Are clock radios particularly frangible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the fragility of clock radios, particularly in the context of electrical surges and failures. Participants explore potential causes for the malfunction of their clock radios, including power outages, short circuits, and the inherent sensitivity of consumer electronics. The conversation touches on technical aspects of electrical systems and the reliability of low-end devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the clock radios may have been too fragile to withstand electrical surges caused by short circuits.
  • There is a discussion about whether the radios were connected in series or parallel, and how grounding might affect their vulnerability.
  • One participant mentions that a transformer could provide some protection against surges, while another suggests checking for a replaceable fuse inside the radios.
  • Concerns are raised about the possibility of arcing faults in the electrical system, which could generate surges that damage sensitive electronics.
  • Participants humorously anthropomorphize clock radios, suggesting they are sensitive to treatment and may "give up" due to abuse.
  • Some argue that modern low-end consumer electronics are inherently fragile due to their cheap construction.
  • There are references to specific electrical components, such as diode bridges and thermistors, that could affect the performance of the radios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the fragility of clock radios, with no consensus on the exact reasons for their failures. While some agree on the potential impact of electrical surges, others emphasize the general quality of modern electronics as a contributing factor.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various electrical configurations and components, indicating that the discussion is limited by the specifics of their individual setups and experiences. There is uncertainty about the exact nature of the failures and the conditions that led to them.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electronics repair, electrical safety, or those experiencing similar issues with consumer electronics may find this discussion relevant.

DaveC426913
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The two clock radios in our bedroom both kaffed it recently. It is entirely possible that they both kaffed it at the same time. I did not notice.

At first, I thought maybe the clock radios had simply been drained of power too long - when I deliberately had that circuit off for an extended duration - and that had caused them to .. I dunno... fail-to-thrive? (Do clock radios need companionship? Has anyone heard of a clock radio pulling all its feathers out?)

I have been working on the electrical system in my bedroom over the month as part of a reno, and once, I shorted a line with a pair of wire strippers, popping a breaker. There were other things on that same breaker, including several lights, my TV and the cable box, none of which suffered any ill effects.
 
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Maybe the radios were too fragile to handle the short?
 
Yes, that's the first, most obvious conclusion. I guess the other devices just happened to not fry.

Would a short in a line running off the same breaker but not directly attached to the radios cause a surge?
 
I guess that would depend on whether they were in series or parallel. Is it possible that all of the appliances had ground plugs but the radios didn't?
 
Borg said:
I guess that would depend on whether they were in series or parallel. Is it possible that all of the appliances had ground plugs but the radios didn't?
That is possible. The radios are definitely 2 prong, whereas the TV is 3 prong. But the cable box is 2 prong as well, though it has a wall-wart (transformer).

Not sure how they could be in series. They're plugged into an an outlet. The TV, cable box and one radio are both on a 3-prong extension cord from the outlet. The other radio is directly from the outlet.
 
The transformer would tend to protect slightly on a surge. You might want to open the radios. They sometimes have a simple fuse that you can replace.
 
Borg said:
The transformer would tend to protect slightly on a surge. You might want to open the radios. They sometimes have a simple fuse that you can replace.
Oh. Right. Thanks. I'll check that out before replacing them.

I always forget the obvious stuff. :sorry:
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Oh. Right. Thanks. I'll check that out before replacing them.

I always forget the obvious stuff. :sorry:
So do I - even for stuff that I work with daily. :confused:
 
Well poop. 110V is wired directly to the transformer.

And it sure looks like nothing was supposed to be accessed easily. I'd have to disassemble most of the mechanical components and controls to get at anything - including the transformer.
 
  • #10
Shorting the line would cause transients when the breaker opened that can blow things out. Many devices have surge protectors. I guess your radios didn't.
 
  • #11
I wonder if that's what's wrong with the dining room fan as well. Hasn't worked since I started this.
It's got a wireless remote (not sure what broadcast method it uses). I hope it's just a fuse and not the electronics...
 
  • #12
An intermediate arcing fault (or arcing open circuit) in your house can generate surges. Some electronic gadgets are overly vulnerable to that.

Of course, an arcing fault implies an incipient fire, so pay attention and search for it. Also be on the alert for any light flicker, even a single flick.
 
  • #13
anorlunda said:
An intermediate arcing fault (or arcing open circuit)
Would that be related to the big blue flash in my face, followed by a whole bunch of pitch black, when I cut into the 18/2 wire with my wire strippers? :woot:
 
  • #14
Would it be safe to guess that the place they were manufactured was China?
 
  • #15
DaveC426913 said:
...when I cut into the 18/2 wire...

18-2?!?

Your clock radios were on a fire alarm circuit?
 
  • #16
Sorry, more like 14/2.
 
  • #17
I think is is safe to assume that clock radios are very sensitive. They have been abused from the start of their lives. Yelled and cursed at for doing their job. Slapped around and knocked from their resting place. It is not at all surprising that they would just give up and die.

I repair electronic things and they often confide in me the nature of their abuse. Sad really...

Sorry for being such a joker...lol

Billy
 
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  • #18
  • #19
Clock radios are people too.
 
  • #20
Thanks Borg,

What a collection of electrical stuff ! Very nice photos. I may ask Don if I can put one or two on my web site.

OH...BTW..please try to be kind to the clock radios...lol

Cheers,

Billy
 
  • #21
Other than the occasional short circuit surge, I am very kind to my clock radios. Not only do I not beat them to death in the morning, I don't even turn them off. I wake to quiet music and just let it play. It shuts off after 90 minutes. That''s well above the daily recommended exercise quota for domestic CRs. And if quiet music is not enough to wake me, then I'm not getting enough sleep.
 
  • #22
DaveC426913 said:
Clock radios are people too.

Errr...

Recalling the number of clock radios which have met their unpleasant end at my hands, fists, um... the drownings...

The forum is anonymous yes?
 
  • #23
All modern low-end consumer electronics is cheap and "frangible" because it's cheaply made. It's a feature that allows it to be cheap.
 
  • #24
Indeed it might be the most successful applied case of the concept of "fixing" a bug by turning it into a feature.
 
  • #25
krater said:
Errr...

Recalling the number of clock radios which have met their unpleasant end at my hands, fists, um... the drownings...

The forum is anonymous yes?
The drownings.

God. I'd forgotten about the drownings.

:nb)
 
  • #26
According to me, a part of the clock circuit ic or it was nothing that a bug?
 
  • #27
I have known switching power supplies and high efficiency lights that fail when they are turned off momentarily, say about half a second. Some slow-start circuits use a thermistor that takes time to cool, so start-up surge-protection often needs time to recover before it can operate reliably.

Check the internal power supply front end. Particularly the fuse and the diode bridge. Everything else should be OK.
 

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