Is it bad I blew compressed air on my PSU while it was still plugged in?

[Xenphor]

Well I cleaned out my computer with compressed air but I forgot to unplug it before I did. The switch was also still in the "on" position. I've been running it for awhile now and haven't had any problems so far.

 

[Ben90]

I'd say the worst that could have happened is jacking up the fan motor if you were spraying it directly for a long period of time. Also if you kept the spray fixated on pretty much anything, the extreme temperature gradient could have cracked something.

If you weren't intentionally trying to break something, your PSU is fine. You can spray stuff out even when the computer is running and there won't be any problems.

 

[mikeymikec]

I think the OP means that the mains was connected but the computer was off. IANAE, I'd say it's an unnecessary risk (mains still connected) but it probably wouldn't do any harm.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I've done live cleanings before, not really any harm done. I suppose there's the risk that if there's a loose screw or other conductive thing inside you blow it and it happens to make contact with a circuit and short something out. I usually turn everything off though, since I end up bringing it outside anyway.

 

[Xenphor]

No the computer was off, it was just still plugged into the wall. I have had problems with the air getting too cold so I try to do it in very short bursts but even then I can still get some condensation.

 

[WilliamM2]

I never unplug mine for cleaning. But I do turn it off, and use a plastic stick to keep any of the fans from spinning while I blow it out. But I use air from a portable air tank, not a can. The cans can sometimes spray out quite a bit of moisture.