AT Power supply switch \ VOGONS

AT Power supply switch

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First post, by dacow

Posted on 2014-10-16, 05:37

dacow Offline

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Location: Australia

Hi Guys,

I remember reading somewhere about old AT power switches having live 240V's (Australian) line connected to the switch but my googlefu is failing me.

Context: I have an old AT power supply that came with some gear I bought a while ago. I figured I could just use power supply as a test PSU for some old boards on a workbench. The power switch has a switch and then four wires going into the PSU. The connectors on the switch and where the wires are connected to are exposed and I recalled that someone mentioned it's quite dangerous to have those open because you could get electrocuted? Should I tape up the connectors or something if I'm to turn on and off the PSU from the switch? Or was this only a particular model of case that had a bad designed switch?

Kind of looks like this: http://product-images.highwire.com/4044688/90 … 6ef1da18dfb.jpg

Reply 1 of 4, by 133MHz

Posted on 2014-10-16, 05:50

133MHz Offline

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Right, that switch carries the full mains voltage therefore the contacts must be fully insulated for safety. I recommend using heat-shrink tubing.
All of my AT PSUs come with clear rubber covers for the terminals, in varying degrees of quality.

http://133FSB.wordpress.com

Reply 2 of 4, by dacow

Posted on 2014-10-16, 07:14

dacow Offline

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Joined: 2011-01-11, 10:34
Location: Australia

Oh awesome! I just got home and thought I'd confirm what my switch looks like. Looks like mine has the rubber coverings which is a good thing, but has other exposed metal on the switch, I'm hoping those parts don't have 240V going through them too?

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