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Power Supply Fan Noise

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by James Martin, 2007/02/08.

  1. 2007/02/08
    James Martin

    James Martin Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Hi all,

    Is it safe to open a power supply and change the fan(s) after the unit has been disconnected from AC power for 15 minutes or so?

    My fan(s) are driving me crazy with the excess noise they produce.


    Thanks!
     
    James Martin,
    #1
  2. 2007/02/09
    Chiles4

    Chiles4 Inactive

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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.
     
    Chiles4,
    #2


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  4. 2007/02/09
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    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.

    for more info about how they work:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_power_supply
     
    TonyT,
    #3
  5. 2007/02/09
    Chiles4

    Chiles4 Inactive

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    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.
     
    Chiles4,
    #4
  6. 2007/02/09
    Rockster2U

    Rockster2U Geek Member

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    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.

    ;)
     
    Rockster2U,
    #5
  7. 2007/02/10
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    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.
     
    TonyT,
    #6
  8. 2007/02/12
    James Martin

    James Martin Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the replys guys!

    I'll have think this one out before I decide.
     
    James Martin,
    #7

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