Wondering why the nbn box not working no lights? Well, keep reading this guide to find out!
A total outage of the nbn box is often a sign of an underlying power malfunction of the service box or a potential service outage.
This guide will help you uncover the exact reason behind the inactive LED lights on the nbn box and provide reliable troubleshooting solutions and steps.
When none of the LEDs on the nbn box is illuminated, check whether the box is properly connected to the power and connect it to a different outlet.
Let’s learn more!
nbn Box No Lights – Explained
If none of the nbn box’s lights is illuminated, the nbn does not receive a power supply.
All nbn boxes have a “POWER” LED that displays the current status of the supply and will remain solid green when the nbn connection device receives sufficient voltage.
Why There Are No Lights On nbn?
Top reasons:
This could impact the functionality of the nbn and cause all the LED lights to remain blank.
Proceed further to explore proven troubleshooting methods to fix your nbn connection box.
nbn Box Not Working No Lights – Fixed
Note: Before we start, note whether there was a recent power outage, burnt odour, or melted wiring, which might indicate a power surge.
1. Unplug & Replug Your nbn Box
The first suspect for the absence of all LED lights on the nbn is a fault with the power supply.
The power cycle is an enormously influential countermeasure for eliminating fluctuations in the power cord and restoring the proper power status of the nbn.
Here’s how to complete a power cycle on your nbn connection box:
- Unplug the power cable from the rear connector on the nbn.
- Disconnect the other end of the wire from the power supply.
- Wait for 30 seconds while the power adapter is unplugged.
- Reinstall the nbn connection box’s power cable on both ends.
- Wait until the nbn box turns on and check if the LEDs are on.
Still No Lights on Your nbn?
Remember that it may take up to 2 minutes for the LEDs to come on after a total power cycle on the nbn box, so be patient.
Secure the connection of the power cord on both ends to verify there are no loose connections that can impact the effectiveness of the device’s power supply.
2. Connect nbn to a Different Outlet
Another reason why there are no lights on nbn box is because of a defective electrical outlet.
So, the next step is to transfer all of the nbn box’s equipment to another suitable power outlet and determine whether the LEDs will remain blank when the nbn receives alternative power.
How to Test an A/C Power Outlet?
The most effective method for testing the functionality of an A/C power outlet is connecting any electrical appliance that doesn’t use much voltage.
Connecting your mobile device’s charger is the most approachable way.
Tip: Plugging a light in the power outlet will tell you whether the voltage fluctuates!
3. Uninstall Third-Party Equipment
A non-identified third-party connector that is potentially defective can heavily impact or reduce the amount of electricity withdrawn by the NBN.
The next step for re-illuminating all lights on the device is directly connecting the box’s power adapter to an outlet without external equipment.
What Devices Can Reduce the nbn’s Power Supply?
The following third-party equipment can cause issues with the nbn’s A/C supply:
- Defective third-party electrical strips or dividers.
- A/C outlet connectors or power cord extenders.
- Non-identified wall outlet plates or multi-outlets.
Multi-outlets hold a tremendous potential for malfunction as the power supply trespasses up to four individual outlets.
If the nbn connection box is plugged into such an outlet, it is advised to relocate the power cable as soon as possible to preserve the nbn box’s hardware from defects.
Pro Tip: Test your nbn box by plugging it into an outlet from another room!
4. Reset the Primary A/C Circuit
A recent power outage or issues with the electrical installation might have impacted the functionality of the nbn box by restricting the power supply.
Hence, the next step is determining whether the breaker has been tripped and resetting it to stabilise the nbn’s electrical supply.
Here’s how to reset the circuit breaker wired to the room where the nbn is:
- Locate the circuit breaker panel box in your garage or yard.
- Open the panel and find the breaker for the nbn box’s room.
- Next, push the switch for 3 seconds and restore its position.
Tip: Circuit breaker reset is especially effective after a power outage!
5. Prevent nbn Box Overheating
As with all electrical devices and appliances, the nbn could also overheat when put under constant utilisation or heated up by environmental influences.
Constantly elevated hardware temperature of the nbn could result in a severe malfunction and cause the device to power off, restart and malfunction.
What Causes Overheating of the nbn?
Here’s what could cause the nbn connection box to overheat:
- Nearby heat conductors, heaters, AC’s or fireplaces.
- Direct sunlight shines on the surface of the nbn box.
- Improper ventilation or clogged ventilation openings.
- Unstable electrical power supply of the network box.
How to Prevent nbn Overheating?
You only need to dislocate all heat conductors nearby and prevent the nbn from being heated externally.
Next, remove all dust accumulation from the external panels of the nbn and verify that the airflow and ventilation of your network box are correct by carefully elevating the device.
Alert: Prolonged overheating may damage the internal components of the nbn box!
6. Replace the nbn’s Power Cord
If your nbn connection box not working, the issue may be due to a defective power cord, which causes all LED lights to remain blank.
When the equipment is damaged due to a power surge, whether it’s an adapter or the nbn box, to identify the problem, you can try a new adapter first.
Note: If you have a router or modem at home, you can use the power cord as a temporary replacement to check why your nbn has no lights.
7. Restore the nbn to Factory Defaults
If the nbn box still has no lights, it is strongly advised to conduct a factory reset procedure on the device to restore the functionality of the LED lights.
Fortunately, resetting the nbn box without visible indications for functionality is possible, only using a paperclip to hold the concealed reset button.
Here’s how to factory reset the nbn in easy steps:
- Locate the reset pinhole on the back of the nbn box.
- Insert a pin or a paperclip and hold the reset button.
- Hold for 10+ seconds to start the nbn’s factory reset.
As expected, there will be no visual indications that the nbn connection box has begun the factory reset.
If the device is functional, all LED lights must flicker twice in synchronisation to indicate the factory reset and illuminate individually once the process has been completed.
Note: If the lights flicker, your nbn box receives power!
8. Check Your nbn for Hardware Defects
The final step is to test whether your nbn connection box was lethally damaged, typically due to a power outage or after thunderstorms.
You must unplug the cables of the nbn box, hold the device in your hand (if possible), and gently shake the entire thing up and down.
If you hear any loose components, those may be blown capacitors or burnt connectors on the motherboard.
Note: In case of a hardware defect with your nbn box, contact an nbn technician!
Quick Recap:
If your nbn box not working no lights, perform a power cycle and inspect the condition of the power adapter.
If the issue persists, prevent the nbn from overheating, test the nbn in a different electrical outlet, perform a factory reset and replace your power cable/adapter.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.