Solved Is it okay to unplug PCs after shutting down on a daily basis

[Computer0304]

Hey guys, I have a habit of plugging out my computer AFTER shutting it down since I am that worried that the surge protector is not enough. Will this cause any significant wear to the plug and the PC?

Also, when I shutdown my PC, the motherboard light stays on unless I unplug it. Is this because of the new Fast Startup for Windows 8?

 

[Ijas619]

that's not a problem i also unplug my pc after usage... also unplugging helps you from damages caused while thunder storms

 

[maxie]

Will not do any harm at all .. The Green light in the Motherboard is just showing that it is getting Power ...

 

[Computer0304]

Well I'm just worried that the plug will get weared out and damage something in the PC... but I guess most likely something else will fail first. Is there any way that the plug could be a point of failure?

 

[maxie]

It is a Desktop you use ? Most of them just use a kettle lead easy replaced if need be ..

 

[Computer0304]

I have extra plugs, I'm just worried that a weared plug can send unstable electricity. Am I just being too much of the whole "It's better safe than sorry?"

 

[Barman58]

It is advised practice to do exactly as you are doing I have to assume that the design specifications for the actual Plug & Socket that you are using take this into account.

Obviously some plug designs are inherently more hard waring than others, but those for domestic use should be suitable for the purpose they are being used for

 

[Computer0304]

Ok, thanks guys for the answers.

 

[Digerati]

@Computer0304 - as long as you properly shutdown Windows first, it is no problem unplugging the computer.

Also, when I shutdown my PC, the motherboard light stays on unless I unplug it. Is this because of the new Fast Startup for Windows 8?

No. It has nothing to do with Windows 8, or any OS. The ATX Form Factor Standard for PCs requires ALL PC power supplies maintain a +5Vsb standby voltage across several points on the motherboard when the computer is in standby mode. Standby mode is when Windows has been shutdown and the computer turned off, or when the computer is in a sleep mode, AND the PSU is still plugged into the wall.

This standby mode is what allows your computer to "wake" when you wiggle the mouse, press a mouse button, or press a key on your keyboard, or press the front panel power button on your case. That +5Vsb is what is keeping the motherboard light lit, and is a reminder to users to unplug before removing or inserting RAM, cleaning or other maintenance.

Note too that many power supplies have a master power switch on the back of the PSU. If your PSU does, you can always switch that to off ("0") to remove all power without unplugging from the wall.

I do not recommend the use of surge and spike protectors (even though they usually have a master power switch too). Surge and spike protectors are little more than fancy and expensive extension cords that do nothing for low voltage anomalies (dips, sags, brown-outs, or power outages) and for excessive high voltage anomalies (excessive surges and spike) they simply kill power, which can corrupt your data.

For that reason, I recommend all PCs be on a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation) and I recommend that here because the UPS will have a master power switch too - so you can kill power completely to your computer (after gracefully exiting Windows, of course) without unplugging anything from the wall.

 

[Computer0304]

Sorry for bringing this thread back, but I have something to add. Since my two computers have Windows 8.1 which uses Fast Startup which saves the drivers and kernel session to Hiberfill, Is it still safe to unplug it anyway?

 

[maxie]

Sorry for bringing this thread back, but I have something to add. Since my two computers have Windows 8.1 which uses Fast Startup which saves the drivers and kernel session to Hiberfill, Is it still safe to unplug it anyway?

Yes sure that can do no harm ...

 

[Computer0304]

Thanks.

 

[spike999]

If you're that concerned about physical wear to the plug itself, buy or build a short "pigtail" (plug and socket on a short cable). The wear would then be on that replaceable part.