Turning oscilloscope off by removing AC power plug

[aussie_laser_dude]

My Tektronix analogue scope has a broken power switch, it's always on.

Will I break her by pulling out the power cable when switching off?

[jord4231]

For an analogue scope I'd say that would be fine, there is no software to shut down etc

[james_s]

It won't hurt anything, but why not fix or replace the power switch? As far as I know that's not a high failure item so there should be some floating around somewhere.

[Electro Detective]

In the meantime consider to get a decent cheap power strip/board with a power switch,
plug the Tek into that, and you're done 

[andy3055]

Here is a source. Scroll down about a third of the page where switches start off.

https://www.smcelectronics.com/tekpart.htm

[Miti]

For an analogue scope I'd say that would be fine, there is no software to shut down etc

Rigol DS1054z does have software but the power button simply cuts the juice, it doesn’t do SW shut down .

[jord4231]

For an analogue scope I'd say that would be fine, there is no software to shut down etc

Rigol DS1054z does have software but the power button simply cuts the juice, it doesn’t do SW shut down .

Yes your right. out of all the digital scopes I have the only one that shuts down is a micsig on I have.

[Haenk]

Pulling the plug is not ideal, as there will be sparking. Which might create some line noise back into mains. And ruins contacts.
A switchable extension cord is a much better solution (but still not ideal, as the cheap ones don't have line filtering).

[aqibi2000]

Analogue scopes use double pole switches for isolating both lines. You can just buy a cheap RCD plug socket, they offer double pole galvanic isolation when turned off.

[Electro Detective]

You can get a 4 or 6 way power board with a single/master 2 pole switch for cheap,
if you don't want to go the separate socket and switches style board

Even a single pole switch is better than sparks and arcing you don't need 


I doubt those overpriced overhyped 'Surge Protected' boards will do much for your gear if they cop a real hit

and using an RCD TEST button for turn off may trip the RCD at the main switchboard too occasionally/randomly. How do I know this?   


But yeah, source a Tek switch (or two!) as well, and have a go at fitting it when you're ready,
or next time opening the scope for other reasons or give it some TLC

fwiw even if you don't fix it and sell the Tek later, the buyer will go for it with less hesitation if a switch is supplied 

[jdragoset]

What scope model?
Maybe someone close by has a parts mule or two can offer a replacement.
If not, just wire in an on-off switch into the power cord.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-250V-Extension-Power-Cord-IEC-320-C13-to-C14-with-On-Off-switch/153618511791?hash=item23c46077af:g:I04AAOSwbShbLh-f&shqty=1&isGTR=1#shId

[David Hess]

Internally the oscilloscope's power switch interrupts the AC line input anyway so the result is the same.