How safe is it to run a ATX power supply without the outside casing?

[junthin]

I was curious as to how safe it is to run an ATX power supply without the outside metal casing. The power supply in question is a 400watt generic power supply, and there isn't a warranty on it, so I was gonna mess with it and take apart the casing....

However, if there's a huge chance of me getting shocked/fried/cooked I'd rather not. Just checking... Thanks in advance!

 

[Transition]

There's a good chance you could KILL yourself. If you have to ask this question, then your more then likely best off not messing with the PS.

HTH

- RJ

 

[AcidzT]

wile i think kill is going a little far, its very dangerious. Its extremly easy to shock your self. I've done it a few times, im still standing but beleive me its not a shock you wana take.

I dont understand what u mean "messing" with. I've taken a few apart becasue ive mounted them in home made encloseres, i got shocked once from a extrenal SCSI one. These things are not toys.

Now as for opening a monitor i know the CRT can kill you. Yeah ive done it a few times and i even managed to fix one of my dying moniters but it requires EXTREME caution, im talking like total arms covered with plastic.

Electricty is your friend, and enemy

 

[Jen]

i think EXTREME caution is best advice so far..........as they do store alot of power in the capacitors.



Jen

 

[sygyzy]

Shock yourself once or twice to familiarize yourself with electrocution. I have been shocked via the wall power outlets and it feels odd. Something you don't want to repeat but not really "pain" per se. Anyways, I figure if you run your PSU without a housing, you will get it plenty of times and you'll realize you won't like it.

 

[pr0d2]

i got zaped a few times, one way that I can explain the feeling is it feels like when you hit you're funny bone at least it does too me

 

[cyclones]

I don't believe you can get as old as you are to ask that question.
Where are the "Darwin Awards" judges when you want them?:Q

 

[junthin]

Haha...I know the original question sounded a bit silly, but the reason for asking is that I'm trying to fit it inside a custom inclosure (case) but the power supply with the original covering is too large. Just curious really, since I won't be touching this thing after it's stuck in there. Thanks though... I guess I'll just use a mATX psu I have laying around instead.

 

[Migroo]

Ah, I think everyone assumed you were going to run the PSU OUTSIDE your case, with the coverings off.

 

[Croton]

take a hot glue gun and coat that bad boy like craaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy

 

[AcidzT]

for a custom enclosure its not really a big deal, jsut use EXTREME caution when u install her.

Be carefull, have fun.

 

[Lizardman]

PC PSUs are usually pretty safe. I have "messed" around with some a little bit. Just dont do any thing stupid like bridge the gap on a capacitor with your finger. A screw driver is ok to discharge the power in the capacitor, just not your finger. If you are going to take it apart completely then make sure you connect the ground wire ( the one that is screwed from the pcb to PSU case) to your new metal frame you are putting it in. Have FUN!