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atx power supply

camilozk

Apr 20, 2014
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Apr 20, 2014
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hi!

for some time now I have been using a computer atx power supply for different experiments. I have several outputs (3.3v / 5v / 12v) and in a project I was using the 12volts rail to feed and arduino and the 5volts to feed a waterproofed LED strip that was outdoors under the rain. After some time, the 5volts rail stopped working.

is it possible that due to a short circuit in the 5volts lines because of the rain , 5v lines stop working while 12v and 3.3v lines continue working?

that would mean that the LED strips are not waterproof as expected, but could it be something else that caused 5volts rail to stop working while 12v and 3.3v lines continue working?
 
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shrtrnd

Jan 15, 2010
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I'm assuming you checked the actual voltage output of your power supply, and that you're sure the 'waterproof'
LED strip itself is not defective?
If, sounds to me like you should take a look at the 5v Regulator in your power supply, and maybe be back in business.
Sure, the LED strip may have shorted and zapped the 5V input supply. (But not necessarily) All electronics fail at one time or another.
 

camilozk

Apr 20, 2014
122
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Apr 20, 2014
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I have no way to be sure that the LED strips are waterproof. that is why I am interested in figuring out if a short circuit provoked by a defective "waterproof" LED strip would damage the 5v rails while leaving the other working.

today I turned on the power supply before open it to check it, and it results that I get 5v... (?)
 

cjdelphi

Oct 26, 2011
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Short out a 3/5/12v rail to ground (black wire) it shuts off fast
 

Atton

Aug 14, 2015
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Aug 14, 2015
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Check the rail with a multi meter if you don't get anything then it is likely dead. Which would be strange since a short regularly just shuts off the supply altogether.
 

camilozk

Apr 20, 2014
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yes. as I said, the other day 5v was working, so the problem is intermittent...
 
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