Protege USB Extension with mechanical switch & wall adaptor

[hueysds]

So I know that it is not recommended to use the Protege USB Extension or the new PT with the mechanical switch on the computer. Does the same go for a wall adaptor? I have my preorder in for the mechanical switch and wanted to place an order for the USB extension but don't want to hassle with swapping out the switches when I swap the battery for the USB extension.

What exactly is the problem with using the mechanical switch with a USB extension (what could go wrong?) and would it be safer to use it with a wall adaptor or is the issue still there?

Huey

 

[lotus14]

So I know that it is not recommended to use the Protege USB Extension or the new PT with the mechanical switch on the computer. Does the same go for a wall adaptor? I have my preorder in for the mechanical switch and wanted to place an order for the USB extension but don't want to hassle with swapping out the switches when I swap the battery for the USB extension.

What exactly is the problem with using the mechanical switch with a USB extension (what could go wrong?) and would it be safer to use it with a wall adaptor or is the issue still there?

Huey

If something shorts out it's *possible* you could damage your computer. A wall plug should be fine. Get one that pushes 1.5amps or more and you'll get a better vape than you're likely to get from your computer as well

 

[nomochokes]

I had also asked this question in another thread but didn't get a response. I did go ahead and order the mechanical switch for my Protege but waited on the USB extension. I never plug directly into a pc with any of my passthroughs. I use either a wall or car adapter. I too don't want to have to change out the switch everytime I want to use the extension.

I would still like to get the extension unless you think it shouldn't be used with the mechanical switch at all. As I mentioned above I would only be plugging into a wall or car adapter.

Thanks.

 

[hueysds]

I had also asked this question in another thread but didn't get a response. I did go ahead and order the mechanical switch for my Protege but waited on the USB extension. I never plug directly into a pc with any of my passthroughs. I use either a wall or car adapter. I too don't want to have to change out the switch everytime I want to use the extension.

I would still like to get the extension unless you think it shouldn't be used with the mechanical switch at all. As I mentioned above I would only be plugging into a wall or car adapter.

Thanks.

Yeah, I guess my question is, if I use it on the wall adapter and it shorts then what's going to happen?

edit: I don't think I'd ever plug one of these things into my computer, my computer = my life!

 

[Mr_Slippery]

Yeah, I guess my question is, if I use it on the wall adapter and it shorts then what's going to happen?

edit: I don't think I'd ever plug one of these things into my computer, my computer = my life!

It'll probably just damage the wall adapter.
I would hope that most wall chargers have internal protection against a shorted device.

Or

It could cause a fissure in space-time, creating a universal ending paradox...

 

[Casey@PS]

Working on getting an answer to this question guys. Steve has been really sick since yesterday, and has been quarantined upstairs. I'll let you know as soon as he's down in the office for me to ask.

 

[Curtis]

Here's what you do. Get the Passthrough, and buy a Kensington Power Pack. The wall adapter you use to charge the Kensington has a USB port that works perfectly with the Passthrough.

 

[Casey@PS]

Final verdict from Steve:

Use mechanical switch with the PT on any power source at your own risk. We certainly don't recommend it, and you could damage whatever wall plug or power pack you're using if you run across a bad atty that shorts the unit.

 

[hueysds]

Final verdict from Steve:

Use mechanical switch with the PT on any power source at your own risk. We certainly don't recommend it, and you could damage whatever wall plug or power pack you're using if you run across a bad atty that shorts the unit.

Sorry to beat a dead horse here Casey, but I'm not worried about killing the adapter, I'm trying to figure out if a broken adapter is the worst that could happen. I guess what I'm trying to ask is how will the adapter break? Will it just stop working or will it blow up and cause a huge house fire (edit: I know this is a little extreme, but you get my point)? If it just stops working then I am fine with mixing the mechanical switch with one of these cheapy adapters I got.

 

[lotus14]

Sorry to beat a dead horse here Casey, but I'm not worried about killing the adapter, I'm trying to figure out if a broken adapter is the worst that could happen. I guess what I'm trying to ask is how will the adapter break? Will it just stop working or will it blow up and cause a huge house fire (edit: I know this is a little extreme, but you get my point)? If it just stops working then I am fine with mixing the mechanical switch with one of these cheapy adapters I got.

No one can really predict with 100% certainty what would happen. Which adapter, how old is the wiring your house, etc.

I tried a wimpy .5amp wall adapter with my PS USB PT just to see what would happen and it just kept tripping the adapter. I assume a dead short in the PV would just cause it to stay tripped. Or it could fry something in the adapter and kill it. I didn't test this theory.

If the adapter has no trip mechanism, then it would likely just fry the adapter. Worse case, the adapter itself could short and trip the breaker in your house. Worst case, the adapter shorts, the breaker or fuse doesn't trip in time and you have an electrical fire. Likely? I don't think so. Possible? Yes.

 

[Spiker]

Final verdict from Steve:

Use mechanical switch with the PT on any power source at your own risk. We certainly don't recommend it, and you could damage whatever wall plug or power pack you're using if you run across a bad atty that shorts the unit.

So, there is only no risk if no power is used?

 

[lotus14]

So, there is only no risk if no power is used?

It's an electrical device plugged into the wall.

There is zero risk when drying your hair, but only if you don't plug up the hair dryer.

I'm sure PS doesn't want someone's atty to short, and the adapter to not trip as it should, frying the adapter, and then the person claims the PT is to blame and PS owes 'em a new adapter.