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Very interesting question...and luckily one that I've never had to deal with. I personally would not undertake such an operation due to what we know about the very large capacitors in a PSU. I heard a post on some forum where someone attempted to open their PSU and was literally blown out of their chair from the electrical shock.
To answer your question directly, I would say no, fifteen minutes isn't nearly enough time. Maybe you could consult with someone with some electrical background. Then again, I would think that at some point the caps would have to drain.
1. Disconnect the power supply from the wall outlet. If thepower supply has a switch, leave it on.
2. Hit the power button on the computer a few times. (button on front of case)
This will drain the capacitors for you. The fans may spin briefly at the first power button push. Push it several times to make sure the capacitors are completely drained.
Hit the power button on the computer a few times. (button on front of case) This will drain the capacitors for you.
Yeah, I do that whenever I work on my PC. I wasn't sure if it completely removed the danger of shock. I just knew it kept any power any from my components as I worked on them.
I'd still be cautious unless you like curly hair. I'M NO ELECTRICIAN but rectifiers and capacitors can be very dangerous. You'll find a two wire lead and a special connector on your PSU fans but if the bearings are shot on the fans, you'd probably be smarter to acknowledge thats its about time for a total replacement.
I'd still be cautious unless you like curly hair. I'M NO ELECTRICIAN but rectifiers and capacitors can be very dangerous. You'll find a two wire lead and a special connector on your PSU fans but if the bearings are shot on the fans, you'd probably be smarter to acknowledge thats its about time for a total replacement.
agreed, often just easier, safer and better to change out the entire ps. They are pretty cheap today anyway. But, if insistant upon just changing the fans, you can rig a pair of wires & a light bulb and use it to drain the capacitors as well. Better safe than sorry. There won't be enough juice stored to knock out your teeth or anything, it would feel about like getting zapped by regular household current except without the amps. Volts don't kill, amps are what one need really be cautious about.
