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Switching out power supply fans....POSSIBLE?....SAFE?

L

LittleReeferBoy

Junior Member
Hey guys,

A few years ago, I thought I read something about how it could be unsafe to open up and mess around with a power supply. I thought I remembered something about stored up voltage or something. I'm curious because I have a nice Antec PS that works fine except for a rattling fan. If it was safe to do so, I thought I'd splice in a new fan. Is this an uncommon practice? If it's possible, what do I need to be aware of?

Thanks for any help,
Grant
 
Yes, those big capacitors pack a punch. I hear that the heatsinks in the new Antecs are "hot," as in, electrically charged, too! If you unplug the PSU from the wall and then punch the case's power button to drain the caps, that may leave it harmless but I haven't heard a definitive answer on this question.

Maybe you should pick up a new 300W Sparkle Power from newegg or something. $33 shipped and beefier for its rating than older Antecs are. The new Antec TruePowers are quite good too.
 
I've swapped fans out of a couple power supplies and I'm still alive 😀

I didn't really take any other safety precautions other than unplugging it.
 
Yes, it can be done, just steer clear of those capacitors. They can hold a huge charge long after the PS has been unplugged from the wall.....
 
I've noticed how fans will twitch if you push the power button after unplugging the power from the outlet. It seemed like they were twiching from a residual charge. So as far as whether or not that drains the caps, we don't know?
 
Done it a couple of times without an electrifying experience. Just handle the pigtails and don't stick your hands into the power supply.
 
It's no problem at all, as long as you unplug it from the wall before opening the power supply chassis. All the outputs from a computer power supply are low voltages (+/-12 volts and 5 volts), so there is no shock hazzard.

Make sure your new fan has the same voltage and current ratings as the one you're replacing. While you're at it, you can decide whether you will get better cooling if your fan inhales or exhales, but that's another discussion.
 
*laughs at the all outputs are low voltage remark* Yes the ACTUAL outputs, the ones that are connected to the wires that go into the computer. But you are dealing with the INTERNALS of the power supply which convert the 120 volt or 240 volt wall outlet to the 12, 5, and 3.3 volt outputs! Which means some, if not a LOT of power is in a very DANGEROUS level. Be careful when you do this. Unplug the power supply, try to power on the computer several times. To be safest, let sit overnight unplugged and try power on again before you open up the PSU.

You can never be too careful when dealing with high volt, high amp power components. Remember it is not the volts that kill you, its the amps, and the way things work is the PSU converts the power from high voltage mild amperage, to low voltage, HIGH amperage. Use common sense precautions. Don't just go touching things with metal screwdrivers in the PSU. Don't be a pathway to ground any power that you might come in contact with. Don't touch the electronics in the PSU in more then one place at the same time (you don't want your body to be the path the electricity can flow through to reach a ground that you might be touching somewhere else).

Its really not too difficult if you just follow the above rules for working with electricity. This comming from a person who studied to be an electrical/computer engineer (changed to computer science). I spend probably 200 lab hours building circuits and working with high voltage and high amperage equipment. You just need to use common sense and know a little about how electricity travels through objects.
 
If I recall correctly even trying to power on the system after it is off won't discharge the really dangerous capacitors because you've unplugged it from the wall thus taking away its ground.

Then again, I could be wrong.
 
I've done that about three times - never had a problem. Fan bearings do occasionally wear out.

First, remove the power supply from the computer. Second, open it and remove the fan holding screws. Third, clip the two wires (usually red and black. Remove the fan. Fourth, strip the two clipped power leads. Fifth - splice the new fans leads - use small wirenuts. Sixth, close it up and put it back in the computer.

When you have the P/S out of the computer, you really don't come in contact with anything except the P/S case and the fan itself.
 
It's not hard, just be careful. I really do wish PSU manufacturers would try to make it safer and easier to do since they often insist on putting in mediocre fans that are often too noisy :disgust:
 
Originally posted by: Harvey
It's no problem at all, as long as you unplug it from the wall before opening the power supply chassis. All the outputs from a computer power supply are low voltages (+/-12 volts and 5 volts), so there is no shock hazzard.

Make sure your new fan has the same voltage and current ratings as the one you're replacing. While you're at it, you can decide whether you will get better cooling if your fan inhales or exhales, but that's another discussion.
Click to expand...

Harvey even you are old enough to know that voltage can't hurt You.

I personally have been shocked by OVER 25,000 VOLTS:Q

However Vary little amperage can hurt and will kill if the conditions are right. I was thrown against the wall by 7 volts😀

These power supplies do pack A punch and should be handled carefully BUT don't be afraid of it. IF you PAY ATTENTION to what you are doing you should have little trouble and relitively little danger in replacing you fan.

In order to shock your self you would need to touch BOTH POSTS of the cap. Seeing as they are most likely mounted where the post are only accessible through the bottom of the board and the plug should be oin the top of the board you should be fine.



 
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