Chad:
Power supplies typically contain several very large capacitors. They can
store a lot of electrical energy, and they maintain that charge even
when the power supply is unplugged. That's why the manufacturers put
those yellow labels on the enclosure warning users not to go inside.
While not in the same league as monitors (those are real no-no's), power
supplies do represent a risk. For a skilled technician, there shouldn't
be any problem. But many of the readers of this list do not have those
skills, so I stand by my original statement that this is no place to go
poking around unless you know what you are doing -- or perhaps if you
stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.
Regards,
Carroll Grigsby

Chad Driskell wrote:
>
> I do agree with Carroll regarding much of his diagnosis, but on note 2, the
> real reason to replace the power supply is not electrocution, but, what is
> your time worth.  Finding a suitable replacement fan, disassembly.
> Installation, and reassembly and not knowing if the power supply you just
> repaired was ever worth it, or damaged due to overheating.
> Power supply = $25 -- $50.
> PS  Electrocution is very unlikely unless you don't unplug what you're
> working on.
>
> 2. Power supply fans fail, too. Unless you are a skilled technician, DO
> NOT attempt to fix one, just replace the whole power supply. It doesn't
> matter all that much whether it's on or off, there can be a lethal
> amount of electrical energy stored inside that box, and it can kill you.
> Bite the bullet, and spend the bucks.

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