# Power Cycling **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 5, 2012, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-cycling/620988 "2012-05-05T14:30:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-cycling/620988/21 "2012-05-06T13:13:44Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > And _what_ pray tell is the difference between unplugging a cord from the wall, and unplugging it from the back of the device? Unplugging is unplugging. :dubious: Right, unplugging is unplugging. So if unplugging the cord from the back of the device is easier, and doesn’t involve “crawling around”, you can do that instead. My router _does_ have a on/off switch. It’s right next to the power socket in the back of the router. It’s a little easier to use, but no easier to reach. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-cycling/620988/22 "2012-05-06T14:11:50Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > And _what_ pray tell is the difference between unplugging a cord from the wall, and unplugging it from the back of the device? Unplugging is unplugging. :dubious: plugging into AC receptacle is a smooth operation. plugging into a DC coaxial socket is sloppy. the plug might make and break contact a couple of times during insertion, like turning it on and off rapidly. also it can weaken the contacts of the socket. all this depends on the quality of the equipment. i’ve seen some very rugged DC coaxial sockets that wouldn’t be bothered by a lifetime of unplugging. i’ve also seen poor quality DC coaxial sockets that after a few dozen unplugging start to not grip as tightly. so some items will be bothered by unplugging from the rear and others not. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-cycling/620988.md?page=1)