Jess, I have a similar problem like your once with the alienbee. The problem happen after coming back from long wedding day and removing the bee out to put it back on their on lightstand the power button got turn on by accidently, without knowing it still on I than plug the power core into the outlet without checking the power button in on/off position first and it was on and when I plug into the outlet the darn thing give me a series off blash in the face and I almost pin to the wall blinding .

Hope this help you and I do know how you feel and good luck my friend,