Mounting PSU externally to computer case, is this safe???

G

goldznnz

Weaksauce
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Jan 2, 2008
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Hey guys i'm upgrading my PSU and want to have outside of my computer case and i'll just run the wires to the mobo from the outside where the psu is. Can this be done safely?

i guess i'm worried of possibly getting electro-shocked or something, or even if one of my dumbass friends decide to "touch" the PSU.. ...

any other tips or pointers before i try this? :confused:
 
I have built computers without cases, can't see this being much different. I think you should be fine.
 
I don't see why it isn't safe unless you don't secure the PSU from being knock over.

But anyhow, I done it before for weeks. I was really lazy to remove my giant heatsink to put in my PSU.
 
It presents no safety issues as long as the PSU cannot get wet from spillage and the wires are protected from chafing.

ps you wont get electrocuted if the wires chafe, it might blow its fuse though.
None of the wires from a PSU can harm you, only the mains going in.
...unless you stick your tongue on them, dont do that :)
 
thanks guys! man upgrading to my new psu ain't gonna even fit in my case, guess i'll be using some wire mesh loom to clean up the wires :D
 
Just make sure the PSU is secured in position relative to the case so that it can't fall or otherwise be violently "tugged" away with the possibility of trashing a connector and then zapping your computer components and such.

I wouldn't be so quick to say that there's nothing on the case side of the PSU that's dangerous and only the 120VAC side is a risk. It might not kill you, but it could injure you (or your kids/pets/etc) and could cause a fire etc. Take reasonable precautions.
 
Unless you want to chance your case or power supply chassis being electrically hot, AKA dangerous, you DO need a ground strap between your PSU chassis and your system chassis. This is NOT a hard thing though, and NO YOU CAN'T RELY ON THE ATX GROUND. Trust me, I've gotten zapped enough times, not something you wanna chance.
All you do need to do though is pick a bare metal screw hole, or a decent electrical connection, screw in a wire, then screw that wire in to one of the mount points on your PSU. I recommend using a wire with eyelets crimped on the ends. 14ga and down will do just fine. :)
 
AreEss said:
Unless you want to chance your case or power supply chassis being electrically hot, AKA dangerous, you DO need a ground strap between your PSU chassis and your system chassis. :)
Click to expand...

yeah i was thinking about that too, thanks!

i've gotten electro cuted before and lose my eye brows/ facial hair. so will take mad precautions :D
 
AreEss said:
Unless you want to chance your case or power supply chassis being electrically hot, AKA dangerous, you DO need a ground strap between your PSU chassis and your system chassis. This is NOT a hard thing though, and NO YOU CAN'T RELY ON THE ATX GROUND. Trust me, I've gotten zapped enough times, not something you wanna chance.
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate as I cant see how this is true?
The PSU is always earthed as it is connected to mains earth.
The PC case is connected electrically to 0V from the PSU through the motherboard so it can only be whatever 0V is.
There are no dangerous voltages outside of the PSU.
 
Nenu said:
Can you elaborate as I cant see how this is true?
The PSU is always earthed as it is connected to mains earth.
The PC case is connected electrically to 0V from the PSU through the motherboard so it can only be whatever 0V is.
There are no dangerous voltages outside of the PSU.
Click to expand...
I would like an elaboration as well. I don't see how a powersupply being ontop of the case or inside the case would make any difference. If it is safe inside the case, why is it dangerous outside the case?
 
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