Reefbrite Exploded

[Leptomaniac]

So my new build has been set up for 3 weeks or so lit by an ati 6 bulb. I added my reefbright to it that i had in storage from a previous setup and about 4 days later i’m (luckily) watching tv and hear a crackling sound coming from the tank.
I went to check it out and a small fireball shoots up from the power supply area! So i turn everything off and find the power adapter on the reefbrite smoking.

3 questions since i’m painfully ignorant to everything electrical:
1) what just happened?
2)can i just replace the chord and power supply and still use the reefbrite?... the light was still working after the fireball
3) could this have been caused by corrosion in the chord connection? Or is this a result of something else? possibly at the apex?

Some relevant info:
No water was leaking and nothing was wet, but water may have gotten into it previously.
This was plugged into an apex jr i just purchased used along with the 2 ati light plugs and a refugium led plug

 

[BZOFIQ]

I would guess, and that's just a guess, that the connector got wet (saltwater is very conductive) previously causing a leak of electricity between hot and neutral side of things.

It is also possible that the plug wasnt all the way in and was arching, but you'd probably see the ReefBrite flickering if that was the case.



If the power supply is fine, clean up and inspect the receptacle on the P/S and use a new cord. Check to see if it gets hot after being on for a while.

If you are unsure of what you're looking at, replace the P/S.

 

[shred5]

Yea I bet water got in there and it may have corroded or it was not connected tight or got pulled apart slightly and there was some arching going on.

 

[shred5]

Double post.. what is going on?

 

[Leptomaniac]

Thanks for your responses, I figured as much but thought i’d check with the experts.

I’ll order a new chord and test it in the garage for at least a few days before putting it back in the house.

As for the Apex, i guess i’ll test that as well.
If it starts running hot i assume that’s toast?