Can Switch with Faulty Cable Damage Electronics?

[Boris_yo]

Hello,

I ordered cheap USB switch to supply constant power to my small security home camera. I used a power bank to power it but it was inconvenient.

Months ago that switch worked good. I left it collecting dust for a few months until I decided to do the wiring and use it for camera. I tested switch again by collecting small USB light. I noticed that connection was not stable and I had to bend the cord at certain degree for it to work:

https://streamable.com/7z4hqm

Question though. Should I keep it that way as on a photo below or throw it away and buy a new switch? Despite consistent power supply, are there still varying power that can damage camera?

Thanks.

[madires]

Most likely a broken wire. Cheap USB cables have usually only very thin wires with a few strands, causing also a high wire resistance. Better replace the cheap wire with a more suitable one. You could buy an USB extension cable, cut it in two halves and recycle the switch (does look like a power cord switch). The camera should survive short "power outages", but the bad cable might create some noticeable voltage drop.

[Boris_yo]

By recycle switch you mean continue using it?
Never cut USB cord and not familiar with which cords transfer data and which transfer power. Haven't used soldering equipment many years too by way.

[coppercone2]

essentially if its a data line its OK but if its a power or ground line it could be a fire hazard/overheating hazard since it might be prone to getting hot in a nonlinear fashion when its used broken.

[madires]

By recycle switch you mean continue using it?
Never cut USB cord and not familiar with which cords transfer data and which transfer power. Haven't used soldering equipment many years too by way.

Yes. It's up to you to decide what to do.

[NiHaoMike]

By recycle switch you mean continue using it?
Never cut USB cord and not familiar with which cords transfer data and which transfer power. Haven't used soldering equipment many years too by way.

Great time to learn! Carefully cut back the plastic around the USB port and you might be able to resolder the bad connection.