Nick wrote:
> Thanks for the reply. These devices have been plugged in for over a
> year with no problems. Any idea what would cause something like that
> to happen all of a sudden? Regardless, I will advise them to switch
> outlets for now and look into a surge protector.
>
> Does the monitor need to be replaced because of the burn marks? Like
> I said, the pins are all undamaged.
>
> Thanks again.
>

Advise them to get to the store to get one of those testers and use it
to test the outlet, then the power strips as soon as possible. Wouldn't
hurt to be at the store tomorrow when the staff unlocks the doors. They
aren't very expensive. However, THAT tester might not detect if the
whole household neutral has failed. If incandescent light brightness
changes when high load 120 volt devices like microwave ovens,
refrigerators, toasters; have the voltage tested with a volt meter. Be
particularly wary if lights get BRIGHTER when high load 120 volt
equipment operates. If the meter is able to detect over voltage in other
outlets when high load equipment operates have an electrician check
things out PROMPTLY. Sometimes different outlets in the same room are on
different circuits with 240 volts difference between the hot slot in one
outlet and the hot slot in another outlet! The electrical utility may be
responsible for repair material and labor costs if a fault is present
between the distribution grid and the utility meter.

Reversed wiring in outlets or power strips increases the possibility of
electrical shocks. Defeating the wide blade of two prong polarized plugs
or extension cords may lead to reversed hot and neutral conductors by
the time the electricity reaches the working equipment.

Might be a good idea to use a meter to verify there is NO electrical
potential (ZERO volts) between earth ground and the portions of the
computer equipment that are supposed to be grounded. These areas include
the computer case, the back panel of the computer and the outer shield
of the VGA cable connector.