Netgear ProSafe 16 JFS516 power supply repair

Out of the blue, one of my tried and true 10/100 16 port Netgear JFS516 switches quit.  I replaced it and set it aside.  Eventually I opened it up to see if I could see any obvious reason why it died.  I had observed that none of the LEDs were lit and suspected the power supply may have died.  These switches have an internal power supply — they do not use a wall-wart.

I opened it up and found that, on the power supply board, one of the electrolytic capacitors seemed to have a bulge on the top of its can.  A nearby diode seemed to be cracked and there also was some dark brown discoloration from overheating.

Inside the switch
Inside the switch
Power supply
Power supply
Failed cap and diode
Failed cap and diode– look carefully and see the circumference crack in the diode and the slightly bulging top of the cap

I replaced the cap and the diode and all was well!  Getting the diode out required completely demolishing the diode.  The cap was easier.

Notes:  cap was 2200uF, 16v; dode was 1N4731.  Be sure to note band on diode and polarity of cap.

I also have a JFS516V2 switch.  You’d think they were idendical…but they’re not!

JFS516V2
JFS516V2