. (Assuming this is a traditional 50/60Hz transformer and not a switching power supply)


--- End quote ---

Given it's a Weller soldering iron, I can only imagine they already took care of this, but maybe some components inside have expired.
But it's pretty old. I've heard of snubber capacitors and I've heard of capacitors drying out. Would this be a thing to open it up and look for?

wraper:
Most likely it means USB cable (including in enclosure if front USB port is used) or KVM is a substandard garbage. Soldering station is not at fault here, it just something that breaks what's already marginally working.

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