Dell power cables are hot stuff

AN INQ READER has discovered a potential safety problem with Dell rack power cables, part of the 450-10333 PDU kit containing two high power and seven low power connections.

The problem first manifested itself when one of the leads - rated at 16 amps - was disconnected from the power splitter under a load estimated to be less than two amps, resulting in slight damage to the plug which got very hot and damaged the splitter on removal.

"We heard arcing noises and replaced the lead with another," said the reader, who wishes to remain anonymous. "We heard arcing again, so we ripped it out sharpish and discovered this time it had melted the plug quite effectively. The lead beyond the melted plug had also been affected and looks cooked."

The plugs in question are labelled WELL SHIN WS-197-1-P2.

"We rang Dell, but ended up going around in circles. There is a possible safety problem with their power leads but they don't want to know as far as I can tell. It obviously needs to have a service tag for them to be interested. It could be that we had two faulty leads, it is possible, but we're sending these back to Dell and see what they say. In the meantime we won't be using any more of these cables and I'd advise anyone else who has them to do likewise," said the reader.

At press time, calls from the INQ to Dell's UK Press Office were being forwarded to voice mail. µ