Arista surge protectors - avoid

Lbobjane on 25/02/2013 - 15:48

Less than a month ago I bought an Arista 8 port surge protector after seeing the eSold rep push them in surge protector related deal comments.

Yesterday I flipped one of the switches, the board made a spark and loud crackle. The desk lamp conntected to that socket lit up for a moment even though the lamp's own switch was in the off position. Now 4 of the 8 sockets and both USB ports are dead.

Contacted eSold customer service stating clearly that I do not want a replacement - who in their right mind would entrust their equipment to a cheapo surge protector for a second time after having one literally blow up on you.

First they fed me the old "we've sold thousands of these with no issues" that I first heard verbatim from the OzBargain rep, sounds well rehearsed. Apparently they spoke to both the supplier and their 'tech team' (yes I totally buy an online mixed goods retailer having a tech team) and it's impossible for the board to malfunction like this. Must be my lamp's fault, been using the lamp for years and it still works.
Then they tell me to send it back for a replacement. Sure, spend another $14 to get back an unreliable product that I won't use.

I was swayed by the board's features - individual switches and USB. However the poor quality and potential damage to your equipment isn't worth it.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • _Bruce_ on 25/02/2013 - 16:24

    Not defending the product, but if the lamp lit up while off then there was arcing in the lamp switch, which is not the fault of the board.

    This doesn't mean that your lamp is dangerous, but ideally this shouldn't have happened.

  • bobjane on 25/02/2013 - 16:58

    The spark and crackle came from the board though, where the lamp only has a plug (not a power brick). Would arcing in the lamp switch have caused this?

    Just then the switch indicator lights on the dead sockets came back on by themselves and the sockets work again. Either way this thing's going in the bin as soon as I get a new one.

    • _Bruce_ on 25/02/2013 - 18:20

      Not saying the lamp caused the fault, but that the lamp flickering on was due to the lamp switch.

      The board must have a self reseting fuse, this is quite common.

  • dansor on 25/02/2013 - 17:14

    I purchased that Arista surge protector and I can attest it is a piece of c**p. 3 sockets died in the first few weeks and 2 do not fit a proper plug. The switch indicator lights go on and off as they please and some switches went inwards into the powerboard and now I cannot operate them. I'll stay clear from eSold, never going to deal with them again.

  • duneknight on 25/02/2013 - 18:17

    any surge protector from a super market is better. Jackson, HPM, Powertech, APC, Belkin, etc all better choices.

  • buzymum20 on 25/02/2013 - 19:51

    Also bought some Arista boards from COTD and they were rubbish. Sockets kept dying. Now only buy Belkin with no problems and lasting much longer so cheaper in the long run.

  • bobjane on 25/02/2013 - 21:12

    I found 2 alternatives with features that I like.

    Jackson PT1814USB
    4 switched sockets
    4 USB ports (says iPad compatible so I'm guessing 1-2A)
    According to Jackson, this is new and so far only available from here

    Crest PBS5ISUC
    5 switched sockets
    2 USB ports (1A)
    According to Crest it's only available at BigW

    Also found a bunch of refurbished Aristas on eBay. So much for selling thousands and never a problem.

  • Jabba the Hutt on 01/03/2013 - 18:59

    One of my Jackson wireless switches and the CFL lamp it was connected to went pop recently when I switched it on. There was something rattling in the switch and I opened it up to find its fuse blown.

    Do I know enough to be sure which was at fault? Nup.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join