Power Supply Related Issues

[AlwaysNeon]

A number of small errors or inconveinces can be avoided in printing by ensuring that the printer is recieving the correct amount of power. These kinds of issues vary greatly from printer-to-printer, as well as depending on what the printer is being used for. I have seen small issues such as errounious error messages (ranging from low ink to paper jams), mystery noises, erratic operation, lines appearing in copies, as well as a host of other problems which are generally cleared by unplugging the printer and plugging the unit back in after a short period of time (usually 30 seconds). 

However, most of these small issues could have been avoided fairly easily. 

HP recommends the printer be plugged directly into a wall outlet, as opposed to power strips, surge protectors or battery backups (or other non-direct power sources). This is in part because HP printers have a built-in surge protector inside the machine itself to safeguard against unit failure because of electrical problems. 

The other reason for this is because by plugging it into a non-direct power source you can influence your machine through electical signal noise (interference from other devices). Other devices running off the same stream of electricity introduce "noise" to the line based on the amount of power that they use as well as by what the power is used for. These can cause minor surges or errors based on their feedback in some cases. 

One good example of this is if you have ever noticed the lights flicker when your airconditioner or waterheater kicks on. This is because for a short period of time the power is being "soaked up" (like a sponge) for a short time (nanoseconds in most cases) before it continues as normal through the line. Airconditioners and waterheaters require HUGE amounts of power to run, whch is why you can see when they turn on, but other smaller devices do this as well - just at a level which cannot be easily percieved - and can impact your printer's performance. 

Though this will not solve many bigger problems, this is still very useful information for maintining your printer and its functionality! 

Happy printing! 

[AlwaysNeon · Accepted solution]

Let me know if this helps! 

[glenda001]

Hello,

Thank you very much for the feedback, but I think that your input is also negated.

 I plugged out my printer for about 48hours and then plugged it in through a direct power at the wall.

The issue still persist.

I have bought this HP printer about 3 to 4 months ago. As I changed already some inkt cardridges, my warranty has expired. Some other solutions I could try?

Thanks for your answers.

[oldgoat1948]

I understand the ideal need for a conditioned stable AC feed but the average consumer should not need to install a Leibert power conditioning system(or other similiar systems). If a printer power circuit is so sensitive to such power fluctuations then it should be documented on the advertising of the unit or in data sheet specifications as a requirement. I've had HP printers for almost 30 years and have found that none of them have been as sensitive and troublesome as this one (power issue-wise). A printer should stay connected, be available to a request, especially a wireless printer in shared mode. That being said, your post is definitely a useful guideline to abide by.

[AlwaysNeon]

Generally speaking, you are right, these fluctuations do not effect your printer on a daily basis, the only thing that this post is inteded to express is that they have the potential to cause issues, and this is a way proactively avoid issues related to the power supply and power source. These cases are rare, and generally are very easily fixed. 

I am glad that you found this information useful! 

I hope you are having a wonderful week, and I hope that the weather where you are located is as beautiful there as it is here!

-Spencer

[Maltesem]

Hi Spencer...the ADF is working, no more erroneous, messages and finally had a successful alignment. I just have to adjust scanning...keeps asking to chose HP Media.
I think my new cleaning lady did his to me...i have repeatedly asked her NOT use the surge protector at my desk when using the vacum...anyway thank you for all your help.
Barbara

[AlwaysNeon]

Fantastic to hear that you are up and running again Barbara, and I wish you best luck in the future! 

Have a great day and a wonderful week! 

-Spencer 

PS I hope you had a wonderful weekend as well! 

[dennisogan]

It took me 6 months to resolve the issue I have been having with my HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus printer.  Refer to ticket no. 8070276930.  I finally was advised by someone in "Tech Support" to try disabling the WiFi on my printer and just using the USB cable.  Immediately, and for the next 24 hours, I had no problems with the power.  This advice lead to my establishing the root cause of my power issues.  All along it has been the Belkin Model F9K1103 V1 wireless router I purchased approx. 2 years ago.  I went to Best Buy last night and purchased a new Netgear N300 Router ($44.99) and everything is finally working properly!  The salesman at Best Buy asked me who my internet provider was and I told him Comcast.  He said, "There is your problem.  Belkin routers do no work well with Comcast." 

The communication within HP Tech staff and customers who might be experiencing similar problems needs to be strengthened at a minimum.  Initially, it appeared that I was the only person on earth that seemed to have had this issue.  By a process of illumination the problem was corrected, but it took 6 months to finally determine my problem.  Please, please, please make my resolution know to your "Technical Experts" and to the general public on your "Support" web site how to correct similar issues.  The reason I have been so determined to find the problem is my absolute love of the HP 8600 all-in-one printer.  In my estimation, this is the BEST printer on the market.  Now, I will deal with Belkin.  Good Luck!