Why Cheap Power Supplies Explode

Summary

This video delves into the pitfalls of cheap power supplies, explaining why they often fail or even explode. It highlights the use of substandard capacitors and the omission of essential electrical safeguards as primary cost-cutting measures that lead to such issues. The script advises viewers to scrutinize the cabling, connectors, and overall build quality, and to be wary of misleading labels and suspiciously low weights. It concludes with a recommendation to purchase from reputable brands and to read reviews to avoid potential hazards.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The modern ATX computer power supply has been around since the mid-1990s, yet some manufacturers still produce low-quality units.
• 💸 Cheap power supplies often fail or even explode due to cost-cutting measures that compromise safety and performance.
• 🔍 A common issue with cheap power supplies is the use of substandard capacitors, which may have high resistance and can be mislabeled regarding voltage handling.
• 🚫 Some manufacturers omit electrical safeguard features to save costs, which should protect the power supply and components from hazardous conditions like overvoltage and overcurrent.
• 🛡️ Well-built power supplies have protection circuits that shut down the unit in case of dangerous conditions to prevent damage.
• 👀 External indicators of a low-quality power supply include thin cabling, cheap connectors, light weight, and messy soldering.
• 🌬️ An abnormally light power supply might indicate the use of low-quality components, including fans.
• 🔍 Buyers should be wary of power supplies with messy soldering as it can lead to short circuits.
• 🏷️ Some manufacturers may put fake labels on power supplies to falsely claim quality or compliance certifications.
• 🛒 To avoid issues, consumers should purchase from reputable manufacturers, read trustworthy reviews, and use common sense to assess the value of a product.
• 💰 Be skeptical of extremely high wattage power supplies sold at very low prices, as this could indicate a compromised product.

Q & A

When did the modern ATX computer power supply first appear?

The modern ATX computer power supply first appeared in the mid-1990s.

Why do some power supplies fail or even blow up?

Some power supplies fail or blow up due to cost-cutting measures, such as using cheap capacitors, removing electrical safeguards, and using low-quality components.

What are the common issues with cheap capacitors in power supplies?

Cheap capacitors often have high resistance, reducing the power they can deliver, and they can be mislabeled regarding the voltage they can handle, which can lead to failure if exceeded.

What are the electrical safeguards that a well-built power supply should have?

A well-built power supply should have protection circuits that monitor for overvoltage, overcurrent, excessive total power, overheating, and short circuits, and should shut down immediately if any of these conditions are triggered.

Why are some power supplies mislabeled?

Some power supplies are mislabeled to make them appear more powerful or efficient than they actually are, which can lead to customers expecting performance they won't receive and potential system damage.

What external indicators might suggest a low-quality power supply?

External indicators of a low-quality power supply include thin cabling and connectors, an abnormally light weight, messy soldering, and fake labels claiming false certifications.

What is the significance of the weight of a power supply?

An abnormally light power supply may indicate that it was built with low-quality components, which can affect its performance and reliability.

How can you tell if a power supply has subpar soldering?

Subpar soldering can be identified by a messy appearance, which can increase the likelihood of short circuits and other issues.

What is the role of the cabling and connectors in a power supply?

The cabling and connectors in a power supply are responsible for carrying electrical power; thin or low-quality ones cannot carry as much power as thicker, higher-quality components.

What advice does the video give to avoid falling victim to an exploding power supply?

The video advises viewers to buy from reputable manufacturers, read reviews from trustworthy sources, and use common sense, such as being skeptical of a power supply that claims high wattage but is sold at a very low price.

What is the connection between the video and Secret Lab chairs mentioned in the script?

The connection is that Secret Lab chairs are being promoted as a sponsor of the video. They are described as comfortable and suitable for long hours of work or play.